Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur: Cultural Awareness for Global Business

Apples and honey are a traditional Rosh Hashanah food symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead.

This simple gesture of dipping apple slices in honey carries powerful meaning in Jewish homes around the world.

Wishing colleagues a sweet new year is more than polite — it’s a way to show cultural respect and build human connection.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most significant holidays in the Jewish calendar, marking a time of reflection, renewal, and reconnection. Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year — begins a 10-day period known as the Days of Awe, culminating in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

In 2025:
• Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on October 2 and ends at sundown on October 4.
• Yom Kippur begins at sundown on October 11 and ends at sundown on October 12.

Both holidays have deep cultural and spiritual significance. They are also times when many businesses in Israel and Jewish-owned companies around the world may reduce hours, postpone meetings, or temporarily close. It’s important to avoid scheduling major deliverables or decisions during this period — particularly on Yom Kippur, which is a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and personal introspection.

Greeting Suggestions:

Rosh Hashanah:
• L’Shanah Tovah (Hebrew: “For a good year”)
• “Wishing you a sweet and successful new year.”

Yom Kippur:
• G’mar Chatimah Tovah (Hebrew: “May you be sealed for good [in the Book of Life]”)
• “Wishing you a meaningful and peaceful Yom Kippur.”

Why It Matters in Business: Recognizing and respecting cultural and religious observances — even briefly — can go a long way in strengthening cross-cultural relationships. A simple greeting or acknowledgement communicates thoughtfulness, awareness, and global readiness.

Want to better understand how Jewish holidays, Israeli culture, or religious observances may affect your global business strategy? Cultural Savvy offers customized briefings and cross-cultural coaching for professionals working with Israeli firms or multicultural teams.