In Jewish tradition, the High Holidays are a time of reflection, renewal, and connection. Whether you're celebrating the holidays or supporting friends, family, and colleagues who are, knowing what to say and when can help you share warm wishes with those around you. This guide covers the most common High Holiday greetings, their meanings, and the best occasions to use them.
For some people who are Jewish, these greetings may feel as familiar as a glove. For others, these may be new. Either way, we hope you either find meaning in using this guide yourself, or sharing it with those around you.
For our non-Jewish friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family members, we hope this guide serves as a tool and a resource. At a time when antisemitism is at an all-time-high, many Jews are feeling lonely, isolated, and forgotten. Using the right High Holiday greetings is a great way to show your Jewish friends and family members that you care.
Rosh Hashanah
Shanah Tovah: The most common Rosh Hashanah greeting. It means “a good year” and is appropriate for almost any setting.
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah: A sweeter version that means “a good and sweet year.” Perfect for wishing friends and family well.
Ketivah V’Chatimah Tovah: Meaning “a good inscription and sealing,” this traditional phrase refers to being inscribed in the Book of Life. It’s more formal, often used in religious or traditional contexts.
Yom Kippur
G’mar Chatimah Tovah: A traditional greeting for Yom Kippur meaning “a good final sealing.” It refers to the hope of being sealed in the Book of Life at the end of Yom Kippur.
Tzom Kal (צום קל): Meaning “an easy fast,” this greeting is best for those observing the Yom Kippur fast.
General High Holiday Season
Chag Sameach (חג שמח): A simple, cheerful “happy holiday,” appropriate for any Jewish holiday including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
L’shanah Tovah Tikatevu (לשנה טובה תכתבו): A more formal phrase meaning “may you be inscribed for a good year.”
Rosh Hashanah: Begin wishing “Shanah Tovah” a few days before the holiday, and continue through the end of the festival.
Yom Kippur: “G’mar Chatimah Tovah” or “Tzom Kal” are best said the day before and the day of Yom Kippur.
General Use: “Chag Sameach” and “Shanah Tovah” are versatile and can be shared throughout the High Holiday season.
Keep your audience in mind: For secular friends, a simple “Happy New Year” or “Shanah Tovah” is perfect. For more observant friends, traditional Hebrew greetings may feel more meaningful.
Choose the right time: Offer greetings leading up to and during each holiday. It’s never too late to wish someone a sweet new year.
Add a personal touch: Pair your greeting with a memory, blessing, or even a favorite family recipe to make it more heartfelt.
The High Holidays invite us to slow down, reconnect, and wish one another well. Whether you say “Shanah Tovah,” “G’mar Chatimah Tovah,” or simply “Happy New Year,” your words carry blessings that set the tone for the season ahead.