How to Greet Your Jewish Friends on the Jewish Holidays

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Greetings

What are the correct ways for a non-Jewish person to respectfully convey warm wishes to Jewish friends on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

Rosh Hashanah is the first day of the Hebrew year. Thus, it is nice to wish your Jewish friends a happy new year. "Happy New Year" or the Hebrew equivalent "Shana Tova" are appropriate greetings. If you wish to elaborate, you can wish them good health, happiness, love, peace, prosperity ... and whatever else you would wish someone beginning a new year. If you want to give a gift, kosher chocolates, candies, baked goods or fruit make thoughtful Rosh Hashanah gifts because sweets symbolize hopes for a sweet new year.

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement. It is fitting to continue with the "Happy New Year" or "Shana Tova" greeting all the way through Yom Kippur as this whole period is considered the start of the new year. You could also wish your Jewish friends a "Good Signing" (in the Book of Life) or the Hebrew equivalent "Hatima Tova", but only more observant Jews will be familiar with this greeting. Given Yom Kippur is a fast day, you could also wish your Jewish friends an "Easy Fast" or the Hebrew equivalent "Tzom Kal." Gifts are not given for Yom Kippur.

For any Jewish holiday, feel free to greet your Jewish friends with "Happy Holiday", the Hebrew equivalent "Chag Samayach" or the Yiddish equivalent "Gut Yuntiff."