Return to the Guide to the High Holy Days

Throughout the High Holy Days season, it’s always appropriate to say “Happy New Year” to others in the Jewish community. Click on the links below to hear the greetings spoken aloud.

Sometimes people will greet each other with different versions of “Happy New Year” in Hebrew. The most common of these Hebrew greetings, which means “May you have a good year,” is:

L’shana Tovah

There are also versions of this greeting that incorporate one of the metaphors of the High Holy Days known as “The Book of Life.” The tradition imagines that at this time of year, while we are doing our own personal moral self-evaluation, God is preparing to inscribe us in a heavenly Book of Life for a year of whatever quality we have merited through our actions.

Most Jews don’t take this idea literally, by the way, so don’t worry if you’re not sure how you feel about this religious metaphor. Anyway, you might hear people say the following greetings:

L’shana Tovah Tee-kah-tay-voo

L’shana Tovah Tee-kah-tay-voo v’tee-kha-tay-moo

“May you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life for a good year.”

As the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, approaches, many Jews offer greetings expressing the hope that people will have an easy fast, or that they will be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year. You might hear:

Tzom Kal

“May you have an easy fast.”

Khah-tee-mah Tovah

“May you be sealed for good [in the Book of Life].”

It can be fun for people new to these holidays to practice these greetings, but rest assured that you can’t go wrong with “Happy New Year” in English, at any time throughout the High Holy Days season.

Return to the Guide to the High Holy Days or view as a PDF.

Author: 18Doors

18Doors is here to support interfaith couples and families exploring Jewish life. We offer educational content; connections to welcoming organizations, professionals and programs; resources and trainings for organizations, clergy and other program providers; and our Rukin Rabbinic Fellowship provides offerings for couples in cities nationwide. If you have questions, please contact info@18doors.org.