What is not allowed on Rosh Hashanah?

In Hebrew, “Rosh Hashanah” means “head of the year,” and the two-day holiday is regarded as a time to reflect and repent in preparation for the coming year.

Rosh Hashanah is supposed to be a day of rest, not work. The Torah expressly prohibits doing any work on Rosh Hashanah and other major Jewish holy days.

Driving on the holiday is not frowned upon by Reform and more liberal-minded Jews. Orthodox Jews also forbid starting a stove from scratch, though adjusting an existing flame on a stove is permissible.

It is customary to avoid sleeping on Rosh HaShanah and instead engage in Torah study or other spiritually productive activity.

On Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to refrain from eating nuts, owing to the fact that the gematria (numeric value) of the Hebrew word for “nut,” “egoz,” is the same as that of the Hebrew word for “sin,” “chet.”

On Rosh HaShanah, it is especially important to avoid anger. Remember that God judges us in the same way that we judge others. If we are easily irritated, He will be as well.