A Rosh Hashanah ritual: Dipping apple slices in honey – associated with the wish for a good new year.
Photo: picture alliance/Shotshop/valentyn seme
This year, the Jewish community celebrates Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, from the evening of September 11th and on the two following days. Due to the different counting in the Jewish and Gregorian calendars, Rosh Hashanah falls on a different date each year – usually in September or October of the Gregorian calendar. The experience of community is particularly important.
Greeting from Chancellor Friedrich Merz:
For the New Year, Rosh Hashanah, I send you my warmest greetings.
Rosh Hashanah invites us to reflect on the past year: on experiences that have shaped us; on moments that have prompted reflection; on the time we have spent with friends and family.
I am aware that the past year has not been without its challenges: with dismay, we look back at the antisemitic incidents and attacks. Each individual is a victim. I assure you that the federal government will address this with all its strength and will not tolerate antisemitism in our country. We are committed to ensuring that Jewish people in this country can live safely and protected – so that the next year will be better.
Rosh Hashanah invites us to look forward to the new year. Our free society is under pressure from the enemies of democracy and tolerance. We will address this with all our determination. We want to preserve our openness, so that Jewish life can continue to flourish and there will be many positive opportunities for encounter, exchange and dialogue.
I am pleased that the community day in December is already in sight. The community day is a space for exchange and togetherness. The motto of this year's community day reflects this: "Together for each other".
This is a position that we can all adopt as a society. We can only overcome the many challenges of our time if we work together to find solutions and take responsibility. If as many people as possible participate, we will shape our future well and be able to look forward with confidence.
I wish you a hopeful outlook for the coming days and many strengthening encounters with friends and family.
Shalom Towa!
This greeting was published on September 10, 2026, in the Jüdische Allgemeine.