what does shana tova mean

“Shana Tova” is a Hebrew greeting that literally means “good year,” and is used to wish someone a happy Jewish New Year around Rosh Hashanah.

Basic meaning

• Literal meaning: “Good year.”

• Common use: The standard way to say “Happy New Year” in Hebrew for Rosh Hashanah.

• When it’s said: In the days before, during, and just after Rosh Hashanah.

A bit more nuance

• It’s often part of a longer blessing like “L’shana tova” (“for a good year”) or “Shanah tovah u’metukah” (“a good and sweet year”).

• The “sweet” part connects to the custom of eating apples with honey to symbolize hopes for a sweet new year.

If someone texts you “Shana Tova,” the natural reply is simply “Shana Tova!” back, or “Shana Tova Umetukah” if you want to elevate it a bit.

TL;DR: “Shana Tova” = “Have a good year” / “Happy Jewish New Year,” especially for Rosh Hashanah.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.