You can keep it simple and warm. Here are some natural things to say to someone on Rosh Hashanah, plus when to use them.

Short, easy greetings

These are safe in almost any situation (friends, colleagues, acquaintances):

  • “Shanah Tovah!” (Hebrew for “Good year!”)
  • “Shanah Tovah Umetukah” – “A good and sweet year.”
  • “Happy Rosh Hashanah! Wishing you a sweet new year.”
  • “Wishing you a happy and healthy new year.”

If you want one line you can remember:

“Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a happy, healthy, and sweet new year.”

Slightly more traditional options

Use these if the person is more observant or you know they appreciate traditional phrases:

  • “L’shanah tovah tikateivu v’teichateimu” – often understood as “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”
  • “Tizku l’shanim rabot” – “May you merit many years.”
  • “Ketivah v’chatimah tovah” – “A good inscription and sealing (in the Book of Life).”

You don’t need to translate aloud, but it’s nice to know what you’re saying.

If you’re not Jewish and want to be respectful

You can acknowledge the holiday without overdoing the religious language:

  • “Wishing you a meaningful Rosh Hashanah and a year filled with peace and good health.”
  • “I hope your Rosh Hashanah is full of sweetness, joy, and time with loved ones.”
  • “Sending warm wishes for the Jewish New Year. Shanah Tovah!”

An example you could text or write in a card:

“Happy Rosh Hashanah! I hope the new year brings you sweetness, calm, and good health. Shanah Tovah.”

For cards, emails, or longer messages

If you want to go beyond one line, you can add a sentence about the coming year:

  • “Shanah Tovah Umetukah! May this new year bring you sweet moments, good health, and many blessings.”
  • “Wishing you a joyous Rosh Hashanah. May this year be filled with peace, gratitude, and new opportunities.”
  • “As you celebrate Rosh Hashanah, may you be surrounded by family, friendship, and hope for the year ahead. Shanah Tovah!”

Light, playful options (for close friends only)

If you know they enjoy a bit of humor around the holiday:

  • “Here’s to a year as sweet as apples and honey. Shanah Tovah!”
  • “Have no fear, the time for apples and honey is here!”
  • “Hope your year is a head above the rest. Shanah Tovah!”

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Wondering what to say to someone on Rosh Hashanah? Learn simple greetings, traditional Hebrew phrases, and warm message ideas to wish friends and colleagues a sweet Jewish New Year.