Hear the shofar being blown.

Abraham Abinu askedG-d what a "Shofar" was and on this it is written "...And Abraham lifted his eyes and behold a ram was caught in the thicket by his horns."

The Shofar is first blown on the first morning of Rosh Hashanah (unless it falls on Shabbath) and is preceded by the blessing of Sheheheyanu. On the second day Sheheheyanuis not recited. This is in accordance with Sepharadim who, in general, follow the teachings of Maran in the Shulhan 'Arukh. Ashkenazim, who generally go according to the Rama, recite the blessing on both days.

Some sit for the recitation of the blessings of the Shofar, while others stand. The custom at Midrash BEN ISH HAI is for the congregation to sit during the blessings. In accordance with the custom of the Sepharadim, the congregation sits during the blowings prior to the 'Amidah.

There are several differences between Ashkenazim and Sepharadim in the sound, content and blowing of the Shofar – and even in the Shofar itself. Sepharadim blow during both the silent 'Amidah and the repetition and blow a total of one hundred and one calls (101 is the Gematria for Mikhael, Israel's guardian angel). The last one being a Teru'ah Gedolah after 'Aleinu Leshabbeyah. Ashkenazim blow only one hundred calls and the last one is a Teqi'ah Gedolah instead.

Women are, in theory, exempt from hearing the Shofar. However, most women nowadays are considered to have made a vow to hear it and, as such, if they are unable to hear it on Rosh Hashanah they must make an annulment of that vow prior to the onset of the holy day.

Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest days in the year and a day of judgment for all mankind. In preparation, on the morning of 'Ereb Rosh Hashanah, one should cut ones hair (specifically before midday, as according to the Qabbalah hair should not be cut in the afternoon). Both men and women go to the Miqweh, (ritual-bath) and some fast. Hattarath Nedareem (the annulment of vows) is made.

It is customary to visit the cemeteries on the eve of the Holiday. In Jerusalem, a Hakham should be consulted concerning changes made to this custom.

When Rosh Hashanah falls on Thursday and Friday, one must remember to prepare the 'Erub Tabshileen in order to be able to cook on Rosh Hashanah for Shabbath.

The wearing of white clothes is prescribed for Rosh Hashanah and Sepharadim should be strict in this regard. When the nations of the world are to be judged, they wear black. But the Jewish nation –   coming in judgment before its Creator – wears white as a sign of faith and confidence that the Heavenly Father, in his abundant mercy, will bless us with a good and favorable judgment. However, one should not wear new clothes on the first day, as this might lead to arrogance at a time when one is pleading for mercy.

During the 'Arbith prayer, it is a good custom – and common in several Sepharadi communities – for the 'Amidah to be read aloud.

Extreme care should be taken to avoid anger on Rosh Hashanah. To assist in this, the lady of the house should ensure that the table is laid and everything preprared when her husband returns home from Synagogue. But if it is not, the husband must take care not to be bothered by it in any way.

Ashkenazim have the minhagh of dipping the Hammosi in honey on Rosh Hashanah, and this is the appropriate custom according to Ashkenazi tradition. Some Sepharadim have also adopted this custom. The majority, however, avoid honey altogether.

In accordance with Sepharadi minhagh, the Hammosi must be dipped three times in sugar and three times in salt. Salt must be used because the table is likened to the altar and the Hammosi to the offering thereon. And on this it is written: "... With all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt". It is correct to abstain from the use of honey, as it is further written in connection with the offering of incense: "...You shall not offer leaven or honey..." and "...If honey were added it became ritually unfit". For this reason, sugar is to be preferred.

For these reasons, Hakham Yoseph Hayyim,zy'a"a, writes, in his holy work BEN ISH HAI, that the apples that are eaten prior to the meal should be cooked in sugar and not honey. Furthermore, the symbolic request (that our year should be sweet) that is recited with it, should not include the term "Kaddebash" ("like honey").

While some eat fish during Rosh Hashanah, it is correct to abstain – in accordance with the teachings of (among others) Rab Hida Dagh is likened to the word for worry Deagha. If it is not practical to place a Rosh Kebes on the table, a rooster head should be used instead. In any case a fish head should be avoided for the above-mentioned reason.

On the first day, Tashlikh – the casting of ones sins into the water – is recited. When the first day of Rosh Hashanah fall on Shabbath, Some postpone Tashlikh to the second day. However, according to the ruling in Ben Ish Hai, Tashlikh must be made on the first day, even when it is on Shabbath. In such a case, however, since one may not carry outside an 'Erub, only the portion of "Mi E-l Kamokha" is recited by heart at the water, and the portions before and after are read in the Synagogue. Tashlikh is preceded by the reading of Tehilleem and Adra Zota. (Tehilleem are also read on the second day, followed by Adra Rabba).

 The reading of Tehilleem and Adra Zota and Rabba usually takes place at people's homes, in groups of ten to fifteen. It is followed there by the the praying of Minha, except on Shabbath, when all pray at the Synagogue, in order to hear the Sefer Torah.

When the first day is on Shabbath, Ashkenazim postpone the recitation of Tashlikh to the second day. In the holy work BEN ISH HAI, however, it is written that Tashlikh is made on the first day, even when this is on Shabbath. In such a case, however, great care must be taken not to carry a prayer-book (or anything else) in a place where there is no 'Erub.

Some Ashkenazim symbolically throw bread into the water at Tashlikh services. However, there is a difference of opinion among Ashkenazim on this matter and others do not, since it is forbidden to feed the fish in the sea on Shabbath or Yom Tob. Sepharadeem do not have this custom and may not throw bread into the water on Rosh Hashanah.