Tradition: Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) falls on the first and second days of this month. The Torah mandates hearing the shofar (ram's horn) on this holiday. It is customary to eat apple and honey symbolizing a sweet year and pomegranate seeds symbolizing abundance of merits. On Yom Kippur, Tishrei 10, a fast is observed in order to atone for sins. The Festival of Sukkot begins on Tishrei 15 and continues for seven days in commemoration of the booths (sukkot) in which the Israelites dwelled when wandering in the wilderness until their entry to the Land of Israel. Sukkot is immediately followed by Shemini Atzeret, that in the Middle Ages was given the additional name of Simchat Torah, for the joy (simchah) that accompanies the conclusion of the annual cycle of the reading of the Torah in the synagogue and the beginning of a new cycle.

Sign of the Zodiak: The Scales.

In nature: the soil is prepared for the planting of winter crops.

Written by Dr. Dov Herman, Bar-Ilan University.

The stamp was issued in 2002, one of 12 stamps dedicated to the months of The Hebrew Calendar. Designer: Miri Sofer. Zodiak sign stamp issued 1961, designer: I. Blaushild.