Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection, renewal, and gathering with the people who matter most. Whether you’re writing a card, sending a text, or wishing someone well in person, here’s what to say, and what it means.
What Does "Shanah Tovah" Mean?
“Shanah Tovah” (שנה טובה) means “a good year.” It’s the most common Rosh Hashanah greeting and works for pretty much anyone, family, friends, coworkers, neighbors.
“Shanah Tovah U’Metukah” (שנה טובה ומתוקה) means “a good and sweet year.” The “sweet” ties into the tradition of dipping apples in honey, symbolizing hope for a sweet year ahead. It’s a lovely choice for cards and personal messages.
You may also hear “Chag Sameach” (“happy holiday” used across Jewish holidays) or “L’Shanah Tovah” (“for a good year”).
Greetings by Occasion
For family:
♦ “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah! Wishing you and our family a year filled with happiness, health, peace, and many beautiful moments together.”
♦ “Wishing you a new year full of love, laughter, and time spent with the people who matter most. Shanah Tovah!”
♦ “May this year bring our family closer, our hearts fuller, and our blessings sweeter. Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!”
For friends:
♦ “Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a wonderful new year filled with happiness, good health, and plenty of reasons to smile.”
♦ “Here’s to a fresh start and a sweet new year, friend. Shanah Tovah!”
♦ “Wishing you a year full of good news, good company, and good memories. Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!”
For a host:
♦ “Shanah Tovah! Thank you for welcoming us into your home. Wishing you and your family a beautiful, sweet new year.”
♦ “Thank you for the warmth and generosity of your table. Shanah Tovah U’Metukah to you and yours!”
♦ “Grateful to share this holiday with you. Wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and sweet new year ahead.”
Short & sweet, for cards or gift tags:
♦ “Shanah Tovah! Wishing you a good and sweet new year.”
♦ “Wishing you health, happiness, and blessings in the year ahead.”
♦ “May the new year bring you sweetness, joy, and beautiful moments.”
♦ “Shanah Tovah U’Metukah!”
♦ “Wishing you a year as sweet as apples and honey.”
Playful & lighthearted:
♦ “Wishing you a year as sweet as honey and as round as challah!”
♦ “May your honey jar never run dry. Shanah Tovah!”
♦ “New year, new fruit, new reasons to celebrate.”
If You're Not Jewish and Want to Say Something
You don’t need Hebrew to offer a sincere wish. A simple “Wishing you and your family a happy and peaceful Rosh Hashanah and a wonderful year ahead” is perfectly appropriate. You’re also welcome to use “Shanah Tovah”, it’s widely recognized and always well received. What matters most is that it’s said with warmth.
Keep It Simple
You don’t need a long message to make someone feel thought of. Shanah Tovah on its own is timeless. Add U’Metukah if you want to wish them sweetness too. Whatever the occasion, a short, sincere line often means more than an elaborate one.
Shanah Tovah U’Metukah, a good and sweet new year to you!
If you’re preparing gifts this year, printable Rosh Hashanah greeting cards and gift tags make it easy to add a personal note to everything you give.Jjust print, personalize, and go.
