Rosh Hashanah New Year Cards

Featured Rosh Hashanah New Year Cards: Shana Tova Cards

For years, I’ve preferred sending Rosh Hashanah cards instead of traditional December holiday cards. They arrive at a less hectic time of year, and I like beginning the Jewish New Year by reaching out to family and friends with wishes for a sweet, happy and healthy year ahead.

Rosh Hashanah cards can be traditional or contemporary, religious or simply warm and personal. Apples and honey, pomegranates, shofars, doves, flowers and family photographs all work beautifully, so it is easy to find a style that feels like you.

Choosing Rosh Hashanah Cards

Some of my favorite cards are the simplest ones. A beautiful illustration of apples and honey or a pomegranate instantly connects the card to Rosh Hashanah without needing much explanation.

The current Minted Rosh Hashanah cards range from rich jewel-toned pomegranate designs to softer florals and playful “Sweet New Year” greetings. Many can be personalized with your family name, photographs and your own message.

Family-photo cards are another nice option, especially if Rosh Hashanah is the one time each year you send a printed greeting. The photograph does not need to feel particularly “holiday.” A favorite family picture paired with a simple Shanah Tovah or New Year greeting is enough.

Zazzle is another good source for Rosh Hashanah cards, with everything from traditional Hebrew greetings and pomegranate motifs to modern designs and personalized photo cards. The selection is broad enough to find something festive without every card looking the same.

Traditional and Handmade Rosh Hashanah Cards

Etsy is especially good for cards that feel a little more personal. You can find watercolor apples and honey, hand-drawn pomegranates, Hebrew greetings and small-batch designs that look very different from mass-market holiday cards.

I particularly like cards that use familiar High Holiday symbols in a fresh way rather than covering every inch with holiday imagery.

Because many Etsy cards are made or printed to order, give yourself extra time. Ordering early also gives you a chance to address everything without turning card-sending into one more last-minute High Holiday job.

Inexpensive Boxed Rosh Hashanah Cards

If you prefer having a stack of cards ready to send, Amazon has inexpensive boxed sets with a mix of apples, honey, pomegranates, doves, and traditional New Year greetings. They are especially handy when you want to send cards to a larger group without ordering personalized stationery for everyone.

What to Write in a Rosh Hashanah Card

Your message does not need to be complicated. A short personal note often feels much warmer than trying to write something elaborate.

A few easy possibilities:

• L’Shanah Tovah — wishing you a sweet, happy and healthy New Year.
• Wishing you and your family a year filled with happiness, health and peace.
• May the New Year bring sweetness, good health and many reasons to celebrate together.
• Shanah Tovah U’Metukah — wishing you a good and sweet New Year.

Add a sentence of your own when you can. Even something as simple as We’re thinking of you and hope to see you soon makes the card feel personal.

When to Send Rosh Hashanah Cards

I like to have cards arrive shortly before Rosh Hashanah rather than waiting until the holiday has already begun. If you are ordering personalized cards, allow enough time for printing, shipping, addressing and mailing.

And if September suddenly gets away from you, send them anyway. A warm New Year greeting during the High Holiday season is still worth sending.

More Rosh Hashanah Ideas

Planning your own celebration or bringing something to someone else’s home? See our Rosh Hashanah Gifts & High Holiday Entertaining Ideas for apples and honey gifts, sweet treats, tabletop ideas and easy host gifts.

Prefer to bring a bottle of wine? We also have our Best Kosher Wines for Rosh Hashanah & the High Holidays.

However and wherever you celebrate, L’Shanah Tovah — wishing you and yours a sweet, happy and healthy New Year.

Party Hearty!