- The custom is to fast on Erev Rosh Hashana. Some fast until nightfall (when Yom Tov begins), while others fast until midday.
- We do not blow the shofar on Erev Rosh Hashana, in order to distinguish between the mitzvah – which is on Rosh Hashana itself – and the customary blowing which we do for the whole month of Elul. Another reason for not blowing on Erev Rosh Hashana is to confuse the Satan.
- After Shacharis the custom is to annul vows – Hataras Nedarim.
- The custom is to have a haircut and to cut one’s nails on Erev Rosh Hashana, and it is recommended to have this haircut before midday. One should also go to the mikveh on this day.
- It is important to remember to light a candle that will remain lit for more than 24 hours, in order to be able to light candles on the second day of Yom Tov.
- Women should make two brachos on the candles of Yom Tov: “להדליק נר של יום טוב” and “שהחיינו”. On Yom Tov in general some first make the brachos and then light the candles, in order that the brachos should be recited immediately preceding the mitzvah (עובר לעשייתן). This is in contrast to regular Shabbos candles, in which, because lighting fire is a forbidden melacha, and when one recites the brachah it is as if one has accepted Shabbos already, one has to light first and then make the brachah.
- Some women have the custom to wait until the men return home from shul to light the candles. The reason is to emphasize that Rosh Hashana is a Yom Tov on which lighting fire is permitted, in contrast to Shabbos.
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