Certain types of work are forbidden, though there are some exceptions. Food preparation and the carrying, transferring or increasing of the fire are all permitted. Women of the household light commemorative candles before sunset of the first night and a half-hour before sunset on the second night of Rosh Hashanah , reciting blessings over them. The book is 'sealed' on Yom Kippur , ten days later. Rosh Hashanah is the only Jewish celebration that lasts for two days, signifying the importance of this date in the calendar.
Prayers play an important part in the proceedings.
Intense and lengthy devotions on Rosh Hashanah vary from those normally uttered on Sabbath with even the familiar prayers containing subtle differences. Following the evening prayer people will wish each other a Good New Year. There are also specific greetings for each sex. Following lunch on the first day of Rosh Hashanah , the ritual of the Casting is performed. The hems of the worshippers' garments are shaken alluding to the fact that sins are being cast away.