The overarching significance of the Rosh Hashanah festival in Jewish culture is the celebration of the Jewish New Year. It marks a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal as individuals evaluate their actions over the past year. Traditional practices during this time include sounding the shofar, attending synagogue services, and sharing festive meals with symbolic foods, such as apples and honey to represent a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah emphasizes themes of forgiveness, self-improvement, and community, fostering a sense of connection among Jewish people as they usher in a new year with hope and purpose.