Friday at sunset will mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year, or known to the Jewish community as Rosh Hashanah, the start of year 5,770 for the Jewish community.

The New Year will begin with special prayers and lighting special candles.

In the Jewish calendar, the most sacred time is the 10-day period from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, which this year falls on September 28. Called the Days of Awe, it is a time when Jews ask forgiveness for their sins and the sins of their community, from one another and from God.

The words Rosh Hashanah literally translate to head of the year marks the beginning of a time of self reflection and a time of focusing of the spiritual needs.

Yom Kippur literally translates to the day of forgiveness.

Watch President Obama's Rosh Hashanah Wishes:

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