Traditionally, Rosh Hashanah is a time for celebration, marking the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Why, then, is Wiesel afraid of having to wish his father a happy new year?

Elie feels that at this point he has lost his faith, and he doesn't want his father to know. He feels as if there is nothing to celebrate, nothing happy about what is happening, and nothing to look forward to. He and other Jews have begun to think that God has forsaken them.