Yamim Norai’m (ימים נוראים) is a Hebrew term meaning “Days of Awe.” It refers to the High Holidays: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

The name is most appropriate, as this is a period we approach with awe and reverence, aware that G‑d is judging us and the entire universe and determining what the coming year will hold.

In its broader sense, the term can refer to the entire season, starting from when Selichot are said (any time between 4 and 9 days before Rosh Hashanah)1 and extending all the way until Hoshanah Rabbah, when the Divine judgement is finally sealed.

In Yiddish, this time of year is also referred to as Di Heilige Teg (די הייליגע טעג), the “Holy Days.”