On Erev Rosh Hashana, one should reflect and take stock of the entire year, making all necessary corrections and utilizing the opportunity for Teshuvah.
It is a Mitzvah to immerse in a Mikvah on Erev Rosh Hashana after midday.
One should utilize all spare time on Erev Rosh Hashana to recite Tehillim, especially from one hour before Mincha and onwards.
It is customary to adopt a new Hiddur Mitzvah. This should be done on Erev Rosh Hashana, or on Rosh Hashana. [One should state that this acceptance is Bli Neder.]
Just like on Erev Shabbos, it is preferable to refrain from eating a proper meal once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (3:10pm), in order to properly enjoy the Yom Tov meal at night. However, one may snack in small quantities.
Prior to candle-lighting, one should give Tzedakah for the two days of Yom Tov.
One should arrange a pre-existing flame with which to light the candles on the second night of Rosh Hashana.
Candle-lighting time is 5:45pm. The Brochos are L’Hadlik Ner Shel Yom Hazikaron, followed by Shehecheyanu.
If eating out, one should ensure that practical benefit is derived from the candles after Yom Tov begins.
Since it is Yom Tov, if one neglected to light at the proper time, one may – and should – light candles on Yom Tov itself, from a pre-existing flame.
When a man is required to light candles, he does not recite Shehecheyanu, as he will be doing so in Kiddush. [Therefore, it is best that he lights candles right before Kiddush, so that his Shehecheyanu is linked to both.]
Similarly, if a woman needs to recite her own Kiddush, she does not recite Shehecheyanu in Kiddush, as she already did so at candle-lighting.
Mincha is davened at greater length than usual, as it is the last Tefillah of the year.
