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What is Rosh Hashanah? -

Rosh Hashanah, which means “head of the year” in Hebrew, celebrates the Jewish New Year. During this time, Jewish people globally turn to God to ask for forgiveness for the year’s mistakes and to remind themselves not to repeat them going forward.

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Rosh Hashanah -

Rosh Hashanah is also a time to commit to personal growth and positive change for the year ahead.

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Historical origins of Rosh Hashanah - Rosh Hashanah is one of Judaism’s holiest days. It commemorates the creation of the world and marks the start of the Days of Awe.

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What are the Days of Awe? - The Days of Awe are 10 days where introspection and repentance are central themes and they finish on Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement.

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When is Rosh Hashanah? - Rosh Hashanah takes place at the beginning of the month of Tishrei, or the seventh month of the Jewish calendar, and usually falls in September or early October on the Gregorian calendar.

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How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated? - The Jewish New Year is a very introspective and contemplative holiday. Some Jewish people, such as those who practice Reform Judaism, observe the holiday for one day while most do so for two.

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Rosh Hashanah celebration - During the New Year, work is forbidden and those who are more religious will spend the day(s) attending synagogue.

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Spiritual meaning of Rosh Hashanah -

Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world and it is a day to feel close to your soul, people, and God.

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The significance of the High Holy Days - There are two very important yet different traditions known as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah focuses on proclaiming God as King and setting the tone for positive reflection, while Yom Kippur emphasizes atonement and forgiveness for human shortcomings.

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The 10 Days of Repentance - There are 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur known as the 10 Days of Teshuvah, also translated as the 10 Days of Repentance. 

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The 10 Days of Repentance and relationships - During this time, the Jewish people are taught to think about who they may have harmed within the last year and then to reach out to them personally and take responsibility for their words and actions.

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What is the purpose of The 10 Days of Repentance? - The 10 Days of Repentance are predominantly about repairing personal relationships, not simply about taking responsibility and experiencing guilt.

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What is Yom Kippur? - Yom Kippur is when Jews seek to make reparation for their sins and reunite with God. It is the final day of the 10 days of repentance that begins Rosh Hashanah and is observed through fasting, praying, and abstaining from work.

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Importance of the Machzor - The Machzor is a prayer book that is used specifically for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services and contains all the prayers.

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The role of repentance (Teshuvah) - Typically, Teshuvah means repentance, but in a literal translation, it means to return or turn back to something you’ve strayed from. During the days leading up to Yom Kippur, prayer, repentance, and charity are central to preparing for the New Year.

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The importance of communal prayer - Attending synagogue services is especially significant during Rosh Hashanah. For many Jews,  this is an important time to gather as a community for prayer and connection.

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Symbolism of the Shofar - A shofar is a trumpet made from the horn of a kosher animal (typically a ram) with the marrow removed. It reminds Jews of the ram that Abraham offered as a sacrifice instead of his son Isaac. It also symbolizes awakening and repentance calling Jews to reflect on their actions and renew their commitment to God.

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When is the shofar blown? - The shofar should be blown during the daytime hours on both days of Rosh Hashanah. That is unless the first day falls on Shabbat. If this happens then the shofar is only blown on the second day.

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How to practice Tzedakah -

Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for philanthropy and charity. It is about so much more, though. Tzedakah aims to build trusting relationships and can include contributions of time, effort, and even insight.

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Tashlich ceremony - Tashlich means “casting off” and is a ceremony that is performed in the afternoon during the first day of Rosh Hashanah. In the ceremony, Jewish people symbolically cast away the sins of the previous year by tossing bread crumbs or pebbles into flowing water.

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Candle lighting rituals - For Rosh Hashanah, women and girls light candles each evening to usher in the holiday and recite prayers while doing so. After the first night, an existing flame is supposed to be used to light subsequent candles.

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What do people eat during Rosh Hashanah? - It is common during Rosh Hashanah to eat apples dipped in honey as sweet foods symbolize the sweet years Jews hope will follow.

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Other foods for Rosh Hashanah - There are chosen foods which usually consist of pomegranate, date, string bean, beet pumpkin, leek, and fish heads. These symbolize a wish or blessing for prosperity and health in the next year.

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What are Rosh Hashanah greetings? -

On Rosh Hashanah, you can say “shanah tovah umtukah,” which means “may you have a good and sweet new year.” It can also be shortened to “shanah tovah”  meaning “a good year.”

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Other greetings - Greetings on Yom Kippur include “g’mar chatima tovah,” meaning, “may you be inscribed (or sealed) for good [in the Book of Life],” and “tzom kal,” which is used to wish others an easy fast.

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Rosh Hashanah for children - There are many activities you can do with kids to celebrate Rosh Hashanah. Two such examples are braiding round challah (typical Jewish bread), or for younger children, making homemade cards using apple printing.

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FAQs: Is Rosh Hashanah the same for all Jewish communities? - It is similar but there are some differences depending on which type of Judaism you practice. For example, with Orthodox Jews, Rosh Hashanah celebrations traditionally last two days, while more liberal Jews commonly carry out celebrations on one day.

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FAQ: How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated in Israel? - In Israel, thousands will walk down to the Western Wall (Kotel) and congregate for special prayers amongst other traditions such as a large feast.

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FAQ: Do I have to belong to a synagogue to go to Rosh Hashanah services? -

No, however, due to the influx of people these days, synagogues might require you to purchase or reserve a ticket in advance.

Sources: (History) (NBC Chicago) (My Jewish Learning) (LA Times) (Britannica) (Chabad.org) (PJ Library) (BBC) (Religion Media Centre)

See also: Fascinating facts about the Mormon religion

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