Rosh Hashanah
Holiday Basics
The Jewish New Year begins at sundown on the twenty-ninth day of the month of Elul, usually corresponding with the month of September or October on the Gregorian calendar.
The New Year begins with a period of ten days called the Ten Days of Repentance. This period is also known as the High Holy Days. The first two of these days are called Rosh Hashanah.
It is the Jewish belief that there is a symbolic book in heaven in which a person's words, acts and deeds are recorded during the course of the year. On Rosh Hashanah, this book is opened and reviewed by God. Because one's "fate" is not sealed until Yom Kippur, Jewish people spend the Days of Repentance introspectively, searching for ways to become better human beings.
On Erev Rosh Hashanah (the eve of Rosh Hashanah), families come together to enjoy a festive meal before or after services at the synagogue. On Rosh Hashanah it is traditional to eat a piece of challah or slice of apple dipped in honey for a "sweet New Year."
When Rosh Hashanah approaches, we like to wish our friends and relatives "L 'Shanah Tovah Tikateva"—'May you be inscribed for a good New Year"—and to send each other New Year's cards.
The Shofar
A shofar is usually made from a ram's horn. It is boiled in water until it is soft, and the inside is hollowed out, cleaned and flattened somewhat. The mouthpiece is carefully shaped and the horn is put aside to harden and then polished.
The blowing of the shofar on the first day of Rosh Hashanah provides an impressive moment, one that is enjoyed by adults and, particularly, by children.
The shofar has been associated with Jewish tradition for so long that it has become a holy symbol. It recalls the offering of Isaac by Abraham, when God ordered that a ram be substituted as a sacrifice. It also reminds us of the giving of the Ten Commandments to the accompaniment of shofar blasts on Mount Sinai.
There are three variations in the call of the shofar: Tekiah, a long blast starting on a low note and rising nearly an octave; Shevarim, three shorter notes; and Teruah, nine quick, sharp calls ending with a high, prolonged note.
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Blessing for Hearing the Shofar Baruch ata Adonai, elohenu melech haolam, Asher kidshanu B'mitzvotav vetsivanu Lish moah kol shofar. Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the world, who makes us holy with mitzvot, and commands us to hear the sound of the shofar. Baruch ata Adonai, elohenu melech haolam, Shehech heyanu, V'keyemanu, v-higeeahnu Lazman hazeh. Praised are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the world who has given us life, sustained us, and brought us to this season of joy. |
The Round Challah
Round, sweet with honey and raisins, this special holiday bread is a traditional treat at the Jewish New Year and during the High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah, which means the "head" or beginning of the New Year, is also called the "Birthday of the World." The roundness of the challah reminds us of the shape of the earth and the continuing cycle of years and seasons. (See the Jewish Cooking for the recipe for Round Challah.)
It is also customary to eat sweet things such as apples or challah dipped in honey, honey cake or a new fruit of the season. Honey Cake and Apple Cake are favorite recipes.
Tashlich
On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish people gather near a body of flowing water where they will say special prayers and throw crumbs of bread into the water. Tashlich means "you will cast." It is hoped that the crumbs, which are symbols of regrettable acts and broken promises, will float away.
Of the many lessons that Rosh Hashanah can teach us, perhaps they may be summed up in the saying of one of the rabbis of old:
A person should live in such a way that he can truthfully say "I have not yet wasted a single day of my life.
Songs
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Apples and Honey Apples and honey For a sweet new year Apples and honey for a sweet new year 'Shana tovah, shana tovah Apples and honey for a sweet new year. 'L Shana Tovah 'L Shana Tovah tikatevu 'L Shana Tovah tikatevu A happy new year to you Happy new year to you. |
Resources
- The Jewish Holidays: A Guide & Commentary by Michael Strassfeld
- The Book of the Jewish Year by Stephen M. Wylen
- The First Jewish Catalog by Richard Siegel et al., editors
Books for Children
- Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah by Sylvia Rouss
- The World's Birthday: A Rosh Hashanah Story by Barbara Diamond Goldin
- Sound the Shofar: A Story for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by Leslie Kimmelman
- All About Rosh Hashanah by Madeline Wikler
- On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur by Melanie W. Hall