Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is an annual observance celebrated by Jewish people across the world. Translated from Hebrew to mean “head of the year,” it is a time of reflection, renewal, and deep spiritual significance. This blog post will delve deeper into the customs, significance, and delicious foods that make this two-day celebration so special.
When is Rosh Hashanah? This year, Rosh Hashanah began on the evening of Friday, September 15th, and ends on Sunday, September 17th. However, the date of the festival on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year because the Jewish calendar is lunisolar, based on lunar and solar cycles. Rosh Hashanah always takes place on the first day of the month of Tishrei, which is the first month of the civil year and the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year in the Jewish calendar. As a result, it falls sometime in September or October on the Gregorian calendar.
The Significance of Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah is not only a celebration of the Jewish New Year but also a commemoration of the creation of the universe. According to Jewish teachings, God created the universe in six days, with the sixth day marking the creation of Adam and Eve. The seventh day, a day of rest, is celebrated weekly by Jewish people as Shabbat. Rosh Hashanah is considered the “birthday of the universe” and is celebrated as the head of the Jewish year.
How is Rosh Hashanah Celebrated? During Rosh Hashanah, devout Jewish individuals refrain from certain activities such as using electric devices, driving, or writing, similar to Shabbat observance. Synagogue attendance for prayer services is a central part of the festival, although this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, there may be fewer attendees.
One of the most iconic traditions of Rosh Hashanah is the blowing of the shofar, an ancient musical instrument made from a ram’s horn. During the prayer service, the shofar is blown with specific sounds: Teki’ah (one long sound), Shevarim (three short blasts), and Teruah (nine short, staccato blasts). The shofar is blown 100 times throughout Rosh Hashanah.
Another important tradition during the festival is Tashlich, which means “to cast” in Hebrew. This ritual symbolizes the casting off of sins. Participants visit a body of water on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, typically a river or stream, where they recite special prayers. While some people throw bread into the water as part of the tradition, it’s worth noting that this practice was condemned by rabbis in the 14th century.
Delicious Symbolic Foods of Rosh Hashanah Festive meals are integral to Rosh Hashanah and shared among family and close friends. These meals feature an array of sweet foods symbolizing a sweet and prosperous new year. Here are some traditional foods you can expect to find on the Rosh Hashanah table:
- Apples and Honey: These signify the desire for a sweet and fruitful year ahead.
- Pomegranate: Its numerous seeds represent abundance and fertility.
- Round Raisin Challah: This braided bread symbolizes the cycle of life.
- Honey Cake: A sweet dessert to reinforce the theme of a sweet new year.
- Candles: Traditionally lit in the home to welcome the festival and symbolize light in the coming year.
To wish someone of the Jewish faith a happy new year during Rosh Hashanah, you can say “Shana Tova,” meaning “good year,” or “Shana Tova Umetukah,” meaning “good and sweet year.”
Rosh Hashanah is not just a time for celebration but also for reflection, repentance, and the hope for a better future. It’s a beautiful reminder of the importance of new beginnings, unity, and understanding in our diverse world.
Facts About Rosh Hashanah
- The Two-Day Celebration: Rosh Hashanah is observed for two days, unlike most Jewish holidays that last only one day. This tradition is rooted in ancient times when the exact date was determined by the sighting of the new moon, and the extra day allowed for confirmation.
- The Sound of the Shofar: The shofar, a ram’s horn, is not just a symbol; it holds deep spiritual significance. Its unique sounds are meant to stir the soul, awaken self-reflection, and call for repentance.
- No Work and Plenty of Rest: On Rosh Hashanah, Jewish law prohibits many forms of work, similar to the Sabbath. It’s a day for reflection, prayer, and spending time with family and friends.
- Special Prayer Book: During Rosh Hashanah, a special prayer book called the Machzor is used. It contains prayers and liturgy specific to the holiday, emphasizing themes of repentance and renewal.
- The Tashlich Tradition: While some people traditionally cast bread into a body of water during Tashlich, others have adopted more environmentally friendly practices by using birdseed or small pebbles. The essence remains the same – symbolically casting away sins.
- Creation of Man and Woman: According to Jewish tradition, both Adam and Eve were created on Rosh Hashanah. This adds to the holiday’s significance as a celebration of the creation of humanity.
- The Sounding of the Great Shofar: In Jewish tradition, it is believed that the shofar will be blown by the Messiah at the end of days to announce the final redemption. This belief adds a layer of hope to the Rosh Hashanah celebration.
- Traditional Attire: On Rosh Hashanah, many Jewish people wear new or special clothes. It’s a symbol of starting fresh in the new year and honoring the holiday.
- The First Mitzvah (Commandment): The first commandment given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden was to mark time. Observing Rosh Hashanah is a continuation of this tradition, emphasizing the importance of time and reflection.
- A Day of Solemnity and Joy: Rosh Hashanah is often described as a day of mixed emotions. While it’s a solemn time for self-examination and repentance, it’s also a joyous occasion as it marks the beginning of a new year filled with hope and opportunities for positive change.
Q&A ABOUT ROSH HASHANAH
Q1: What does “Rosh Hashanah” mean, and why is it celebrated for two days?
A1: Rosh Hashanah translates to “Head of the Year” in Hebrew. It’s celebrated for two days because in ancient times, the exact date was determined by the sighting of the new moon. The extra day allowed for confirmation of the new month.
Q2: What is the significance of the shofar in Rosh Hashanah?
A2: The shofar, made from a ram’s horn, holds deep spiritual significance. Its sounds are meant to awaken self-reflection, stir the soul, and call for repentance.
Q3: Why is work prohibited on Rosh Hashanah?
A3: Similar to the Sabbath, Rosh Hashanah is a day of rest, reflection, and prayer. Jewish law prohibits many forms of work on this day.
Q4: What is the Machzor, and why is it used during Rosh Hashanah?
A4: The Machzor is a special prayer book used during Rosh Hashanah. It contains prayers and liturgy specific to the holiday, emphasizing themes of repentance and renewal.
Q5: Can you explain the Tashlich tradition?
A5: Tashlich is a tradition where symbolic acts of casting away sins are performed near a body of water. While bread is traditionally used, more environmentally friendly alternatives like birdseed or pebbles are also common.
Q6: What is the significance of wearing special clothes on Rosh Hashanah?
A6: Many Jewish people wear new or special clothes on Rosh Hashanah as a symbol of starting fresh in the new year and honoring the holiday.
Q7: Why is Rosh Hashanah considered a day of mixed emotions?
A7: Rosh Hashanah is a day of mixed emotions because it combines solemnity with joy. It’s a time for self-examination and repentance, but it also marks the beginning of a new year filled with hope and positive change.
Q8: What is the connection between Rosh Hashanah and the creation of humanity?
A8: According to Jewish tradition, both Adam and Eve were created on Rosh Hashanah, adding to the holiday’s significance as a celebration of the creation of humanity.
Q9: What is the belief about the shofar being blown by the Messiah?
A9: In Jewish tradition, it is believed that the shofar will be blown by the Messiah at the end of days to announce the final redemption, adding hope to the Rosh Hashanah celebration.
Q10: How does the Jewish calendar affect the date of Rosh Hashanah on the Gregorian calendar?
A10: The Jewish calendar, which is lunisolar, bases its dates on lunar and solar cycles. Rosh Hashanah always falls on the first day of the month of Tishrei, which varies annually on the Gregorian calendar, typically falling in September or October.