Rosh Hashanah, marking the Jewish New Year, begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and concludes on Friday evening, October 4. The term “Rosh Hashanah” translates to “Head of the Year” in Hebrew and signals the start of the High Holidays, also known as the “Days of Awe,” which culminate with Yom Kippur ten days later.
To greet others during this festive period, people commonly say “Shana Tova,” which means “A Good Year” in Hebrew.
Key details about the holiday include:
– Timing: Rosh Hashanah commences Wednesday evening and lasts until Friday dusk. This holiday is unique among Jewish observances as it spans two days, recognized both inside and outside of Israel. The duration is referred to as “yoma arichta,” translating to “a long day,” as the celebration lasts for 48 hours.
– Significance: The holiday serves as a period for introspection, allowing individuals to reflect on the past year while setting intentions for the year ahead. Some Jewish communities regard Rosh Hashanah as a time to commemorate the creation of humanity, with interpretations referring to it as the “birthday of the world,” the moment God created Adam and Eve.
– Celebrations: Observances typically include attending synagogue services where congreg congregants participate in special prayers and songs. The Shofar, a curved ram’s horn, is often blown in many communities, and some individuals engage in a Tashlich ceremony, where they cast pieces of bread into a body of water as a symbolic act of casting away sins.
– Traditional Foods: Culinary traditions play an essential role in Rosh Hashanah celebrations, including:
– Apples dipped in honey, enjoyed on the first night.
– Round challah bread, also dipped in honey and often topped with raisins.
– A new seasonal fruit is shared on the second night.
– Pomegranates, symbolizing abundance.
– The head of a fish or ram, serving as a prayer for being “a head and not a tail” in the coming year.