Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year

ראש השנה

Table of Dates correlate to Gregorian

2023 –> Sept 15^th; 2024 -> Oct 2^nd; 2025 -> Sept 22 ; 2026 -> Sept 11 ; 2027 -> Oct 1^st; 2028 -> Sept 20 ; Sept 2029 -> Sept 9^th ; 2030 -> Sep 27.

Overview

Rosh Hashanah is a significant holiday in the Jewish faith as it marks the Jewish New Year. It signifies the birth of the universe as seen in Genesis.

Etymology and Timing

The term “Rosh Hashanah” translates to “head of the year” in Hebrew. It is observed on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishrei, the first month of the Jewish calendar in the evening, which usually falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. It’s important to note that Rosh Hashanah also coincides with other ancient Near Eastern harvest festivals concerning the beginning of creation; however, its religious and spiritual significance within Judaism is unique and distinct. Together with Yom Kippur, these two holidays make up the Jewish High Holidays, or the “Days of Awe“, in Hebrew the Yamim Nora’im.

The proper greeting to others on Rosh Hashanah is ‘Shanah Tovah,’ meaning ‘Good Year.’

Origin and History

The origins can be traced back to ancient times and are rooted in Jewish religious and cultural traditions, to the time of Moses around 1500 b.c.e. The holiday is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Leviticus (Leviticus 23:23-25) and the Book of Numbers (Numbers 29:1-6).

In biblical times, Rosh Hashanah was referred to as Yom Teruah, meaning the “Day of Blowing the Shofar” or the “Day of Trumpets.” It was a time of assembly and sounding of the shofar to announce the arrival of the new year. The shofar blasts had various meanings, including a call to repentance, a reminder of God’s sovereignty, and a signal for the Israelites to gather for important religious observances.

Religious Beliefs & Ceremonies

Rosh Hashanah has several key themes and observances. It is a time for introspection, reflection, and repentance, as individuals review their actions and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings committed in the previous year. It is believed that during this time, God opens the Book of Life and judges each person’s deeds, determining their fate for the upcoming year.

One common practice is casting bread crumbs into a naturally flowing body of water which is a symbol of casting away their sins. Eating new fruit is a symbol of newness.

Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, also known as the High Holy Days or Yamim Nora’im. These ten days culminate in Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which is considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Overall, Rosh Hashanah is a time of spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and celebration within the Jewish community.

Significant Icons or Attributes

One of the prominent customs is the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn. The shofar blasts serve as a call to repentance and awaken individuals to spiritual awareness. Prayers and synagogue services are an integral part of the holiday, where special liturgical texts, such as the Rosh Hashanah prayer book called the machzor are used.

Symbolic and Associated Foods

Rosh Hashanah is traditionally celebrated with a variety of foods that hold symbolic meanings and represent wishes for a sweet and prosperous new year. Here are some of the customary foods; however these food customs may vary among different Jewish communities and regions:

Apples and Honey – This is perhaps the most well-known symbol of Rosh Hashanah. Slices of apple are dipped in honey and eaten to symbolize the desire for a sweet and fruitful year ahead.

Carrots – In some Jewish communities, carrots are cooked and served as a symbol of prosperity. The Yiddish word for carrot, “meren,” is similar to the word “merenkes,” which means “increase” or “multiply.”

Challah – The braided bread, typically enjoyed on Shabbat and holidays, is also eaten during Rosh Hashanah. The challah may be round instead of the usual braided shape, representing the cyclical nature of the year and the continuity of creation.

Fish – Fish, particularly the head of a fish, is often served during Rosh Hashanah. It symbolizes being at the “head” or beginning of the year and is meant to evoke thoughts of leadership and moving forward.

Honey Cake – Honey cake, a moist and spiced cake sweetened with honey, is a popular dessert during Rosh Hashanah. It serves as another reminder of the desire for a sweet and enjoyable year.

Pomegranate – The pomegranate is a fruit that is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition and is associated with fertility, abundance, and good deeds. Its many seeds symbolize the commandments or good deeds one can fulfill in the coming year.

References

Chabad.org – Jewish Holidays