As the sun sets on October 2, the Jewish community will come together to kick off Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of their new year. This year, 5785, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days and a time for reflection and renewal. Synagogues will ring with the sound of the shofar, while families gather for meals and special prayers near bodies of water. From apples dipped in honey to traditional round challahs, Rosh Hashanah is a time for appreciation, hope, and unity.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, meaning "head of the year," marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and the Jewish New Year. This year, 5785, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on October 2nd and ends at nightfall on October 4th.
Background
Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection and renewal. Jews believe that on Rosh Hashanah, God judges all of humanity and determines their fate for the coming year. In preparation for this judgment, Jews traditionally engage in teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity).
Observances
Rosh Hashanah is a joyous holiday, celebrated with festive meals, special prayers, and the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn). On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to dip apples in honey, symbolizing the hope for a sweet new year. Round challahs (braided bread) are also served, representing the cycle of the year.
Other Rosh Hashanah traditions include attending synagogue services, hearing the Torah reading, and reciting special prayers known as the Unetaneh Tokef. Jews also often gather near bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes, to cast their sins into the water.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What are the dates of Rosh Hashanah this year? Answer: October 2nd - October 4th, 2023
2. What is the significance of the shofar? Answer: The shofar is a ram's horn blown on Rosh Hashanah to symbolize the call to repentance and the awakening of the soul.
3. What foods are traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah? Answer: Apples dipped in honey, round challahs, pomegranates, and fish heads.
4. What are some common Rosh Hashanah prayers? Answer: "Unetaneh Tokef," "Avinu Malkeinu," and "Haverim HaKol."
5. What is the difference between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Answer: Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the High Holy Days, while Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, observed ten days later. Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection and judgment, while Yom Kippur is a day of fasting and repentance.
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