What Is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is a sacred day in the Jewish religion. It is often known as the New Year of the Jewish religion due to its importance. Rosh Hashanah takes place on the first and second day of Tishri, which is the seventh month of the Jewish calendar year. There are a few key points which individuals should be aware of with regard to this special holiday in the Jewish religion.
Rosh Hashanah and the Bible
The name Rosh Hashanah is not specifically described in the Bible. However, the day of importance which is now known as Rosh Hashanah was called Yom Ha-Zikkaron or Yom Teruah. The former phrase means "day of remembrance" and the latter stands for "day of the sounding of the shofar". The pertinent bible passage is located in Leviticus 23:24-25.
What Takes Place on Rosh Hashanah?
Those who are not of the Jewish religion may wonder what exactly occurs on this holiday. In general, the Rosh Hashanah holiday is used for introspection and considering the past year while resolving to make the next year better. For individuals who practice Judaism, celebrating Rosh Hashanah means that no work should take place during the day. In fact, many Jewish individuals spend Rosh Hashanah worshiping at their synagogue and reading special text devoted to this day. It is also in the synagogue where the worshipers hear the sounding of the shofar, which is a ram’s horn which when blown sounds like a trumpet. This is one of the most important symbols of the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
Individuals who celebrate Rosh Hashanah will also perform additional rituals on these two days. One ritual relates to food where apples dipped in honey are consumed and symbolize the hope for a sweet new year. Another practice known as Tashlikh is performed. Tashlikh means "casting off" and takes place during the afternoon on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Those who participate in Tashlikh will walk to a body of flowing water and then empty their pockets (usually filled with breadcrumbs) into the water.
The Importance of Rosh Hashanah
This holiday remains to be one of the most important ones in the Jewish religion. Attending synagogue and performing the various ceremonies which go along with Rosh Hashanah is a wonderful way to keep this special holiday alive and engage in worship during this sacred Jewish holiday. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (which follows ten days later) are together called the High Holidays and are among the most important and holiest days of the Jewish year. Rosh Hashanah, though a happy time, is a more solemn event that emphasizes reflection on one's actions, thoughts, words and goals. Though this is not a traditional time of gift giving, the Rosh Hashanah meal would always be made more lovely by observing with a special piece of judaica such as a kiddush cup or candlestick.
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