Rosh Hashanah: History and Facts

For the past 2000 years, Jews have celebrated Rosh Hashanah as a time of reflection and repentance. The Jewish New Year is one of Judaism’s holiest days, meaning “head of year” or “first day” in Hebrew. It falls during September or October on Tishrei 1st – which also marks the beginning of 10 Days Of Awe that culminates with Yom Kippur (Day Of Atonement). Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are 2 High Holy Days for many members attending synagogues around the world to celebrate these holy festivals.

When is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the New Year. It falls on different dates each year and varies based upon your faith in Judaism. For instance, 2021 Rosh Hashanah will fall on Monday September 6th through Wednesday evening of 8th respectively!

In the Torah, Judaism’s founding religious text, Rosh Hashanah is not mentioned. Though this holiday was likely well established by the sixth century B.C., there are different versions of it in other texts from 200 A.D., including The Mishna which means that we have a clear understanding as to what may or may not be true about its beginnings and how long they have been celebrated for now!

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah

 

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah, unlike modern celebrations which are often raucous parties, this holiday is a subdued contemplative one that lasts for about 24 hours depending on how you observe it. Work is prohibited so observant Jews will be in synagogue all evening discussing their sins from the past year with prayer leader called a Rabbi to reflect on what they’ve done wrong during worship service followed by dinner at home or potluck party where everyone brings something!

After religious services are over, many Jews return home for a festive meal steeped in symbolism and tradition. Some choose to wear new or special clothing and to adorn their tables with fine linens while others dress up the table settings as an act of gratitude towards Rosh Hashanah’s significance.

The meal typically begins with the ceremonial lighting of two candles–one representing life (or light) and one symbolic of blessing; these represent hope within our lives that we may all live out this festival season engrossed in prayerful thoughts! Afterward they enjoy various foods such as apples which symbolize wisdom from God’s word, honey-dipped challah bread, marzipan candies shaped like stars on top decorated gingerbread cookies.

Symbols of Rosh Hashanah

Apples and honey: One of the more popular customs on this holiday is eating apple slices dipped in honey. Ancient Jews believed apples had healing properties, while others said they represented sweetness for a new year ahead; especially when eaten with prayers or other sweet treats!

Round challah: Jews eat loaves of traditional braided bread known as challah on Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath) and other holidays. On Rosh Hashanah, the dough is often baked in a round shape to symbolize either the cyclical nature or crowning achievements for this new year. Raisins are sometimes added into dough for an extra sweet taste!

Tashlich is a Jewish custom that takes place on Rosh Hashanah. It involves throwing pieces of bread into a flowing body of water while reciting prayers. As the sins are swept away, one who practices tashlich will spiritually be cleansed and renewed for another year ahead!

“L’shana tovah!”: Jews greet each other on Rosh Hashanah with the Hebrew phrase “l’Shana Továh, which translates into English as “For a good year.” This is an abbreviated form of the traditional greeting that means May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.