What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah, meaning "head of the year" in Hebrew, is the Jewish New Year and one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. This sacred time marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, a 10-day period of reflection, repentance, and renewal that concludes with Yom Kippur.

What is Celebrated at Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is a time of:

• Reflection and Self-Examination: Jews reflect on the past year, considering their actions and relationships
• Repentance (Teshuvah): A time to seek forgiveness and make amends
• Renewal: Setting intentions and resolutions for the coming year
• Divine Judgment: According to tradition, YHWH inscribes each person's fate for the coming year
• Community and Family: Gathering with loved ones for special meals and prayers

The Origins and History

Rosh Hashanah has ancient Biblical origins, mentioned in the Torah as "Yom Teruah" (Day of Blowing the Shofar). The holiday evolved over centuries, with Rabbinical traditions adding layers of meaning and practice. The Talmud established it as the anniversary of the creation of the world, making it a celebration of G-D's sovereignty over creation.

Traditional Rosh Hashanah Foods

Food plays a central role in Rosh Hashanah celebrations, with symbolic dishes representing hopes for the new year:

• Apples and Honey: The most iconic combination, symbolizing wishes for a sweet new year
• Round Challah: The circular shape represents the cyclical nature of the year and the crown of G-D
• Pomegranates: With their many seeds, they symbolize the hope to perform as many good deeds as there are seeds
• Fish Head: Represents the desire to be "heads" rather than "tails" - leaders rather than followers
• Honey Cake: A sweet dessert to ensure sweetness in the coming year
• Dates, Figs, and Other Sweet Fruits: All chosen for their sweetness and symbolic meanings

Celebrating Together

At Shalom & Grace, we honor the beautiful traditions that bring Jewish and Christian communities together in understanding and respect. Rosh Hashanah reminds us all of the importance of reflection, renewal, and the sweetness that comes from living with intention and love.

L'Shanah Tovah - May you be inscribed for a good year!