Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Wednesday, September 28, 2011. It is celebrated on Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30. Many Reform synagogues only observe the first day.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish new year. It takes place on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Rosh Hashanah also marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, which finish at the end of Yom Kippur.
• Read more about Rosh Hashanah from the time of the Bible to the time of the Temple.
• Read more about why Rosh Hashanah is also known as the Day of Judgment.
What are some customs and practices for Rosh Hashanah?
Many people who are not regular synagogue-goers find Rosh Hashanah an important time to attend services. The shofar is blown throughout services on Rosh Hashanah. On the first day, traditionally, Jews perform tashlikh, where they throw bread crumbs into a flowing body of water to cast away their sins.
• Read more about tashlikh.
• Read more about the shofar.
What foods are traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah?
Eating apples and honey signifies a sweet new year. It is also customary to try a new fruit, preferably one that hasn’t been eaten in a while. Some also have a tradition of placing a fish head on the table to signify the beginning of the year. Here are some delicious recipes for Rosh Hashanah:
• Tayglach
• Honey Cake
• Apple Cake
• Sfratti
• Tzimmes
• Brisket
• Watch the episode The Adventures of Todd & God: New Fruit.
Rosh Hashanah
Pronounced: roshe hah-SHAH-nah, also roshe ha-shah-NAH, Origin: Hebrew, the Jewish new year.
shofar
Pronounced: sho-FAR or SHO-far, Origin: Hebrew, a ram’s horn that is sounded during the month of Elul, on Rosh Hashanah, and on Yom Kippur. It is mentioned numerous times in the Bible, in reference to its ceremonial use in the Temple and to its function as a signal-horn of war.
