The Jewish Holiday of Rosh Hashanah

Which means literally, "Head of the Year" or "First of the Year"

Besides being the Jewish New Year, which is celebrated with its holiday greeting cards, and festivities to include sweet foods (to ensure sweetness in the New Year) it actually has a four fold meaning which also includes: The Day of Judgement As Jews all over the world examine their past deeds, repent and ask for forgiveness for their sins The Day of Shofar Blowing As the Shofar (the rams horn) is blown in temple to herald the beginning of the 10 day period known as the High Holy Days The Day of Remembrance As Jews pray for Israil as they review the history of their people. In Israel, Rosh Hashanah is the only holiday kept for 2 days as it is considered too important to be observed for only 24 hours. Both days are considered one long day of 48 hours Rosh Hashanah is always observed the first and second day of the seventh month of the Jewish calender, Tishri. Coming in the Fall season of the western calendar, usually in September. The traditions of Rosh Hashanah are simple. The only commandment specified for the holiday is the blowing of the shofar. In temple the shofar is blown on Rosh Hashanah to announce the beginning of the period known as the High Holy Days. The Jewish High Holy Days are observed during the 10 day period between the first day (Rosh Hashanah) and the 10th day (Yom Kippur) or Tishri, the seventh month of the Jewish calender. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the most important of all the Jewish Holidays and are the only ones that are purely religious and are not related to a natural or historical event. It is believed that on Rosh Hashanah the destiny of all mankind is recorded in the Book of Life. After Rosh Hashanah services, as the congregants leave the synagogue they say to each other... "May you be inscribed in the Book of Life" You will find that quote on many of our Rosh Hashanah Cards, either pre-printed on the outside or as part of a choice of verse for the inside of the card. Is is customary on Rosh Hashanah for families to gather together for the holiday meal. Traditional foods, which have been sweetened with honey, apples and carrots are served, symbolizing sweetness, blessings, abundance and the hope for a sweet year ahead. The first night's meal begins with apple dipped in honey. Challah, the bread usually eaten on the Sabbath (not braided as at regular meals but instead baked in a circle - a wish that the coming year will roll around smoothly without unhappiness or sorrow) is also dipped in honey before eating. Yom Kippur, which means the "Day of Atonement," is considered the most solemn and most important day of the Jewish Year and is always observed on the tenth day of Tishri. For the devout, it is a day of fasting, reflection and prayers. It is one holiday obsereved by even the most nominal Jews who do not celebrate anything else. It is a "Day of Awe" to reflect on one's sins. This day is, essentially, one's last appeal, the last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate one's repentance and make amends.