Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish New Year. It is the beginning of a ten-day period which leads to the holiest day of the Jewish Calendar, Yom Kippur, The Day of Atonement.
The sound of the “SHOFAR”, (rams horn) is a wake up blast to all, that time is near for the Day of Atonement. It’s a call to examine one’s life, make amends with those we may have wronged and ask forgiveness for vows we may have broken. The main theme of Rosh Hashanah is one of repentance.
At this time, a common greeting is “May your name be inscribed.” It’s a wish for one’s name to be written in the book of life.
We enjoy sweets on Rosh Hashanah. Foods made with apples, honey, raisins, figs and pomegranates. Eating sweet things symbolizes the desire for a “sweet year”.
The pomegranate expresses the wish that one’s good deeds will be as numerous as the seeds of the pomegranate.
The ancient Jews believed apples had healing properties and the honey signifies hope that the new year will be sweet and healthy. Much like today when you hear “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Wishing you and your families – whether you are Jewish or not – a year filled with health, sweetness, joy and laughter.
Taliya Adelstein
