What Is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the first and second days of the month of Tishrei. According to the Jewish calendar, these days signify the beginning of the new year. Rosh Hashanah can be translated as “head of the year” or “first of the year.”

The celebration of Rosh Hashanah has multiple aspects. In the Torah (the sacred text of Judaism), Rosh Hashanah is referred to as both Yom Ha-Zikkaron (“the day of remembrance”) and Yom Teruah (“a day of shofar blowing”).

Many of the customs associated with Rosh Hashanah take place in a synagogue, which is a place of worship for Jews. One of these customs is the blowing of the shofar, which is a trumpet made from a ram’s horn.

At the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, they sound one hundred notes on the shofar. This blowing of the shofar marks the start of a 10-day period known as the “High Holy Days,” which culminates in the festival of Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah commemorates the creation of the world. It is also a day of judgement when many Jewish individuals reflect on their actions from the past year and make plans for positive changes in the upcoming year. These changes are often referred to as resolutions, similar to other New Year’s celebrations.

Over time, various traditions have developed around Rosh Hashanah. One of these traditions involves the consumption of sweet foods as a symbol of hope for a sweet new year. Many children and adults eagerly anticipate eating sliced apples dipped in honey on Rosh Hashanah.

Another tradition observed by many Jewish families during Rosh Hashanah is the consumption of pomegranates. It is believed by some that these fruits contain 613 seeds, representing each of the commandments from the Torah.

Do you celebrate Rosh Hashanah? If so, what other traditions does your family have? If not, how does this holiday compare to your New Year’s celebration?

Try It Out

Ask an adult to help you continue learning with one or more of the activities below!

• Interested in making resolutions? You don’t have to be Jewish to celebrate Rosh Hashanah by reflecting on the past year. What good things have you accomplished? Are there any regrets? What changes would you like to make in the coming year? Set goals for yourself, write them down, and work hard to achieve them.
• If you want to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in a musical way, create your own shofar that you can blow to announce the start of Rosh Hashanah! Make sure to have an adult assist you and read the instructions and supply list before starting.
• Learn about another Jewish holiday, such as Yom Kippur or Hanukkah. Can you compare what you learn to any other holiday? Write a paragraph explaining the similarities and differences.

Wonder Sources

• http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/judaism/rosh_hashanah.shtml (accessed 26 Mar. 2020)
• http://www.torahtots.com/holidays/rosh/roshstr.htm (accessed 26 Mar. 2020)

FAQ

1. What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, which marks the beginning of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and new beginnings. The holiday falls on the first and second days of the Jewish month of Tishrei, usually in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. It is a time when Jews gather in synagogues to pray, blow the shofar (a ram’s horn), and participate in special meals and rituals.

2. What are the customs and traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah?

There are several customs and traditions associated with Rosh Hashanah. One of the most significant is the blowing of the shofar, which is a call to repentance and a reminder of God’s sovereignty. Another important tradition is the eating of symbolic foods, such as apples dipped in honey, to represent a sweet new year. It is also common to attend synagogue services, engage in prayer and reflection, and participate in Tashlich, a ceremony where breadcrumbs are cast into a body of water to symbolize the casting away of sins.

3. What is the significance of Rosh Hashanah in Jewish culture?

Rosh Hashanah holds great significance in Jewish culture as it is considered a time of judgment and renewal. It is believed that on this day, God opens the Book of Life and judges each individual for the year ahead, determining their fate. Therefore, Rosh Hashanah is a time for introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. It is an opportunity for individuals to reflect on their actions, make amends, and strive to improve themselves in the coming year.

4. How do people celebrate Rosh Hashanah?

People celebrate Rosh Hashanah in various ways. Many attend synagogue services, where special prayers and rituals are conducted. Families come together for festive meals, which often include traditional dishes such as challah bread, gefilte fish, and honey cake. The blowing of the shofar is an integral part of the celebration, and it is customary to hear 100 shofar blasts during the service. Additionally, some people engage in acts of charity and perform good deeds as a way of starting the new year on a positive note.