Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year of 5770, begins Friday, Sept. 18th at sundown. In the Jewish calendar, the most sacred time is the 10-day period from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, which this year falls on Sept. 28. What are the traditions of Rosh Hashanah?
The first Rosh Hashanah tradition could be said to be when it begins. Like all Jewish holidays, the observance begins at nightfall on the day before. Similarly, it also ends at a nightfall.
Rosh Hashanah traditionally offers Jewish people a chance to undergo a process of introspection and self-repair and make promises to better themselves. If it sounds like the New Year's Resolution tradition you are probably aware of, it is and it isn't.
Rabbi Jack Moline of Agudas Achim Congregation, a conservative synagogue in Alexandria, VA explained:
"When we think of New Year's resolutions in American culture, we have a tendency to think of proactive things we can do for self improvement. Whereas in Rosh Hashanah, the look is not forward -- 'How can I be a better me' -- but a look back: 'How did I not realize my potential this year, and what do I need to do to correct that shortcoming and make sure that I am better able to fulfill the purpose for which I am in this world?' "
That's sort of an overview to the observance. There's a "cheat sheet," so to speak, here, that outlines more of the Rosh Hashanah traditions.
For example, the essential mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is to hear the sounding of the shofar. The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown like a trumpet, as pictured.
Another Rosh Hashanah tradition is a festive meal. In fact, it is considered central to the Rosh Hashanah holiday.
There's also a much more detailed guide to Rosh Hashanah customs and traditions here. Enjoy the read.
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