Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. The themes of this solemn holiday are self-reflection and repentance. There are ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in which Jewish people are charged with taking a reflective look at the past year, repenting for misdeeds, asking for forgiveness, and working on ways to become better people. What are the origins of Rosh Hashanah? The Torah and the Mishna get the credit for its beginning.
Other Names for Rosh Hashanah
In the Torah, Leviticus 23:23-25, it is told to have a sacred occasion marked by loud blasts of the Shofar, or ram's horn. The Torah calls Rosh Hashanah Yom Teruah, which means the day for playing the Shofar sounds. Also known as Yom Zikaron Teruah, the day of recalling the sound of the Shofar, Rosh Hashanah clearly is tied to the practice of sounding the Shofar. Two more names for Rosh Hashanah came from the Mishna. They are Yom HaZikaron, the Day of Remembrance, and Yom HaDin, the Day of Judgment. These terms emphasize again that God remembers everything and is the supreme judge of humanity.
Observance Origins
In the Mishna, a Talmudic commentary, Rosh Hashanah was made the start of the Jewish year. The tradition of having a day for peaceful reflection, repentance and judgment began. Rosh Hashanah is one of four "New Years" in Jewish tradition, but Rosh Hashanah became the New Year for years, and the changing of the calendar. Traditions developed such as tashlich, or throwing crumbs into a body of water to symbolize getting rid of sins. Another is the tradition of eating apples dipped in honey to wish for a sweet year. A festive meal, lighting candles and reciting prayers focused on forgiveness are all part of the Rosh Hashanah tradition now. No work is permitted, and Rosh Hashanah is considered one of two of the most major holidays on the Jewish calendar.
 | What is Rosh Hashanah? Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, and the holiday marks the start of the Days of Awe, which end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During this time, Jewish people reflect and repent for past misdeeds. |
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Around this time of year, I invariably end up explaining to my non-Jewish friends the meaning and purpose of the High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These two holidays are considered the most sacred in the Jewish faith. |
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On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Jewish people wish each other a sweet new year. To encourage sweetness, honey is included in many Rosh Hashanah recipes. |
