Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5776, will be celebrated this year from sundown on Sunday, September 13, until nightfall on Tuesday, September 15. Regular service will resume on Wednesday, September 16.
As we all pray for a year of peace, happiness and well-being, we take this occasion to extend to our readers our best wishes for the new year.
Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year, a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.
One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar, a
ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. A total of 100 notes are sounded throughout the day. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice, but one that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance.
Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year. A common greeting at this time is Shana Tova ("A good year").
Rosh Hashanah is followed by “Yom Kippur” – Day of Atonement – the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
Shana Tova!