L 'Shana Tova ~ Happy Jewish New Year

Many of my friends have asked me what the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is. Tomorrow evening begins the holiest days of the year for the Jewish people. The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah is widely known and celebrated as the New Years Day of the Jewish calendar, but actually Rosh Hashanah has a fourfold meaning.



  • It is the Day of Judgment as Jews worldwide examine their past deeds and ask for forgiveness for their sins.

  • It is the Day of Shofar blowing as the Shofar (the ram's horn) is blown in temple to herald the beginning of the 10 day period known as the High Holy Days.

  • It is the Day of Remembrance as Jews review the history of their people.

  • And of course, it is celebrated with its special prayers, and festive and sweet foods such as apples and honey, to ensure sweetness in the New Year.

  • To all of you who celebrate, L'Shana Tova. May you have a wonderful and sweet year ahead!

    Comments

    Thank you so much for this wonderful post.

    Like many, I've understood only a little bit about this special day and having read your summary, I'm so glad to know a bit more.

    The idea of examination of ourselves is a good one, to say the least. :)

    And keep our heritage in mind, too, is a rich tradition.

    The marking of new beginnings (the new year) with the symbolic foods is also so beautiful.

    Thanks so much for sharing more insight for some of us! :)

    Ruth
    Anonymous said…
    Thank you for sharing the significance of this holiday :)
    Oh, how I appreciated that simple explanation. I don't really know anything about Jewish traditions, so this was very interesting to me.

    Happy Jewish New Year to you....

    Blessings,
    Spencer
    Cottage Rose said…
    What a great post,, thank you for sharing L Shana Tova with us,, I did not know much about it... I just love to learn something I did not know,,,

    Have a great weekend..

    Hugs;
    Alaura
    Thank you all for your comments. I really appreciate the New Year's wishes!!

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