Upon request, here is the meaning of Rosh Hashana.

Rosh HaShanah literally means “Head of the Year” in Hebrew. It falls in the month of Tishrei, which is the seventh month on the Hebrew calendar. The reason for this is because the Hebrew calendar begins with the month of Nissan (when it’s believed the Jews were freed from slavery in Egypt) but the month of Tishrei is believed to be the month in which God created the world. Hence, another way to think about Rosh HaShanah is as the birthday of the world.

Rosh HaShanah is observed on the first two days of Tishrei. Jewish tradition teaches that during the High Holy Days God decides who will live and who will die during the coming year. As a result, during Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (and in the days leading up to them) Jews embark upon the serious task of examining their lives and repenting for any wrongs they have committed during the previous year. This process of repentance is called teshuvah. Jews are encouraged to make amends with anyone they have wronged and to make plans for improving during the coming year. In this way, Rosh HaShanah is all about making peace in the community and striving to be a better person.

Even though the theme of Rosh HaShanah is life and death, it is a holiday filled with hope for the New Year. Jews believe that God is compassionate and just, and that God will accept their prayers for forgiveness.

10 Thoughts to “Rosh Hashana, The Jewish New Year”

  1. Moon-howler

    Thanks for this post, Elena. I never knew all these details!

  2. Emma

    A blessed new year to you, Elena, from one of your loyal contrarians.

    E.

  3. Elena

    Emma 🙂 Thank you.

  4. hello

    Love the post Elena, hopefully this will inspire both the left (KG…) and right from making all of the Nazi references.

  5. Moon-howler

    Hello, this is not the place for a diatribe. I suggest if you don’t like what KG says on her blog, don’t go there. This is a simple concept. It is my understanding that another local blog has an entire thread devoted to that subject. Please take your comments there.

    Posting as Pinko is Posting as Pinko as far as this blog is concerned. We have no point in outing anyone.

    I also do not think Elena posted to be contentious. I am going to remove your post, out of respect for Elena, who wanted to share her holiday with us.

  6. …and to the uninitiated, this is all based on a Lunar calendar, and that is why our holy days appear to skip around from year to year on the commonly used calendar. It is also one reason that our observances begin at sundown, with the appearance of the full moon.

    BTW, all are welcome to attend services. For more information on the holidays, visit:

    http://www.chabad.org/calendar/holidays_cdo/aid/614415/jewish/2009-Holiday-Listing.htm

    Chabad is a very orthodox branch. Main stream Christians in America may feel more at home visiting a Conservative or Reform congregation. Just give your local Jewish congregation or JCC a call and they will be glad to let you know the best times for your visit.

  7. Moon-howler

    Comments regarding remarks placed in moderation on progressive radical thread.

    Notice: Elena was kind enough to share her holiday with us. Please let’s all respect that this is her holiday and take any contentious discussions to another thread.

    Thanks, MH

  8. Thank you, J. Tyler, for that information. It is good to see the Jewish community active in tradition and locally. Many people have no idea what holidays are celebrated in other religions or cultures.

  9. Gainesville Resident

    Happy Rosh Hashanah to everyone.

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