Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the Jewish New Year. Literally, it means "the head of the year." The celebration began Wednesday evening at sundown and lasts until Friday.
The holiday celebrates the anniversary of Adam and Eve who symbolize the birthday of mankind and highlight the relationship between God and humanity.
Despite how it sounds, the New Year isn't actually the first month in the Hebrew calendar. Rather, it's the first two days in the seventh month, known as Tishrei.
Significance:
Rosh Hashanah occurs 10 days before Yom Kippur (celebrated on Oct. 7 in 2011). Between the two holidays, many Jews use to time to apologize for any wrongdoings and to seek forgiveness. It's known as a time of reflection and the 10 days of penitence - or aseret yamei teshuva.
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The 10 days before Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, enable a person to not be left out of the Book of Life, where the names of those destined for Heaven are kept.
To get your name written by God in the metaphorical book of life for another year, you must repent (teshuva), pray (tefilah), or do charity work (tzedakah).
Popularity:
This is one of the biggest holidays on the Jewish calendar. Even those who aren't regulars at the local synagogue will attend services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah services are an opportunity for spiritual renewal and introspection. They're also a way to reunite with friends and enjoy time with the family.
Take a look at the parking lot at your local synagogue and it's sure to be full this week.
Some school districts across the U.S. began placing teacher workdays on the Jewish holiday during the 2009-2010 school year so that Jewish kids could be at home with their families.
Greetings:
Feel free to greet your Jewish friends and neighbors with "Happy New Year." Try using the Hebrew expression, "Shana Tova," which is a wish for a good new year.
Observations also include blessing one another with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim. In Hebrew, this means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."
