Celebrate Rosh Hashanah the Jewish New Year

ROSH HASHANAH

(JEWISH NEW YEAR)

29 September 2011

The two day festival of Rosh Hashanah is observed on the 1st and 2nd day of Tishrei.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means literally, "Head of the Year", and it is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, it is the birthday of mankind, highlighting the special relation between G-D and humanity.

On Rosh Hashanah, most of the day is spent in Synagogue. The central observation of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the Shofar, the Rams Horn. The Shofar is sounded on both days of Rosh Hashanah, (unless the first day of the holidays fall on Shabbat, then the horn is sounded only on the second day).

Also on Rosh Hashanah, there are many observations: Everyone eats a piece of apple dipped in honey to symbolise a desire for a sweet new year, as well as many other food: They also bless each other with the words Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year".

Also, with any major Jewish holiday, the women and girls light candles each evening of Rosh Hashanah and recite the appropriate blessings. They also recite Kiddush on wine, make a blessing over the Challah and enjoy a festive repast.

Celebrate the Jewish New Year with some white tableware and cutlery.