Rosh Hashana

By: Mendel Cohen

​​Rosh Hashana, which translates to head of the year in Hebrew, is the Jewish New Year. Judaism operates on a calendar based on the moon. Unlike the traditional New Year, Rosh Hashana is not a joyous holiday- it is a time for self reflection, morality, and holiness. Rosh Hashana is 1-2 days long. This year, Rosh Hashanah will begin in the evening of Friday, September 18, and ends in the evening of Sunday, September 20th.

Traditions of Rosh Hashana include:
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⁃ The blowing of the Shofar (ram’s horn).
⁃ Eating a pomegranate, which is said to have 613 seeds; one for every commandment of the Torah.
⁃ Eating apples dipped in honey, and avoiding bitter and sour foods; which expresses hope for sweetness in the coming year.
⁃ Serving round challah, which symbolizes the cyclical nature of life, and that the next year will be complete.
⁃ Serving a fish head; which is associated with productivity and leadership, as well as the hope that we will be the head, and not the tail
⁃ Lighting candles Rosh Hashana is a beautiful holiday with great culture.

​There are many rituals, traditions, and practices used to reflect the nature of Rosh Hashana.