Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. Jewish Year 5777 this year from sunset October 2, 2016 – nightfall October 4, 2016. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American New Year.
There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making “resolutions.” Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.
The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. A total of 100 notes are sounded each day.
No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in temple, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. There is a special prayer book called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.
Often, gifts are given during the holiday as well. It’s not obligatory to give any gifts, but it’s a thoughtful gesture that will certainly be appreciated. You can purchase Rosh Hashanah gifts online at www.gadgetshop.co.il, for example, so that, if you are going to give a gift during this special season, you can be sure that it is perfect. Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey – a symbol of the wish for a sweet new year.
Religious services for the holiday focus on the concept of G-d’s sovereignty.
The common greeting at this time is L’shanah tovah (“for a good year”). This is a shortening of “L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem” which means “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”
