Rosh Hashanah

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Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah

Elul A Spiritual Month that Precedes the Jewish High Holidays

Elul, the last month of the Hebrew year, is the month preceding Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Hashanah, the Jewish New Year's Day, is "Judgment Day." On Rosh Hashanah, God judges how we behaved.

The wall Photo by Giora Shimoni

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement. On Yom Kippur, we repent for our sins, and God determines our reward or punishment.

Accordingly, Elul is a time of introspection, repentance, reconciliation, and heightened spirituality as Jews prepare to be judged and sentenced by God.

Ten Most Important Things to Know About Rosh Hashanah

1. Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, the symbolic anniversary of the creation of the world. The words Rosh Hashanah literally mean "Head of the Year." In addition to being the anniversary of the past creation of the world, Jewish tradition sees everyone as being created anew at this time every year. Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei (which usually falls sometime in September or October).

How To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

Step 1: Set the Rosh Hashanah Table
It is traditional to use a white tablecloth for Rosh Hashanah, just like on other Jewish holidays and the Sabbath. Setting the table with your best china and silver enhances the holiday mood.
Two covered loaves of challah should be set on the table. Round challah loaves are often used on Rosh Hashanah to symbolize a perfect, cyclical year to come. Some also like to serve challah loaves with raisins inside for added sweetness. The challahs should be covered with a cloth.

Apples, cut into slices, should also be on the table.

A bowl of honey should be near the challah and the apples.

Lastly, each family head should have a kiddush cup. A bottle of kosher wine and/or grape juice should also be on the table.