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Rosh Hashanah celebrates the Jewish New Year. ItÂ’s an occasion thatÂ’s both cheerful and solemn in its celebration. There are myriad customs and traditions that characterize this event. While most Jewish holidays are one day celebrations, Rosh Hashanah is a two day event which is celebrated on the first two days of Tisheri, the first month of the ecclesiastical year and the seventh month of the civil year on the Hebrew calendar. Since days in the Hebrew calendar commence at sunset, Rosh Hashanah begins when sunset occurs at the end of 29th of Elul, the twelfth month of the Jewish ecclesiastical year and the sixth month of the civil year. In fact the two days of Rosh Rashanah are considered as a single long day or “Yoma Arichtah” in Aramaic.

Blowing of Shofar – According to the Torah, the principal and most significant documentation of Judaism, also known as the “Law of Moses”, Rosh Hashanah is regarded as the “A Day of Shofar Blowing”. Its is the most important custom of the occasion. The Shofar is a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. In fact, the shofar is blown in traditional communities every morning for the entire month of Elul, the month preceding Rosh Hashanah. There are four distinct types of Shofar notes each bearing its own emblematic significance –

i) Tekiah – one long, sharp, straight blast that is sustained for 3 seconds. It symbolizes wholeness as it is one long, sharp, straight blast.

ii) Shevarim – three or nine 1-second medium, staccato, wailing sounds in broken segments that rise in tone symbolizing sighing or groaning.

iii) Teruah – a series of nine quick, firm, searing and soaring blasts in short succession that extend over a period of about 3 seconds. It symbolizes sobbing.

iv) Tekiah Gedolah – meaning “big Tekiah” in Hebrew. This sound replaces the regular Tekiah. A Tekiah Gedolah sounds the same as a Tekiah but is a triple Tekiah meaning that it extends for three consecutive tekiyot .Hence it lasts for a minimum of nine seconds. The Tekiah Gedolah is meant to symbolize a wake-up call. It is intended to awaken the listener from his or her “slumber” and alert them to the coming judgment.

Foods – The most sumptuous food of this Rosh Hashanah is undoubtedly apple dipped in honey. A deep rooted tradition it symbolizes a “sweet new year”. Honey is an important food item on Rosh Hashanah and used with other food as well. The Challah is another important item on the Rosh Hashanah menu. Its a specific type of bread which is baked in different shapes to symbolize specific religious connotations. The most commonly used is the round shaped Challah. Round-shaped challahs symbolize continuity of life, the cycle of the year, and a universal wish for a well-rounded and full year, abundant in peace, happiness, and prosperity. Challah shaped like bird or ladder, suggesting that God will determine, who will ascend the ladder of life. Fish is another important Rosh Hashanah food. Traditionally when the entire family gathers at the table, the head of the fish is placed towards the head of the family, to show gratitude towards his leadership.

Tashlich – In Hebrew Tashlich means “thou shalt cast”. It is observed during the afternoon of the first day in which prayers are recited near natural flowing water, and one’s sins are symbolically cast into the water. In observance of these tradition people empty their pockets or toss bread crumbs in flowing water. It has become a social occasion nowadays, as people from different localities arrive at the near by river for ‘Tashlich”.

Tzedakha – Tzedakha is an old custom meaning charity. It is a custom to go from house to house with a sack at the dawn of Rosh Hashanah. People who have money put coins into this sack. On the other hand those without money take coins out of it. However nobody can know who’s donating and who’s receiving. This is done according to the Mitzvah or commandments which promulgates to share what we have with those in need.

Kiddush – Kiddush is a melodious blessing that is recited before the commencement of the feast, along with wine or grape juice. The Shehecheyanu blessing is recited during Kiddush.

Richard Dupont writes on holidays and global events like Rosh Hashanah, Friendship Day, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, valentine’s Day etc. He also writes on family, relationships, religion, love and friendship. He is a writer with special interest in the ecard industry and writes for 123greetings.com.

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