Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and start of the High Holy Days, begins tonight at sundown and this year marks the year 5,785 in the Jewish calendar. It’s a time to celebrate the promise of a new year with prayer, reflection and time with friends and family. Traditionally, Jews eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year.
In addition to attending religious services, celebrants gather around the dinner table, which often includes round Challah bread to represent the circularity of the calendar cycle. The High Holy Days last for 10 “days of awe,” a time of reflection and introspection, concluding with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and fasting. Observant Jews break the fast with another celebratory dinner to conclude the holiday.
The tradition of blowing the Shofar, a ram’s horn, in the temple at the end of Yom Kippur continues to the present days. The primal sound calls observers into repentance and action. This year’s HIgh Holy Days coincide with Oct. 7, the anniversary of the 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel. The Middle East crisis has intensified, with no ceasefire or truce in sight.
All of us at the Courier pray for an end to the pain and suffering. May peace and goodness prevail in the year ahead for our Jewish readers and people of all faiths. Shanah Tovah! Which in Hebrew means “have a good and sweet new year.”
