Judaism
Rosh Hashanah: The head of the year
· 5 min read
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) is the day of divine judgment, the shofar, and the coronation of God as king. It marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance that culminate in Yom Kippur.
Rosh Hashanah
Meaning
Rosh Hashanah ("head of the year") is the Jewish New Year. On this day, God judges all humanity. The books of life and death are open.
The shofar
The central mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah is hearing the shofar (ram's horn). It awakens sleeping souls and recalls the Akedah (Binding of Isaac).
Customs
- Eating apple with honey (sweet year).
- Tashlich (casting sins into water).
- Greeting the new year with joy.
Reading: Talmud Bavli Rosh Hashanah. Shulchan Aruch OC 581-600.
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