Rosh Hashanah

When did the Rosh Hashanah start?

About Rosh Hashanah Holiday

Rosh Hashanah is an annual Jewish religious festival that marks the Jewish New Year. It is a two-day celebration that falls on the first and second day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, with the latter day known as the 'shabbat of shabbats'. The literal meaning of Rosh Hashanah is “head of the year”, as it is the start of the Jewish civil year.

Rosh Hashanah is a joyful holiday, celebrated with special prayers and the ringing of the Shofar, which is a ram’s horn. It is a time to assess the past year and plan for the future; a time to make amends and ask for forgiveness. It is also a time to eat traditional foods, such as apples and honey to symbolize a good start to the New Year. Some families also gather together for a large dinner before the holiday begins.

Introduction to Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, which occurs two days each year to commemorate the beginning of the Jewish year. This holiday is celebrated by the Jewish people around the world and has been a part of the Jewish tradition for centuries. Rosh Hashanah is an important time of the year, as it provides a time for reflection, gratitude and renewal.

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated on the first and second day of the Jewish month Tishrei, which is the first month of the Jewish year. This usually falls sometime between late September and early October and is usually a two-day celebration, with the first day being more significant. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the 10 Days of Awe, which runs until Yom Kippur. During these 10 days Jews will reflect on their lives and strive to do better in the coming year.

History of Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is referenced in the Tanakh, the Jewish holy book, as a day of remembrance of creation and a time to reflect on the past. In the Bible, it is referred to as the day of remembrance and the feast of trumpets. It is believed to have originated around 1,000 BCE with the ancient tribes of Israel as a day to celebrate their new year and a day to reflect on the past.

Rosh Hashanah has evolved over the centuries, as it has been celebrated differently in different cultures and countries. During the time of the Second Temple of Jerusalem, there was a cornucopia of rituals and traditions that took place on Rosh Hashanah. One of the most prominent traditions was the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn) which is still done in modern day celebrations.

Rosh Hashanah Celebrations Around the World

Israel

In Israel, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated by the religious and secular Jews alike. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, a traditional meal is prepared and shared with friends and family. Dishes include apples and honey to symbolize the wish for a sweet new year, a stuffed fish head which symbolizes hope for plenty of blessings, and pomegranates which symbolize the 613 commandments.

On the morning of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, many Jews in Israel will go to synagogue for special services and prayers. The shofar is sounded after every prayer to signify the start of the year. After services, some people may go for a walk in nature, as it is believed that this can bring blessings for the coming year.

United States

The United States is home to many Jewish people, and so Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with much enthusiasm and fanfare. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, a traditional meal will be shared with family and friends. Dishes will include apples and honey for a sweet year, and pomegranates to represent the 613 commandments.

In the morning, Jews will attend synagogue for special services and prayers. At the end of services, the shofar is blown to signify the end of the previous year and the start of the new one. After services, many people will get together for a meal or go on a walk in a nature spot.

United Kingdom

Rosh Hashanah is also celebrated in the United Kingdom, though not on as large of a scale as it is in the United States. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, a traditional meal will be prepared and shared with family and friends. The same types of dishes as in the US will be prepared, such as apples and honey to wish for a sweet year, and pomegranates to represent the 613 commandments.

On the morning of Rosh Hashanah, many Jews in the UK will attend synagogue for special services and prayers. At the end of the services, the shofar blowing will take place to signify the start of a new year. Afterwards, family and friends usually get together for lunch or a walk in a park.

France

Rosh Hashanah is also celebrated in France, and it is celebrated in a similar way to the US and UK. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, a traditional meal will be prepared and shared with family and friends. This meal will typically include dishes such as apples and honey for a sweet year, and pomegranates to represent the 613 commandments.

On the morning of Rosh Hashanah, many Jews in France will attend synagogue for special services and prayers. At the end of the services, the shofar will be blown to signify the start of a new year. After services, people often get together for a meal or a walk in nature.

Conclusion

Rosh Hashanah is an important holiday in the Jewish faith, and it is celebrated around the world in different ways. It is believed to have originated around 1,000 BCE with the ancient tribes of Israel and has been a part of Jewish tradition since then. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah and throughout the 10 days of awe, Jews will prepare special meals, attend services and go for a walk in nature to celebrate the new year and reflect on the past.

How to Say "Rosh Hashanah" In Different Languages?