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Rosh Hashana Ideas
When is it?:
Traditionally, the 7th Month of the Jewish Calendar
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish version of
the celebration of a New Year, traditionally held during the seventh
month of the Jewish calendar. Because their calendar is a lunisolar
one, this can mean a date ranging from Sept. 6 to Oct.5. However, the
"celebration" involves more than just fun things, and is actually
meant for spiritual cleansing and a time of reflection.
In the Bible, Leviticus 23: verses 23-25
make note of the sacred occasion that is marked with the blowing of
the Shofar (ram's horn), but it is referred to as Yom Teruah or Yom
Zikaron.
The origin dates back to Talmudic times, when Jewish people
commemorated the day the Earth was created by taking a day for
self-examination, reflection, repentance of sins and the beginning of
a new "life", or time. Rosh HaShanah, which literally means "head of
the year", is now the most widely known and commonly used title for
the day.
By tradition, there are special services, prayers, and asking
forgiveness for wrongs done. Sins can be cast off in a symbolic
ceremony where called Tashlich, which is carried out on the first day
of Rosh HaShanah, unless it is Sabbat, and then it is done on the
second day. The shedding of sin must be done by flowing water, after
first saying a prayer, and then making the gesture of throwing it into
the water.
With the spiritual aspect taken care of, there is great food, family
gatherings, and the same joyous looking forward to a new year, as with
many other cultures.
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