Rosh Hashanah begins today at sundown

Rosh Hashanah begins today at sundown

By rosefrench

September 28, 2011 at 2:58PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Rosh Hashanah begins today at sundown. The first of the Jewish high holidays, it marks the start of a new year in the Hebrew calendar.

Rosh Hashanah is traditionally observed for two days, though some Reform congregations only observe one day. It's a time of celebration but also introspection and taking stock of one's life.

According to MyJewishLearning.com:

"The origins of Rosh Hashanah may be sought in a royal enthronement ritual of biblical times, though the Bible itself never mentions the "New Year" or "Day of Judgment" aspects of the holiday.

"Even though Rosh Hashanah falls in the seventh month, later rabbinic tradition decided to designate it the beginning of the year. Although the origin of this tradition may have been adopted from the Babylonians, the rabbis imbued it with Jewish significance as the anniversary of the day on which the world was created, or of the day on which humanity was created.

"Another explanation can be found in the significance of Tishrei as the seventh month, hence the Sabbath of the year."

Traditionally apples and honey are consumed during Rosh Hashanah, and are meant to symbolize a sweet and healthy new year.

What might you be doing to celebrate Rosh Hashanah this year?

(The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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rosefrench