Festivals

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah marks the New Year. It happens on the 1st day (sometimes and 2nd) of the month of Tishri, and begins a 10 day period of reflection. Which ends in Yom Kippur.

It’s about the individual rather than community and so is more about their behaviour, keeping the commandments, and repenting. So they can be judged and receive mercy from God.

Rosh Hashanah represents the day God created the world. Even with its solemn side it’s still joyous and so the associate colour is white, so white clothes are worn.

Customs:

• shofar (rams horn) - blown every day the month before Rosh Hashanah, it announces the arrival of God, call to repentance

• Tashlich - casting sins on water through breadcrumbs to fish

• attending Selichot - special midnight synagogue service before Rosh Hashanah, to seek forgiveness

• eating sweet food (e.g. fruit) for a sweet new year

• Round challah bread - shows eternal life

Importance:

• remembers God creating everything

• preparation for God’s judgement on your life

• it’s a mitzvot and so brings Jewish community together and helps with Jewish identity

“In the 7th month of the 1st day of the month shall be a holy …

Yom Kippur

Pesach