Posted on 09/20/2017 6:41:24 AM PDT by SandRat
...In the seventh month, on the first of the month, there shall be a sabbath for you, a remembrance with shofar blasts, a holy convocation. -Leviticus 16:24
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.
There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one: Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. More on this concept at Days of Awe.
The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.
Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year.
The common greeting at this time is L'shanah tovah ("for a good year"). This is a shortening of "L'shanah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or to women, "L'shanah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."
Judaism has several different "new years," a concept which may seem strange at first, but think of it this way: the American "new year" starts in January, but the new "school year" starts in September, and many businesses have "fiscal years" that start at various times of the year. In Judaism, Nissan 1 is the new year for the purpose of counting the reign of kings and months on the calendar, Elul 1 (in August) is the new year for the tithing of animals, Shevat 15 (in February) is the new year for trees (determining when first fruits can be eaten, etc.), and Tishri 1 (Rosh Hashanah) is the new year for years (when we increase the year number. Sabbatical and Jubilee years begin at this time).
Learning a little
Ever notice that there is no uptick in rapes, burnings and killings during Jewish holidays?
Ever notice that there are more rapes, burnings and killings during and right after ramadamadingdong?
A good and blessed Jewish New Year to the Jewish FRpers.
L’shana tova to all FReepers celebrating tonight. Last year at Rosh Hashana we didn’t have President Trump. We could have President Hillary right now. That is pretty sweet right there that we do not.
Life, health, and prosperity to you all this year, may you be inscribed.
All people are judged on Rosh Hashanah, not just Jews. Repentance, prayers, and a new beginning are for everyone.
Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of Adam on the ‘sixth day’.
This gentile believer shouts a hearty Amen to you and yours.
A very thankful amen.
Blessings to all.
The anniversary of the creation, not just that of humans take place. Also the calling of Abraham is honored as well.
But yes, we are called to repentance.
Leonard Nimoy got his hand gesture for LLAP from the Rosh Hashana Service at his Temple Mishkin T’Fillah in my old neighborhood of Dorchester MA.
May you LLAP too! :-)
‘L Shannah Tovah!
JUST BEAUTIFUL! THANK YOU, FROM ALL OF US WITH AT LEAST ONE EYE TO SEE.
‘L SHANNAH TOVAH
MAY YOUR NAME BE INSCRIBED AND SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE FOR A GOOD YEAR.
MAY IT BE SO FOR ALL WHO READ THIS.
‘L CHIAM! TO LIFE!
Amen!
Blessings to You!
May You Be Inscribed in the Book of Life.
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