Quick Guide to Rosh Hashanah

For 2010 / 11
Rosh Hashanah – September 19th

While most people believe that Rosh Hashana is a festival that marks the creation of the universe, some maintain that this holiday actually marks the creation of man. This would mean that the universe was created five days before that, or 25th Elul.

Celebrated on the first and second days of Tishri, Rosh Hashanah is the New Year festival and occurs usually in September or October.

Sometimes the festival is known as Yom Ha-Zikkaron, which translates as ‘Day of Rememberance’.

For Jews, the New Year is a spiritual time when relationships with God can be repaired. It’s also a time to remember the responsibility of being one of God’s chosen people.

One signifyer of the festival is the shofar blast, which is emitted from the Synagogue 100 times. This is a reference to Leviticus The shofar blast is one of the signifiers of this festival – 100 blasts being emitted from the Synagogue as a reminder of Leviticus 23:24.

Popular dishes eaten at this time include bread and honey, and also apples dipped in honey. Their sweet taste is meant as a means to a sweet new year. One other important foodstuff is the Challah bread. It’s a round loaf, and signifies the cyclical nature of the year.Fish and pomegranates are also traditionally eaten.

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