suzubeane
09-19-2006, 04:21 AM
Last Christmastime, many people expressed a desire to know when the more significant Jewish Holidays were (since many non-Jews in the U.S. know mostly about the one fairly minor one that occurs nearest Christmas.) So here is another PSA for friends of Jews …
Rosh Hashana (The Jewish New Year) begins this year on Wednesday night, September 12, 2007. (post has been edited to reflect accurate date for this year.) It lasts for two days in most Jewish communities.
Excerpted from Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm):
"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."
What to do: Wish your Jewish friends a Happy New Year, or send a card. (Unlike Chanukah, sending New Year Greetings really is a long held tradition for Rosh Hashana amongst U.S. Jews.) I would encourage people to purchase cards that support a Jewish or other charitable cause if possible, and not Hallmark. That would be more in keeping with one of the the holiday's focuses: Tzedakah (Loosely translated as "charity.")
What to say: "Happy New Year." You may hear the phrase L'shanah tovah ("for a good year") or you may see it printed some cards; it's not expected that non-Jews will greet Jews this way. Saying "Happy New Year" is fine, and probably preferable. It would be appropriate to wish Happy New Year any time this week or next.
What else: Rosh Hashana marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days; in other words, THIS is the time of year your Jewish friends think of as "The Holidays." Next will come Yom Kippur, then Sukkot, then Simchat Torah. (Look for future PSAs on these.) I know I'm always really happy when my non-Jewish friends recognize this time of year (and not December) simply by wishing me a Happy New Year.
Traditions:
Rosh Hashanah is an important time to gather with family and friends, even for Jews who don't observe any religious ritual.
Round Challah: This bread usually seen in long braided loaves is baked in a round shape for the Holidays.
The round shape symbolizes a perfect year to come.
Sweet Foods: Honey cake and apples dipped in honey are two traditional foods that symbolize our wish for a sweet New Year.
Tashlich: Meaning "You will cast away." This describes the custom of symbolically casting away one's sins by emptying one's pockets or throwing bread crumbs on flowing water. Some Jewish communities meet for Tashlich be a nearby river or stream after services the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
Please feel free to ask questions, provide links, make corrections, clarifications, etc.
Rosh Hashana (The Jewish New Year) begins this year on Wednesday night, September 12, 2007. (post has been edited to reflect accurate date for this year.) It lasts for two days in most Jewish communities.
Excerpted from Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday2.htm):
"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."
What to do: Wish your Jewish friends a Happy New Year, or send a card. (Unlike Chanukah, sending New Year Greetings really is a long held tradition for Rosh Hashana amongst U.S. Jews.) I would encourage people to purchase cards that support a Jewish or other charitable cause if possible, and not Hallmark. That would be more in keeping with one of the the holiday's focuses: Tzedakah (Loosely translated as "charity.")
What to say: "Happy New Year." You may hear the phrase L'shanah tovah ("for a good year") or you may see it printed some cards; it's not expected that non-Jews will greet Jews this way. Saying "Happy New Year" is fine, and probably preferable. It would be appropriate to wish Happy New Year any time this week or next.
What else: Rosh Hashana marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days; in other words, THIS is the time of year your Jewish friends think of as "The Holidays." Next will come Yom Kippur, then Sukkot, then Simchat Torah. (Look for future PSAs on these.) I know I'm always really happy when my non-Jewish friends recognize this time of year (and not December) simply by wishing me a Happy New Year.
Traditions:
Rosh Hashanah is an important time to gather with family and friends, even for Jews who don't observe any religious ritual.
Round Challah: This bread usually seen in long braided loaves is baked in a round shape for the Holidays.
The round shape symbolizes a perfect year to come.
Sweet Foods: Honey cake and apples dipped in honey are two traditional foods that symbolize our wish for a sweet New Year.
Tashlich: Meaning "You will cast away." This describes the custom of symbolically casting away one's sins by emptying one's pockets or throwing bread crumbs on flowing water. Some Jewish communities meet for Tashlich be a nearby river or stream after services the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
Please feel free to ask questions, provide links, make corrections, clarifications, etc.