The High Holy Days
ROSH HASHANAH
In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means “Head of the Year” and marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It also marks the beginning of the Days of Awe/High Holy Days which is a ten-day period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). During this time, we focus on ways to make the coming year a better one, and ask forgiveness from God and those who we have wronged. Some common customs include eating apples and honey for a sweet new year, and listening to the shofar, or ram’s horn, to “wake us up” for the start of the new year.
YOM KIPPUR
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. It occurs ten days after Rosh Hashanah. We are commanded on this day to go to those who we have wronged and ask for their forgiveness. Only then may we ask for forgiveness from God. Many Jews spend the day praying in the synagogue and reflecting on how to be a better person in the new year. Fasting is a common custom and allows one to focus solely on repentance. At the end of the day, many people get together with family to “break the fast.” At the end of Yom Kippur, someone in the synagogue blows the shofar, sounding one long, blast.
Find out more about the High Holy Days from Rabbi Amy & Rabbi Michael:
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