At 7:09 p.m. Wednesday evening the Jewish New Year — Rosh Hashanah — begins. In Judaism it is considered to be the first day of the calendar year and one of the holiest days, commemorating the creation of the world.
Celebrated for 48 hours, Rosh Hashanah will end at 7:06 p.m. on Friday, October 4. During these 48 hours, work is prohibited and many spend time attending synagogue and returning home for meals that are symbolic and traditional, including apple slices challah bread dipped in honey and sweet treats and the lighting of candles in the evening.
Rosh Hashanah also begins the ten “Days of Awe” for introspection and repentance, culminating in one of the holiest days in the Jewish year — Yom Kippur, starting at 6:58 p.m. on Friday, October 11. It is during this time that people fast and do not work. They are to use this time to atone for their sins of the past year against God.
So, don’t be surprised if you hear someone saying “Shanah Tovah” to you tomorrow night or the following 48 hours. They’re wishing you a “Happy New Year.”
* Photo credit: Skeeter Hagler
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