Rosh Hashanah, which translates to the English as “head of the year,” commemorates the start of the civil new year in Jewish culture.
Rosh Hashanah, which translates to the English as “head of the year,” commemorates the start of the civil new year in Jewish culture. Shofars are sounded to bring to our attention that the new year is soon approaching.
The celebration also has a few other alternative names: Yom Teru'ah, Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment, the Day of Sounding the Shofar; and Yom Hazikaron, the Day of Remembering.
Collectively, Rosh Hashanah and the Ten Days of Awe are a time known as Yamin Noraim, and this is a time of personal reflection and prayer. Usually this is a time when families and friends gather in synagogues and share meals together. Apples dipped in honey, pomegranates, and round challah are common foods enjoyed at this time of the year. Overall, it is a time to reflect on the sins of the past year so we can repent of those sins going into Yom Kippur, and also consider ways we could improve not only our own lives but the world around us.
Written by Erin Parfet
