Celebrate the Jewish New Year according to all the rules

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

First of all, let's find out when the Jewish New Year is celebrated. This holiday is “migratory”, calculated according to the solar-lunar calendar, which does not coincide with the generally accepted one. Strictly speaking, it falls on the first day of the Jewish month of Tishri. In 2013, this date corresponds to the fifth of September, but since the festivities should last exactly two days (during which you cannot work), you need to celebrate the beginning of the new year on September 5-6.

This Jewish holiday is called Rosh Hashanah. According to legend, it was on this day that God, having begun to create the world on the 25th of Elul, the 1st of Tishrei, created the first man - Adam. Thus, this is not a new era of the world, but a new stage in the life of all mankind. God on this day is transplanted from the throne of Justice to the throne of Mercy, and all believers expect forgiveness and mercy. Adam, having been born in Eden, sinned and was expelled from the presence of the Lord into the world of death. He was judged by Godon Yom Kippur. Therefore, the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are called “judgment days.”

It is believed that three books are opened before God on the Jewish New Year: in the first - the "Book of Life" - the Lord writes down the saints and the righteous, sending them long and happy years. In the second - "The Book of Death" - He enters the names of unrepentant sinners, whom He eradicates from the face of the earth. And in the third - all the rest, leaving the decision of their fate until the judgment, which should take place on Yom Kippur. Therefore, Rosh Hashanah is a strict holiday, full of spiritual cleansing, reflection, and prayer. Whoever repents for his evil deeds, is filled with a strong desire to renounce sins and hope for the mercy of God, he will be forgiven.

On the Jewish New Year, believers must prepare for the Judgment. And the trumpet sound of the ritual horn - the shofar - seems to be calling: "Let all those who are dozing and wasting their time in vain wake up … Make good your deeds."

The Creator of the Universe has the right to enrich someone, while making another a beggar, to give one another year full of he alth and prosperity, and to predestinate wandering and illness to another. Therefore, on the eve of the holiday, Jews wish each other the following: "Be included in the list of a happy year." It is customary to give gifts and send greeting cards to all friends and acquaintances.

Jewish New Year is celebrated with family. On the festively cleaned table, dishes are displayed, designed to lure good luck with their appearance or symbols. starta meal with challah - a round sweet muffin with raisins (so that the year is he althy). Then you need to dip a piece of chopped apple in honey and eat it so that the coming time becomes happy and sweet. Also on the table must be present: fish (a symbol of fertility), a mutton or fish head (so as not to trail in the tail), sliced carrots (because it resembles gold coins), fruits and vegetables, so that our plans give good fruit.

However, these are all folk beliefs. The Jewish New Year has a deep philosophical basis, which emphasizes the greatness of the Lord over His creation. This holiday is also called Coronation Day, similar to the enthronement of an earthly sovereign. Just as vassals bring homage to their lord, so the Jewish people bring praise to their Creator, saying a ritual prayer: “Our God, rule over all the earth in Your glory. Let all created beings know that You created them… And may they all be in one union, so that from the bottom of their hearts they can do God's will.”