What is Rosh Hashanah: dates, origin and when the Jewish New Year is celebrated
Rosh Hashanah, which commemorates the creation of the world, begins on Wednesday, Oct. 2 at sunset. The celebrations extend through the 3rd and 4th.
This week, Jews around the world are celebrating the 5785th New Year according to the Hebrew calendar. The holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which means “Head of the Year,” is a time of spiritual balance, when people examine their conscience over the actions of the year that is coming to a close and prepare to ask forgiveness from God and from those they have wronged. In this way, they reflect in order to leave behind the afflictions of the past year and face the next one with renewed energy.
When is Rosh Hashanah 2024?
Rosh Hashanah 2024 begins at sunset on Oct. 2 and extends through the first days of the month of Tishri: Oct. 3 and 4. The evening of Friday, Oct. 4, marks the end of this holiday, with which the Jewish community celebrates the creation of the world and of the human being.
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Origin of the festivity
During Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish people commemorate the day on which Elohim (God) created the world. In other words, the day of the creation of the world and of human beings is celebrated, so it is the date from which the years are counted in the Hebrew calendar. The first evidence of the celebration of Rosh Hashanah dates back to the year 200.
How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?
Believers will sound the shofar 100 times. This is a liturgical instrument made from the horn of a ram, goat, antelope or gazelle. It represents liberation from past subjugation and invites people to “awaken” their consciences in order to be sorry for their bad deeds and return to God. Tradition also dictates that in all Jewish homes, girls light candles and recite blessings.
During Rosh Hashanah, as with Shabbat, devout Jews also refrain from engaging in certain activities, such as using electronic devices, driving, or writing. Instead, they usually attend prayer services at the synagogue.
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Traditional meals during the holiday
On Rosh Hashanah, some special foods that symbolize blessings are also eaten, such as dates, apples with honey, pomegranates, pumpkins, and many sweet foods, in order to make the coming year “as sweet as honey” and “prosperous as the pomegranate, full of fresh and delicious grains.” Challah, the characteristic Jewish braided bread, is a must during the celebration.
However, the most traditional dish is gefilte fish, which is usually ground fish with onion, carrot, parsley, salt and pepper. It is usually baked in the shape of a stick or boiled in the form of meatballs. White fish represents fertility, prosperity and leadership in the family. As for dessert, leicaj is served, a honey-based sweet that combines egg, sugar, cinnamon, tea and oil. It is spongy and circular in shape.