Rosh Hashanah introduces jewish new year
This Wednesday is just another regular day, right? Wrong! At least for Jewish people it is not. September 28th represents Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Jewish New Year, which usually begins at the sundown of that date. Contrary to what happens during the Christian New Year, the Jewish holiday lasts for two days. Those who do not share the tradition are not automatically excluded from the ceremony, as this can be an opportunity to learn more about other traditions.
Cultural Differences
While the Christian New Year represents the beginning of a new calendar, the Jewish does not have the same effect. These two days represent the first dates of the seventh month of their calendar, period known as the Tishrei. Another meaning to the Jewish New Year is that it also represents the day of repentance. Following the sequence of Hebrew traditions, ten days after the Rosh Hashanah, they celebrate Yom Kippur.
The ten days are usually used for thinking about what each individual needs to ask for forgiveness and is also referred to as the ten days of penitence. Those who feel they should apologize to someone else have the opportunity to do it at that time and then hope that they will end up being forgiven. Whoever follows such orientation will have its name assured on the Book of Life, which guarantees a place in Heaven.
Annual Traditions
Getting in the Book of Life is not as simple as it might seem. There are three possibilities for the Jewish to be included: repent (teshuva), pray (tefillah), or do charity work (tzedakah). This shows how important it is for Hebrews to recognize their faults as each year comes by, instead of moving on and thinking mistakes just happen. Also, faith and compassion are values admired by their community.
As it usually happens during other traditions, the Jewish New Year also has typical foods and symbols. The yellow star is well-known around the world, but most people have never heard of the ram’s horn. The sound is soared when it is time to repent, so it is used as a call to the community. During natural disasters the horn may also be used, as it is a way of letting God know about what is going on.