Shana Tovah! What is Rosh Hashanah and How Do We Celebrate?

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SHOLOM MN

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Nov 17, 2024

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Minnesota - Twin Cities Metro Area

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Shana Tovah is a Hebrew greeting that means “a good year” and is commonly used during the New Year celebration. So, what is Rash Hashanah, and how do we celebrate at Sholom?

Rosh Hashanah, a two-day Holiday, is the Jewish New Year and according to Jewish legend, celebrates the anniversary of the creation of the world over five thousand years ago. It is both festive and solemn in that it is a celebration of the Jewish New Year and yet, is it also a time for prayer, self-evaluation and introspection. Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the “Atzeret Y’mei Teshuvah”, the “Ten Days of Repentance” in Jewish tradition. During the ten days, Jewish People are to examine their deeds during the course of the year that has just ended, make amends to those they have wronged and resolve to do better in the New Year.

The Shofar, a ram’s horn, is sounded during Rosh Hashanah:  The sound of the Shofar serves as a spiritual wake up call to the Jewish People to engage in the process of repentance. Apples and honey, as well as other sweet foods, are eaten to symbolize the desire for a sweet new year and cards are sent to family and friends prior to the holiday expressing a similar sentiment.

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Wednesday October 2nd and concludes on the night of Friday October 4th

The following Services/blessings/prayers, rituals and customs are traditional on both days of the Jewish New Year (sunset on Wednesday October 2nd to nightfall on Friday October 4th.)

  • Traditional Rosh Hashanah Lunches and Dinners provided to residents & tenants at both Sholom campuses. The festive meat meals will include grape juice, raisin challah, and other sweet foods. During Rosh Hashanah, white tablecloths will be placed on the dining room tables and there will be candles (wax or electric/battery-operated depending on building) on Rosh Hashanah eve.
  • Residents and tenants will have the opportunity to hear the Shofar (Ram’s Horn) on Rosh Hashanah.

Shana Tovah! Wishing you a sweet and peaceful New Year!

From us all at Sholom

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