Jewish Autumn Holidays (Rosh Hashana & Yom Kippur)

1. Rosh Hashana
(Sept. 19-20 2009)

The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashana, and is observed for two days by Orthodox and Conservative Jews. On that day, the book of life is opened so that each person’s deeds can be carefully examined. These are solemn days of introspection and reflection on the good and evil in one’s life.

Many beautiful customs and traditions are associated with Rosh Hashana. Especially memorable is the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn), which calls Jews to repent of the previous year’s sins.

Other customs include the tashlich ceremony where crumbs representing sins, are cast into a body of water. This ceremonial act allows each Jewish believer to start the year afresh.

Apples dipped in honey represent the sweetness of the new year. Challah bread is baked in the shape of a ladder, a bird, or a crown. The ladder represents prayers to God, the bird stands for mercy, and the crown is a symbol of God’s reign.

2. Yom Kippur
(Sept. 28 2009)

The holiest and most solemn Day of the Jewish year is called Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement. Yom Kippur concludes a 10-day period of repentance which begins with Rosh Hashana. On this day, Jews fast to put their minds on its holy meaning. This is the special day on which worshippers renew their moral and religious life.

During a special ceremony on the evening before Yom Kippur, worshippers partake of seudah hamaf-seket (the last meal before the fast). Yizkor (memorial) candles are lighted in memory of the deceased relatives, and then holiday candles are also lighted.

At an evening service called Kol Nidre, all unfulfilled vows made during the year are rendered void. Customarily, parents bless their children before attending. Services continue the following day until the shofar is blown signaling the end of the day.

The information above is from the Bureau of Jewish Education.

Related: Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) by Chrysalis

Photos: Whistling in the Dark & Fonzie's Cousin (Flickr)