Today at Sundown -

.In the seventh month, on the first of the month, there shall be a sabbath for you, a remembrance with shofar blasts, a holy convocation.

-Leviticus 16:24

When I taught school I would always say "Happy New Year" to my students at this time of year. Tonight at sundown (all Jewish holy days begin at sundown) begins Rosh Hashanah the "head of the year"

-Jewish Year 5769: sunset September 29, 2008 - nightfall October 1, 2008

This is the holiest time of year for the Jewish people and one which they would much prefer to have recognized other than Chanukkah which is a nice fun holiday but not as important as the days which they are beginning to celebrate right now. Christians have traditionally thought that because it comes close to Christmas it has a major importance.

These "High Holy Days" last until Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.

The day is begun with the blowing of the Shofur.
The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. Click on the picture to listen to it.


The dates were established in Leviticus:

23:23 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.

23:25 Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

23:26 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

23:27 Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

23:28 And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God.

So I wish all of my Jewish friends and readers "L'shanah tovah ("for a good year").

A popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year.

Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlikh ("casting off"). They walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, on the afternoon of the first day and empty our pockets into the river, symbolically casting off our sins. Small pieces of bread are commonly put in the pocket to cast off. This practice is not discussed in the Bible, but is a long-standing custom. Tashlikh is normally observed on the afternoon of the first day, before afternoon services. When the first day occurs on Shabbat, many synagogues observe Tashlikh on Sunday afternoon, to avoid carrying (the bread) on Shabbat.

The Jewish Religion has many, observances which are steeped in tradition and are quite beautiful I love reading about them. Happy New Year!