Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated with both joy and solemnity. It is considered the birthday of the world, commemorating God’s creation of the universe and of humanity. At the same time, it is known as Yom HaDin, the Day of Judgement, marking the beginning of the Ten Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim), a period during which Jews reflect on their actions and seek to improve their lives. Some synagogues read Genesis 1:1–2:3, recounting God’s creation, as part of the services.

Synagogue Services and Prayers

Rosh Hashanah is observed with both evening and morning services in the synagogue. During these services, prayers emphasise God’s judgement and mercy. Congregations chant, “On Rosh Hashanah judgement is written and on Yom Kippur judgement is sealed.” The Zochreinu prayer, asking God to remember the community for good and grant blessing, is recited during both the evening and morning Amidah. Avinu Malkeinu, meaning “Our Father, Our King,” is sung while the congregation stands before the open Ark, expressing humility and devotion. Psalms such as Psalm 102 (Barchi Nafshi – “Bless God, my soul”) praise God and acknowledge Him as King.

Torah readings are also central to the observance. On the first day, readings include Sarah’s complaint to God and the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:1-21), symbolising human faith and moral responsibility. On the second day, the binding of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19) and the covenant summary in Deuteronomy 29:9-14 are read. Haftarah readings, including Hannah’s story (1 Samuel 1:1–2:10) and Isaiah 55:1-13, provide themes of devotion, hope, and renewal.

The Shofar and Yom Teruah

A distinctive feature of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn, following a pattern of twelve blasts. The shofar serves as a spiritual wake-up call, reminding Jews to examine their lives, mend their ways, and return to God. Rosh Hashanah is also referred to as Yom Teruah, the Day of Blasting, emphasising the power of the sound to inspire reflection and repentance.

Judgement and Reflection

Rosh Hashanah initiates the Yamim Noraim – Days of Awe, when all humanity is considered to stand before God to account for their deeds over the past year. On this day, God opens the Book of Life, determining who will receive blessing and longevity. This judgement is not sealed until Yom Kippur, allowing time for repentance and spiritual renewal. Observing Rosh Hashanah encourages Jews to focus on self-improvement and a renewed commitment to God’s mitzvot, thereby influencing God’s judgement favourably.

The first night may be spent in synagogue, study, and personal reflection, seeking forgiveness and guidance for the year ahead. This period emphasises looking forward, repentance, and personal transformation.

Customs and Symbolic Acts

Rosh Hashanah is rich with meaningful customs. One important ritual is tashlich, where Jews throw breadcrumbs into a body of water, symbolising the casting away of sins, as expressed in Micah 7:19: “God will cast all of our sins into the depths of the sea.” This act reinforces the themes of spiritual cleansing and reconciliation.

The festival also encourages reconciliation with others. Just as individuals seek to repair their relationship with God, they are encouraged to resolve conflicts and seek forgiveness from family and community members. Many Jews also pledge charitable acts during the High Holy Days, reflecting the principle of tzedakah and preparing for a virtuous year ahead.

Festive Meals and Symbols

Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with festive family meals that incorporate symbolic foods. The round challah represents the cyclical nature of the year, while apples dipped in honey symbolise the hope for a sweet new year. Some families include a fish head, symbolising the wish to be the “head rather than the tail,” and pomegranate seeds, which represent the abundance of mitzvot and good deeds to be performed in the coming year. These rituals combine joy, reflection, and hope, reinforcing the spiritual and communal significance of the festival.