History of Rosh Hashanah

From Giftypedia

Rosh Hashanah, which means “Head of the Year”, and is commonly known as the Jewish New Year takes place during the Hebrew month of Tishri (September or October). The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the creation. According to tradition, it is believed that God opens his book of life and observes his creatures, deciding their fate for the following year. This holiday is considered to be a solemn and holy occasion because of the judgment that is taking place during this time.

[edit] Origins

The holiday is referenced in Leviticus 23:23-25, in which God tells Moses to tell the Israelites to mark the first day of the seventh month of the year as a day of rest. The day was also proclaimed by the blast of a trumpet (a Shofar). Rosh Hashanah assumed additional importance following the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon. After the first group of exiles had arrived in Jerusalem following the Edict of King Cyrus of Persia, which allowed exiled Jews to return to their homeland, they celebrated Sukkot (the Festival of Booths), beginning on the first day of the seventh month (Ezra 3:4-6).

In spite of their return from exile, a large number of Jews remained in Babylon. The beginning of the seventh month eventually became the beginning of the New Year under Babylonian influence. However, there are some indications that there were competing traditions in ancient Israel regarding the beginning of the year.

The significance of Rosh Hashanah have remained more or less the same since rabbinic times, although the liturgy associated with the holiday has developed greatly since those ancient days.

[edit] Traditions

Customs of Rosh Hashanah evolved based on the socio-economic or ethnic situation in which Jews of various societies found themselves. Some customs emerged in some communities while not in others.

• Tashlich: Coming from the root word meaning "to cast away", Tashlich is the practice of which Jews go to a flowing body of water to "wash away" their sins. At the water, several prayers are recited. Tashlich occurs in the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah or the second day if the first falls on Shabbat (Saturday). Another reason for the use of a "live" body of water is that there are usually fish present. Fish never close their eyes, and that is a reminder to Jews of the ever-watchful eyes of God who records and remembers everything.

• Greetings: On the first night of Rosh Hashanah, people exchange the greeting "May you be inscribed and sealed immediately for a good life." In some communities, it is considered improper to say this after the first day because is implied that you may not see that person as righteous.

• Food: Two loaves of bread that are dipped in honey and eaten by people. Honey is a symbol of having a sweet year. Apples dipped in honey are also eaten. Other traditional foods during this period include pomegranates, beets, leeks, green beans, squash, and even in some places, the head of a sheep or fish are eaten.

• Sleeping: Naps are not to be taken in the afternoon during this period, as Rosh Hashanah is meant as a day of reflection and prayer.

[edit] Sources

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Rosh_Hashana/TO_RH_History.htm

http://www.hagshama.org.il/en/resources/view.asp?id=254

[edit] Jewish Holidays

• History of Rosh Hashanah
• History of Ten Days of Repentance
• History of Yom Kippur
• History of Sukkot
• History of Hanukkah
• History of Purim
• History of Passover
• History of Shavu'ot
• History of Shemini Atzeret