Rosh Hashanah

29 Elul 5785 – 2 Tishri 5786

The beginning of a new year is associated across religions and cultures with the hope that the new year will bring us happiness and success. Often, these expectations are also emphasized with foods that hold symbolic significance. Thus, Rosh Hashanah, "the head of the year," is also celebrated with sweet delicacies, depending on the cultural background of the respective Jewish communities, each carrying different meanings. For example, apple pieces dipped in honey, various types of cakes, and sweet wine are meant to strengthen the hope for a good, sweet year, while pomegranates highlight the aspect of fertility.

Rosh Hashanah is a festival celebrated with joy. Nevertheless, it contains some serious elements. The biblical term "Day of Blowing the Shofar" already indicates the use of the shofar, which announces the reign of God and calls people to repentance. Another name for Rosh Hashanah is "Day of Judgment," for with the New Year begins the "Days of Awe," during which, according to the Talmud, three books are opened. In one book, the names of the completely righteous are recorded for life, and in the other book, the names of the completely wicked are documented, who are immediately destined for death. The mediocre are given a probationary period from the New Year until Yom Kippur, and only then does God pass His judgment. So it doesn't have to remain just good intentions on New Year's, as there is no better opportunity for a fresh start. Therefore, on New Year's Day, one wishes for "a good entry and sealing" for oneself.