Rosh Hashanah in a Nutshell

Rosh Hashanah in a Nutshell Yom Kippur in a Nutshell

Rosh Hashanah (literally the "Head of the Year") is the Jewish Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, takes place on the 10th new year. Rosh Hashanah is observed on the first and second day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. This year (2002), Yom day of the month of Tishrei of the Jewish Calendar. This year Kippur will begin sundown Monday, September 16th. (2002), Rosh Hashanah will begin sundown Friday, September 6th, ushering in the New Year 5763. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. That is why we fast. Jewish law forbids eating, Rosh Hashanah is the first of ten days of reflection, which end drinking, bathing, wearing perfume or other scented with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During this period, oils/lotions, marital relations and the wearing of leather shoes we ask for forgiveness of those whom we have hurt during the from the beginning of sundown on the eve of Yom Kippur year. In these ten days, it is said that G-d inscribes in the "book until the end of the following sundown (approximately 25 of life" the fate of each and every person for the coming year. hours). No work is permitted on Yom Kippur. Instead the day On Yom Kippur, the "book of life" is signed and sealed. is spent in synagogue in reflection and prayer.

A key part of the Rosh Hashanah synagogue service is the In the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, G-d blowing of the “shofar”. The "shofar" is an instrument made inscribes all of our names into the “book of life” for the from the horn of a ram. In biblical times, the blast of a Shofar following year. On Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in the could serve as a battle cry or as a summons. Today, the loud, book is sealed. Essentially Yom Kippur is our last appeal, our clear sound of the Shofar acts as a spiritual wake-up call for us. last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate our The sound reminds us of the meaning of the day and re-alerts repentance and make amends. us to the task of renewal and repentance. It is important to note that the prayers of Yom Kippur do not absolve us from sins against other people. In order to atone Tashlich (casting off) is a popular practice where one empties for those transgressions, we must first seek reconciliation with their pockets (or throws bread crumbs) into flowing water. the person we have hurt, righting the wrongs we committed This symbolizes casting away our sins from the past year. against them if possible. This must be done before the close of It is also customary to eat apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur. symbolizing our wish for a good and sweet year. A common greeting is L’Shanah Tovah, which means, “for a good year” in At the close of Yom Kippur, the shofar (ram's horn) is blown Hebrew. one last time and the “book of life” is sealed. Following Yom Kippur services is a traditionally communal meal is known as For more info, contact Hillel at 7-3425 or http://sa.binghamton.edu/~hillel Break the Fast. Rosh Hashanah in a Nutshell Yom Kippur in a Nutshell

Rosh Hashanah (literally the "Head of the Year") is the Jewish Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, takes place on the 10th new year. Rosh Hashanah is observed on the first and second day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. This year (2002), Yom day of the month of Tishrei of the Jewish Calendar. This year Kippur will begin sundown Monday, September 16th. (2002), Rosh Hashanah will begin sundown Friday, September 6th, ushering in the New Year 5763. It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. That is why we fast. Jewish law forbids eating, Rosh Hashanah is the first of ten days of reflection, which end drinking, bathing, wearing perfume or other scented with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. During this period, oils/lotions, marital relations and the wearing of leather shoes we ask for forgiveness of those whom we have hurt during the from the beginning of sundown on the eve of Yom Kippur year. In these ten days, it is said that G-d inscribes in the "book until the end of the following sundown (approximately 25 of life" the fate of each and every person for the coming year. hours). No work is permitted on Yom Kippur. Instead the day On Yom Kippur, the "book of life" is signed and sealed. is spent in synagogue in reflection and prayer.

A key part of the Rosh Hashanah synagogue service is the In the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, G-d blowing of the “shofar”. The "shofar" is an instrument made inscribes all of our names into the “book of life” for the from the horn of a ram. In biblical times, the blast of a Shofar following year. On Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in the could serve as a battle cry or as a summons. Today, the loud, book is sealed. Essentially Yom Kippur is our last appeal, our clear sound of the Shofar acts as a spiritual wake-up call for us. last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate our The sound reminds us of the meaning of the day and re-alerts repentance and make amends. us to the task of renewal and repentance. It is important to note that the prayers of Yom Kippur do not absolve us from sins against other people. In order to atone Tashlich (casting off) is a popular practice where one empties for those transgressions, we must first seek reconciliation with their pockets (or throws bread crumbs) into flowing water. the person we have hurt, righting the wrongs we committed This symbolizes casting away our sins from the past year. against them if possible. This must be done before the close of It is also customary to eat apples and honey on Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur. symbolizing our wish for a good and sweet year. A common greeting is L’Shanah Tovah, which means, “for a good year” in At the close of Yom Kippur, the shofar (ram's horn) is blown Hebrew. one last time and the “book of life” is sealed. Following Yom Kippur services is a traditionally communal meal is known as For more info, contact Hillel at 7-3425 or http://sa.binghamton.edu/~hillel Break the Fast.