Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Happy New Year!

Yes, a new year begins this evening for our Jewish neighbors. As Christians, we do not have a corresponding holiday until January 1, but we wish them a happy new year. It's 5772!

Rosh Hashana means "Head of the Year" and commemorates the creation of Adam and Eve. While the new year celebrations continue for two days, Rosh Hashana commences the ten days leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

The new year will be ushered in by blasts of the shofar. The ram's horn plays a prominent role across the holiday announcing the coronation of God as King and calling the descendants of Adam and Eve to action.

Repentance is the dominant theme of Rosh Hashanah. The faithful will find an available body of water and ask God to cast their sin into the sea.

As with all holidays, food is prominent and symbolic. Apples and bread are dipped in honey and eaten to the wishes and prayers for a "sweet" year.

May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year!

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