Preparing for Rosh Hashanah: A Time of Reflection, Traditions, and Community Events
The present Hebrew month of Elul proceeds the Jewish High Holidays and is known as a month of reflection in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the New Jewish year. This holiday is called Jewish New Year, but in reality, Rosh is translated as "the head," and Shanah means "the year". So, it is not just a celebration of the beginning of a new year, but rather the head of which the body of the year will follow. Therefore, Rosh Hashanah is ushered in with prayers, which will influence the year to come. Foods unique to the Rosh Hashanah include round Challah, which is symbolic of a wheel of endless motion, and is eaten dipped in honey, which is symbolic of a sweet year. This is eaten along with many other traditional foods unique to Rosh Hashana all of which carry symbolic, meaning. One of the most famous foods eaten is apple dipped in honey. As we eat the apple dipped in honey, we pray for a good and ...