Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated as the head of the Jewish year (more commonly the Jewish New Year). It is a Holy Day that is observed on the first two days of the Hebrew month of Tishri (September/October);this year it begins on sundown September 18th. Nine days later, the Day of Atonement begins at sundown on September 27th. Prayer services include the blowing of the shofar (a horn made from a Ram). Tradition says that Rosh Hashanah also commemorates the creation of the universe and Adam and Eve. The Hebrew Bible refers to this day as Yom Teruah, The Day of Shofar Blowing, (Leviticus 23:23-24).
The Book of Life
One hope that Jewish people have is that their names will be written in the Book of Life. If your name is in the Book of Life you can expect a good and blessed year. The greeting at this time is, “L’shanah tovah” for a good year or “Shanah Tovah um’tukah”, may you have a good and sweet new year. Apples dipped in honey is a traditional food at this time of year.
Yom Kippur
Following Rosh Hashanah there is a ten-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance which culminates on the last day of Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). Christians believe that God atones our sins through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ sacrifice does not need to be repeated; it was once for all time (Hebrews 9:12).
The Good News
If you have Jewish friends or acquaintances, it is important to understand their faith. It also gives you an opportunity to share your beliefs with them in love and with respect. Asking questions can open up doors of dialog and witness.
I would recommend the following websites for more detailed information and study. The first two are Jewish sites that are very informative.
