Rosh HaShana

The first ten days of the month of tishrei are known as the Ten Days of Repentance. They begin with Rosh HaShana (the New Year) and conclude on the 10th of Tishrei with Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). Rosh haShana is both a somber and joyous holiday. It is the Day of Judgment, and so observed with reflection, personal stock-taking and prayer. It is also the traditional birthday of the world, a joyous remembrance of creation. Rituals and observances include the sounding of the shofar, eating round challot and apples dipped in honey, and the greeting of l’shana tovatikatevu (may you be inscribed for a good year)

Megillat Esther is read in the synagogue twice, once in the evening of the 15th of Adar and again the following morning. Every time Haman’s name is mentioned in the reading, groggers (noisemakers) turn, feet stamp, hands clap, the shouting becomes deafening. It should be kept in mind, however, that the Mitzvah involved with the reading of Megillat Esther is in hearing every word.

Hamantashen, triangle shaped filled cakes are eaten, Mishloach Manot, portions of at least two foods are sent to friends and relatives and Matanot L’evyonim (Tzedaka) are given on Purim day. Children and adults dress in costumes, perform plays retelling the Purim story, all with great spirit!

The festival begins on the fifteenth day of Nisan and lasts eight days. Its principal ceremony, the Seder, takes place at home. The story of the Exodus is explained in detail in the Haggada, the text for the Seder. The Seder includes several intriguing symbols.

The matza (unleavened bread) reminds us of the bread made in haste by the Israelites on their hurried departure from Egypt. The karpas (green vegetable) suggests the first green of spring. The salt water, into which the greens are dipped, symbolizes the tears shed for the suffering and persecution. The charoset (a mixture of chopped apples, nuts, cinnamon and wine), symbolizes the bricks that the Israelites made for Pharoah. The wine (four cups) stands for God’s four promises of redemption.

A loud long piercing shofar blast marks the final sealing of the heavenly gates and the end of the fast. In many homes at this time, the first nail is driven in the sukka in preparation for the joyous holiday of Sukkot.

Sukkot is a historical and agricultural festival. Historically, it represents the journey of the Israelites through the desert after the Exodus from Egypt - during which time the people lived in impermanent booths. Agriculturally, the holiday celebrates the final gathering of the fruit and produce of the year, and is referred to as Chag ha-Asif, the Holiday of the In Gathering.

Preparations for Sukkot begin immediately after Yom Kippur, with the construction of the sukka (a temporary booth), which we live in as much as possible during the holiday.

During Sukkot we take of four species of vegetation; the etog, the lemon like fruit of the citron tree; the lulav, the palm branch; the haddass, the myrtle branch; and the aravot, the willow tree. The myrtle and willow branches are bound together to the lulav. All four species are used daily (except on Shabbat) in a special Sukkot ritual.