Today is the first day of Rosh Hashanah, which literally translates as “Head of the Year.” For those who have lost track or didn’t know, it is the year 5785 on the Hebrew calendar.
Why 5785? Our calendar is based on the story of Genesis’ creation and attempts to calculate the number of years since the creation of the world. Of course, we follow the secular calendar on most days, like everyone else, but today, in celebration of the Jewish New Year, we celebrate another year gone by. Instead of champagne and fireworks, we blow the shofar (a ram’s horn) and dip apples into honey for a good and sweet New Year.
And we aren’t pressured to stay up until midnight to enjoy our festivities. Our family goes to synagogue for a morning service and listens to the rabbi give a meaningful sermon that sets the tone for the holiday. During this difficult year, when people still remain in captivity in Gaza, anti-Semitism is on the rise worldwide, and Israel is fighting for its survival; going to synagogue is an act of community and shows a commitment to our faith. While the security guards and police officers are stationed outside the synagogue for our safety, inside the sanctuary, we see friends, feel inspired by our community, and pray for a good year ahead.
Then, we spend time quality family time around the dinner table. For this meal, we love our brisket and share a round challah. This challah is special because, typically, our challahs are braided. It tastes the same, but the round challah represents the cycle of the year and a desire for a full year ahead.
And while Hanukkah still has a ways to go regarding songs to sing, Rosh Hashanah has beautiful music and fun ditties to enjoy in services, Sunday school, and on the car ride to dinner if you are so inclined. Here are a few of my all-time favorites.
Barbra Streisand
A cappella
Family friendly
To all of my friends celebrating this beautiful holiday today and tomorrow, I wish you a L’Shana Tovah u’metukah, a good and sweet new year! To everyone else, thank you for taking the time to learn about our holiday and traditions.
XO,
Elisa
Julie JordanScott
October 11, 2024 at 6:51 am (2 months ago)I’m back. The football game for the high school where I worked last year is earlier, I discovered, because of Yom Kippur. Thought of you again. Said a silent prayer. Lots of love, Elisa.
Kristine
October 4, 2024 at 11:39 am (3 months ago)I love hearing about your culture and traditions. Thank you for sharing your journey. I look forward to your next post!
Elisa
October 4, 2024 at 7:43 pm (3 months ago)Thanks, Kristine!
Julie JordanScott
October 4, 2024 at 8:19 am (3 months ago)What a beautiful celebration. I am so grateful you shared about it so fully here in your blog so I could get a greater understanding. Do people say things like “Happy New Year”? Spoken like one who truly doesn’t know… (I say with embarassment and my head down)
Elisa
October 4, 2024 at 11:47 am (3 months ago)Yes! Great question – We do say Happy New Year! Thanks for asking.
Ben
October 3, 2024 at 11:04 pm (3 months ago)Enjoyed learning more about Rosh Hashanah. Music was great too! Thank you.
Elisa
October 4, 2024 at 7:43 pm (3 months ago)My pleasure. Thanks for reading!
Alice Gerard
October 3, 2024 at 10:41 pm (3 months ago)Elisa, beautiful story. Thank you for telling me how your family celebrates this holiday. I enjoyed the music, and Barbra’s song was very touching and sad. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Elisa
October 4, 2024 at 7:43 pm (3 months ago)Thanks, Alice!
Martha
October 3, 2024 at 5:34 pm (3 months ago)I enjoy learning about other religions and cultures and reading about Rosh Hashanah. I pray you and your loved ones have a blessed New Year. I miss Roy A. when he would write about all his stories of the different Jewish holidays.
Alice Gerard
October 3, 2024 at 10:40 pm (3 months ago)I too miss Roy’s stories.
Elisa
October 3, 2024 at 11:09 pm (3 months ago)I would be honored to carry that torch, but I won’t be as good as he was…
Tamara
October 3, 2024 at 3:42 pm (3 months ago)Elisa, thank you for giving us the background to this important holiday. Barbra’s song is beautiful and gives me goosebumps.
A very happy, sweet and peaceful new year to you and your loved ones!
Elisa
October 4, 2024 at 7:43 pm (3 months ago)Thank you!