Last updated 7:30 a.m. ET on 20 August 1999.
Links last checked 19 Aug 99.

Rosh Hashanah

This page is a work in progress. It is a very personal exploration of some of the themes of Rosh Hashanah written by one person at one time in her life. Another person, or even this person writing at another time, might have a completely different understanding.

There are a number of images or themes that spring to mind when thinking of Rosh Hashanah, but the three that come first to me are:

  • The shofar -- The shofar is not a melodious instrument. Its sound is sharp and as skilled as the shofar blower may be, the sound itself is shaped by nature and not by humans.
  • The book of life -- This is not always an easy image for me -- the image of a book or scroll where my fate for the coming year is already written.
  • The public confession of sin -- The Al Chet prayer is a public confession during which all members of the community stand together and confess together. It is one of the most powerful moments in the Rosh Hashanah liturgy for me.

During the Al Chet prayer, the public confession, there is the repeated refrain teshuvah, tefilah and tzedakah will avert the evil decree. Why were these three things chosen (apart from the alliterative appeal)? My own thoughts:

  • Teshuvah is an active process that requires changes in your life. Without action on our own part, nothing will change.
  • Tefilah (prayer) is again an action that we must take to effect change.
  • Tzedakah implies again an action, the giving of charity, the doing of righteous deeds, actions which will put us back into alignment with G-d.
All three of these are active processes that must be undertaken by the person who wishes to change "the evil decree". No one of the three -- repentance, prayer, or charity -- is enough by itself. The person who wishes to change the direction of his/her life must be an active participant in that change.

At the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah there are special sections of prayer that are added to our regular morning service.

  • Mulhuyot (Sovreignty) --
  • Zichronot (Remembrance) --
  • Shofarot (Shofar Service) --

The Torah readings on Rosh Hashanah are, to my mind, some of the most difficult to deal with as a parent.

  • First Day -- The birth of Isaac and the casting out of Ishmael
  • Second Day -- The binding of Isaac

At home, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with festive meals and family gatherings. Round challah is eaten and a variety of food customs have developed, e.g., eating sweet foods to express the wish for a sweet year.

Neat Customs of Rosh Hashanah. Some interesting information about various Rosh Hashanah customs that have developed in various places at various times. From the World Zionist Organization.

Blessings for the New Year. Blessings in Hebrew, English, and transliterated Hebrew with audio files so that you can hear how to sing them.

Lesson Plans for Rosh Hashanah. Background information, references, activities. Geared toward 4th to 5th graders, but adaptable for any age.



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