Last updated 6:45 a.m. ET on 20 August 1999.
All links current as of 19 Aug 99.

The Tishrei Holidays

In the fall of each year, we celebrate a major cycle of holidays. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are probably the best-known and most widely-observed of these holidays, but the entire cycle has a rhythm and flow that we cherish each year. A brief overview of the Tishrei cycle is presented here; links to further resources are listed below.

Elul -- During the month of Elul we prepare ourselves for the self-examination of Rosh Hashanah. Each morning at the end of the service, we blow the shofar as a reminder to wake up, examine our actions over the preceding year, and to do teshuvah, repentance while there is still time.

Selichot are special prayers for forgiveness. They are begun the Saturday evening (traditionally at midnight) preceding the start of Rosh Hashanah, and repeated during the daily service between that day and Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah -- Literally, the "head" or start of the year, Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the Yamim Noraim (the Days of Awe), which we spend in penitence, prayer, and charity.

The Ten Days of Repentance refers to the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a time we are given to make any amends and resolve to do better during the coming year. The Shabbat that falls during this week is known as Shabbat Shuvah, the Sabbath of Return.

Yom Kippur -- The Day of Atonement, our last chance to make things right with God.

Sukkot begins four days after Yom Kippur and is a total change of pace. We build temporary shelters outside and "live" in them for eight days.

Hoshanah Rabbah marks the beginning of the end of the Tishrei cycle. It falls on the seventh day of Sukkot.

Shemini Atzeret is the eighth day of Sukkot and the end of this joyous holiday.

Simchat Torah is the end of the fall holiday cycle, but both the end and beginning of our Torah-reading cycle each year.

For more about the Tishrei holidays, check out some of these links:

High Holidays on the Net -- Stories, customs, pictures to print out and color, recipes. If your browser supports Real Audio, you can even hear a shofar.

Rosh Hashanah -- From Judaism 101 - a general explanation of the Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur period.

Pedagogic Center of the Joint Authority for Jewish Zionist Education -- links to information, articles, activities; quizzes on Tishrei holidays.

Virtual Jerusalem's site for the holidays. You can send a holiday greeting card and read a variety of articles about the Days of Awe. Kid's section and Educator Guides coming soon.

High Holiday Guide from Chabad.

Maven's selection of holiday resources. Some of these links always seem to be outdated, but there is usually some good information to be found through this resource.

Rosh Hashanah Classes and divrei on various aspects of the holidays from Global Learning Network.

Some resources for children and their parents:

Ten Ways to Make the High Holidays More Meaningful for Your Kids Includes a variety of suggestions, including topics for discussion and a placemat you can help your child make for the holidays.

Rosh Hashanah for Parents from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Follow the arrows through this rich site to find lots of resources to use with your child -- symbols (why do we eat a round challah?), neat activities for kids and parents, recipes. This site is visually appealing and well worth checking out.

Pictures you can print out for your child to color.

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