Rosh Hashanah is a special festival that marks the Jewish New Year. It is a two-day celebration which usually occurs during the month of September. In 2020, Jewish New Year will begin in the evening of 18th September & end in the evening of 20th September. It is a time for people to reflect on the past year and ask for forgiveness for anything wrong that they have done.
Let’s have a look at how the Jewish New Year is celebrated.
The Shofar-Blowing
On the morning of this religious festival, a shofar, an ancient musical instrument made from ram’s horn is blown during the prayer service. It is customary to hear the blowing of the shofar 100 times during Rosh Hashanah.
Candle Lighting
Candles are lit on most Jewish holidays. All the girls and women in the house light candles on each night of Rosh Hashanah. On the first night, the candles can be lit any time before the holiday meal. On the second night, the candles should be lit from a pre-existing flame after nightfall. After reciting the holiday candle-lighting blessing, people recite Shehecheyanu blessing for thanking God for giving them the life and strength to reach this special day.
Festival Meal
Food is an important part of Jewish New Year celebrations, particularly sweet food, which symbolize a sweet New Year. It is a tradition to begin the meal on the first night with slices of apple dipped in honey. Many people eat parts of the head of a fish expressing their wish to be a head and not a tail. Pomegranate, round raisin challah and honey are some popular foods on the dinner table during the Jewish New Year.
Rosh Hashanah Greetings
People celebrating Rosh Hashanah wish each other a Happy New Year in different ways. One of the most popular greetings is- ‘L’shanah tovah’ which means have a good year. Sometimes people also choose ‘Shanah Tovah Umetukah’ to greet their loved ones which means have a good and sweet year.
Rosh Hashanah Gifts
People send festival greetings to friends and family with unique and thoughtful Rosh Hashanah gift ideas. Sweet foods like honey and apples are perfect for pleasing your loved ones. A wine hamper is a classy Jewish New Year gift idea to mark the occasion. A gourmet food hamper filled with fresh fruits, pie, chocolates, apple-honey challah and cheese is another excellent Rosh Hashanah gift option to greet loved ones and bring Rosh Hashanah flavours forward.
Make this Rosh Hashanah truly memorable for friends and family with thoughtful gifts and heartwarming greetings.
