Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, sweeps in each autumn with traditions and rituals the Jewish people have been observing for thousands of years. As the literal "head of the year," this Holy Day begins our transformative journey of t’shuvah (repentance) and allows us to set fresh intentions to bring about a sweet year ahead.

During the period leading up to Rosh Hashanah, we listen as the shofar's blast jolts us awake -- a spiritual alarm clock reminding us of the sacred opportunity to start fresh and urging us to prayer and action. And during Rosh Hashanah, with “shanah tovah” on our lips, Hebrew for “a good year," we'll come together to celebrate in front of Torahs dressed in special white mantles to symbolize the desire for our transgressions to be washed clean.  

Rosh Hashanah is also a time of deep symbolism. Savoring new or rarely eaten fruits lets us taste the newness of the year itself, while apples and honey, round and sweet, remind us of the promise of a well-rounded, joyful year ahead. Round challahs grace our tables, symbolic of our wish for a year full of life and blessings without end. These special challahs also embody the never-ending opportunity for t'shuvah and self-improvement. We also enjoy lots of pomegranate seeds, which besides being healthy and delicious, Jewish legend says will predict the number of good deeds you'll perform in the coming year. 

As you set the spiritual tone for 5784 by partaking in these time-honored traditions, your Temple Judea team - from staff to lay leaders to clergy - is working hard to ensure a special opportunity to unite and celebrate together, whether in the Goor Sanctuary, at Rosh Hashanah @ Camp, streaming online, or by sharing in the memory of your loved ones in a Virtual Book of Remembrance. As we prepare to usher in this new spiritual year together, here's to a "shanah tovah" filled with growth, joy, blessings, and sweetness!