Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is also commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This year it is celebrated from Sunday evening, Oct. 2 to Tuesday, Oct. 4.
At its spiritual centre is a celebration of the creation of the world and the kingship of God. Just as the act of creation is starting anew, so to does Rosh Hashanah afford the Jew the opportunity to look back at the mistakes of the past year and plan the necessary changes for a new year and a new beginning.
The most identifiable feature of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the Shofar, a hollowed-out ram’s horn used during the Rosh Hashanah service to awaken the Jewish worshippers to take personal account of their actions during the past year.
Yom Kippur is considered the most important holy day of the Jewish year. Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and attend synagogue services on this day. Occurring 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is observed this year from Tuesday evening, Oct. 11 to Wednesday, Oct. 12.
The name “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement.” It is a day set aside to atone for the mistakes of the past year. However, Yom Kippur atones only for transgressions between humankind and God, not for those committed against another person. To atone for these transgressions, one must first seek reconciliation with the person who has been wronged.
Together, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are referred to as the Jewish High Holidays. Beth Tikvah Congregation (9711 Geal Rd., Richmond) invites all Jews in the Lower Mainland to join us for these Holy Days. To make arrangements for High Holiday tickets call 604-271-6262.
Howard Segal is the rabbi at Beth Tikvah Congregation in Richmond
