Rosh Hashanah in Practice - 5785

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I wish you a sweet new year.  May you be inscribed and sealed for a year of health, abundance and great spiritual growth.  May Hashem continue to show us great miracles and bless the efforts of our heroic soldiers who put their lives on the line to protect the Jewish people.  May we  see the release of all the hostages and the end of terrorism, and may this be a year of true peace and of redemption.  As I write this, I am listening to the news of Israel being under attack.  May Hashem protect our people in Israel and all over the world.


Here are some practical things to remember for the upcoming holiday:

(Click here for a lot more information on customs, practices and meanings.)


On Wednesday, we make an “Eruv Tavshilin” in order to be able to cook and prepare on Friday for Shabbat.  Follow the link to see the explanation and instructions.


Candle lighting is a little complicated, due to the two days of holiday followed immediately by Shabbat.  On Wednesday evening the candles are lit as usual before sunset.  On Thursday they are lit after dark from a pre-existing flame, and on Friday at least 18 minutes before sunset from a pre-existing flame.


We have four festive meals for Rosh Hashanah, (both nights and both daytimes), each including kiddush and challah dipped in honey.  On the first night, Wednesday, we also dip a piece of apple in honey, and we eat pomegranates, carrots, and other foods that evoke sweetness, success, merit, and growth.


It is important to attend community services on Rosh Hashanah if you are able to walk to Shul.  The most important observance of the holiday, however, is hearing the Shofar, at least 30 blasts.  This happens both days of Rosh Hashanah.  If you can't make it to Shul, many Chabad Houses hold Shofar blowings in the park in the afternoon.


On Thursday afternoon, it is customary to go to a body of water that contains fish and say the prayer  of “Tashlich.”  Contrary to what seems to be popular belief,  it is not appropriate to feed the fish on the holiday.


Rosh Hashanah is a time for prayer and contemplation, a time to reconnect with our Creator, to remember who we are essentially, and to rebuild our relationship with Hashem. This is also the deeper significance of the blowing of the Shofar.  (See more here.)  We believe that the world is constantly being created by Hashem, and every year on Rosh Hashanah we evoke anew Hashem’s desire to continue His energy flowing in the world.  We do this by accepting His kingship and committing ourselves to His service, making the world a home for him through our observance of Mitzvot.  


The world was created with words, and so it is important to use our words carefully at this time when we are reliving the creation.  It is therefore appropriate to spend as much time as possible saying words of prayer and (written) Torah and refraining from negative talk.  Many, therefore, have the custom to read the Tehillim (Psalms) every available moment of the two days.


Chabad’s doors are open to everyone.  Please join us for a meaningful and uplifting holiday.

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