Rosh-Hashana – Jewish New Year – the Feast of the Trumpets

Rosh Hashanָa (literally meaning the "beginning (also head) of the year") is the Jewish New Year. The biblical name for this holiday is Yom Teruah (literally "day of shouting/blasting") sometimes translated as the Feast of Trumpets. It is the first of the Jewish High Holy Days Yamim Nora'im (literally "Days of Awe").

The most important reason in this feast is to remember that God is King of Kings and a time of reflection. Rosh Hashanah marks the 1st of 10 days count up to Yom Kippur (Atonement Day).

The symbols of Rosh Hashanah are to eat sweet food, especially dip apple in honey, to symbolize an upcoming sweet year. During Rosh Hashanah dinner, a round sweet ‘halah’ (bread) is served, and it is custom to dip it in honey or sugar as well. As a side note, on all other days, when doing the ‘Kidush’ (sanctification of the Sabbath that includes blessing the bread), bread is dipped in salt, unlike, as stated above, in Rosh Hashanah when it is dipped in honey or sugar.

Another symbol is the blowing of the ‘shofar’ (ram’s horn) and you can learn more about it in this video. You may also be interested in more information about the various Rosh Hashanah symbols. Click here for more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1creh__yyAk

I’d like to wish you all ‘Leshana Tova’ – may you have a happy New Year.