Rosh Hashanah this year is held from September 25-27.
This holiday begins on the first day of Tishrei, and it marks the beginning of the civil year. It also marks the beginning of a 10-day period of soul searching and contemplation that concludes with Yom Kippur. Traditionally, this period of 10 days, the Days of Awe in Hebrew—Yamim Nora’im—are for thinking about our behavior during the previous year, asking forgiveness from those we may have wronged and pledging to make positive changes for the coming year.
Menus and customs vary from home to home, often based on family tradition and family origin. Those who are Ashkenazi, whose family origin is Eastern Europe, might make or buy a round challah with raisins: The roundness of the bread symbolizes the never-ending cycle of time and the sweetness of the raisins symbolizes the hope that the coming year will be a sweet one. Many families will also serve apples dipped in honey symbolizing the wish for a sweet new year.
We wish you and your loved ones a joyous and peaceful Rosh Hashanah.
