The Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar, which means that it is based on both the lunar cycle and the solar cycle. The first day of each month is the new moon, and the seventh day of each month is the full moon. The Jewish holidays are based on these lunar cycles, and they often fall on different days each year. As you can imagine, the Jewish calendar does not align with the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar cycle.
For example, the first day of Tishrei, which is the Jewish New Year, fell on September 16th in 2023 but will start on October 3rd in 2024.
This can be difficult to follow, especially for Gentile people, but those who practice Judaism find great meaning in these holidays — and have a clear understanding of when each important holiday falls, year after year.
What Is Rosh Hashanah?
In 2022, the only holiday in September was Rosh Hashanah. However, this year, it starts on October 2. Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish New Year, is the first of the High Holy Days. It is a time of introspection and repentance, and it lasts for two days. It also marks the start of the 10 Days of Awe, during which Jews reflect and repent as they prepare for Yom Kippur.
On Rosh Hashanah, Jews believe that God decides who will live and who will die in the coming year. This is why it is so important to repent for one’s sins; repentance is seen as a way to ensure that God will have mercy on a person.
Rosh Hashanah is also a time to celebrate the new year and to reflect on the past year. Jews often spend time with family and friends, and they may exchange gifts or go on special trips.
Customs of Rosh Hashanah
There are many customs associated with Rosh Hashanah, including eating special foods and reciting prayers. One of the most well-known prayers is the shofar, which is a horn that is blown during the holiday. The shofar is meant to symbolize the sound of a trumpet, and it is used to call people to repentance.
Another common custom on Rosh Hashanah is to eat apples dipped in honey. This is done to symbolize the hope for a sweet new year. Other common foods include pomegranates, which symbolize the fruitfulness of the year to come, and challah bread, which is a special type of braided bread.
Finally, it is customary to wish others a happy new year on Rosh Hashanah. The Hebrew phrase “L’shanah tovah” is commonly used, and it means “for a good year.”
How Is Rosh Hashanah Celebrated?
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated by going to synagogue, and by spending time with family and friends. Some people may also choose to fast on this holiday, as a way to reflect on their sins and to focus on their relationship with God.
Those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah will often exchange gifts, and they may also go on special trips or outings. This is a time to enjoy the company of loved ones, and to reflect on the past year. It is also a time to look forward to the year to come, and to hope for a happy and healthy new year.
Rosh Hashanah has been celebrated for centuries, and it is one of the most important holidays in Judaism. Rosh Hashanah is not actually mentioned in the Torah, but it is mentioned in the Mishnah, which is a collection of oral traditions. the Mishnah was compiled in 200 CE, but scholars believe that the holiday dates back to at least 600 BCE.
Other Jewish Holidays In or Around September
Rosh Hashanah is the only Jewish holiday in September, but there are a few other holidays that fall close to this month.
Yom Kippur, which is the Day of Atonement, falls in October. In 2024, Yom Kippur will be observed on the 11th and 12th. This is a day of fasting and repentance, and it is considered to be the most important day of the year.
Succot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, also falls in October. In 2024, this holiday will begin on the evening of October 16th and will end on the evening of October 23rd. Succot is a harvest festival, and it is a time to give thanks for the bounty of the year. This holiday lasts for seven days, and it is a time of joy and celebration. Jews build temporary shelters, or sukkot, and they spend time outdoors during this holiday.
Finally, Hanukkah falls in December. In 2024, Hanukkah will begin on the evening of December 25th, and it will end on the evening of January 2. Hanukkah is an eight-day festival that commemorates the rededication of the temple in Jerusalem. This holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights, and it is a time of joy and celebration. Jews This holiday celebrates the victory of the Jewish people over their oppressors, and it is a time to remember the importance of freedom.
The Jewish Faith has many other important holidays throughout the year, including:
- Passover
- Shavuot
- Sukkot
- Hanukkah
- Tu Bishvat
- Purim
- Pesach
There are many other Jewish high holidays that are not mentioned here, but these are some of the most important ones. Each holiday has its own customs and traditions, and each one is a special time to celebrate the Jewish faith.
Contact The Gardens of Boca Raton To Discuss Your Jewish Funeral
The Gardens of Boca Raton provides a warm and welcoming environment for all those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. We understand the importance of funeral requests, religious needs, and both secular and religious customs, and we are dedicated to providing our residents and their guests with the highest level of service possible.
Our funeral pre-planning options are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, and we are proud to offer a wide range of services to our residents. We also offer a variety of burial options, including traditional ground burial, mausoleum entombment, and cremation.
For more information about our funeral services, or to discuss your specific needs with one of our funeral directors, please contact us today. We are here to help you through this difficult time, and we will be happy to answer any questions that you may have.
