Rosh HaShanah traditions: On the first night of Rosh HaShanah honey is served wi
th apples and round loaves of challah (egg bread). A blessing is recited over the bread, along with a prayer for a sweet new year. On the second night, a new fruit such as pomegranate is also served and a special prayer thanking God for bringing us to this season is recited.
This coming weekend begins the very special and holy time known as the High Holy Days: Rosh HaShanah (also called Yom Teruah – Feast of Trumpets), Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles or Booths). These Biblical feasts and fasts are called moedim in Hebrew, meaning appointed times.
The Book of Leviticus in the Torah specifies the reason for each of these appointed times, when they are to be kept, and how they are to be celebrated. Although many people, including Christians, consider these holidays to be “Jewish holidays,” they are in fact God’s Holy Days and festivals. As such, they are entirely relevant to anyone who is interested in knowing Him.
By: Jim Borge
