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Rosh Hashanah
2005-2006 / Jewish Year 5766: sunset October 3, 2005 - nightfall October 5, 2005
Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year, is a two day holiday. In
Hebrew language, Rosh Hashanah means "head of the year", or
"first of the year." The common greeting at this time is L'shanah
tovah ("for a good year"). The ten days starting with Rosh
Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur are commonly known as the
Days of Awe, or the Days of Repentance. This is the time to look
back at the mistakes of the past year and to plan a better life
in the coming year. It is believed that, based on our life of the
year before, the judgment for each of us is written in the Book
of Life. Depending on our repentance, prayer and good deeds, the
decision of what will happen to us in the coming year is made.
To call to repentance on Rosh Hashanah, a shofar (a ram's horn),
is blown in synagogues. During these days of atonement, it is
common to seek reconciliation with people. On the afternoon of
the first day of Rosh Hashanah, walk to a river or spring, say
the prayers and throw the bread crumbs into the water. This is
symbolic of casting away sins and giving self a fresh start. At
the end of every day, before you go to sleep, you think over all
your actions of that day and see what you can improve for the
next day.
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Yom Kippur
October 13, 2005
On Yom Kippur, the final Day of Judgment, the Book of Life, written on Rosh Hashanah, is sealed.
As a wish for a sweet year, during Rosh Hashanah, it is
traditional to eat apples dipped in honey, honey cake, and
pomegranates, which are symbols of plenty of health and happiness
for the New Year.
On the first night on Rosh Hashanah, candles should be lit no
later than 18 minutes before sundown. On the second night,
candles should be lit immediately after sunset, kindled by an
existing flame. For the candle lighting time in your area,
consult the list provided by the Orthodox Union or any Jewish
calendar.
With USAGiftOnline warmest wishes for peace, joy and good health in the year ahead!
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