September traditionally serves as a slow introduction to the school year. This is for various reasons, some of which include unofficial syllabus week, class meetings, and days reserved strictly for ice-breakers.
In addition to these delaying factors, most schools across the country close during this time for the Jewish holidays, Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah.
Because of the predominantly Christian area we live in, many people are unaware of the reason we were off from school these two days last month. Consider this a crash course on the two biggest Jewish holidays of the year.
A Brief History
Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered to be a “High Holy Day” in Judaism, in addition to Yom Kippur.
Rosh Hashanah means “first of the year,” and typically falls during September or October. This is dependent on the Jewish calendar, as Rosh Hashanah begins on the first day of the month Tishrei, the seventh month of the year.
The idea is that for ten days, beginning on Rosh Hashanah, God judges all beings and decides whether they will live or die in the upcoming year. This is called the Ten Days of Awe. After the tenth day, it is then Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. Jewish beliefs teach that God writes the names of those who will live in the “Book of Life” and condemns evil to death on Rosh Hashanah.
As for Yom Kippur, it is considered the most important holiday in Judaism. It marks the end of the Ten Days of Awe, the aforementioned period of repentance and reflection. This day is typically centered around asking for forgiveness, making amends, and setting goals for the New Year.
Festivities and Traditions
In terms of celebrating, most practicing Jews attend synagogue on these days. These services are both centered around welcoming the New Year, but the atmosphere at each service differs slightly. Rosh Hashanah is a happy celebration of life and the upcoming year. Yom Kippur, however, is solemn and a reflection of the past year.
The service differs at each synagogue, but its structure is similar to that of a church service. Songs are sung, prayers are said, and a sermon is delivered.
When arriving at the synagogue, the common greeting is “L’shana tova,” meaning “for a good year,” in Hebrew.
After attending service on Rosh Hashanah, most people celebrate the new year with family. This is typically a family gathering, with food specific to the holiday. For example, some people eat apples and honey to signify a sweet new year. Challah, traditional braided bread, is a common food on the table. It is baked in a round shape to symbolize the cycles of life. Challah is a common food, as it is also eaten on Shabbat, which is every sunset Friday to sunset on Saturday.
As for Yom Kippur, most practicing Jews may choose to fast on the holiday. Fasting begins at sundown, the night before the holiday, and ends at sundown, the day of the holiday. The idea of fasting is to cleanse the body and soul of impurities, not serve as a punishment. Breaking the fast is usually done with a meal of breakfast-like comfort foods, such as bagels.
Additionally, many people make donations or volunteer as a way to atone for the sins they committed in the previous year. Some synagogues may hold a food drive or ask for donations of some sort.
What can you do?
When this time rolls around again next year, I hope you now find yourself to be more informed about the High Holy Days in Judaism.
Being respectful about concepts and holidays you are not familiar with can be tough, as unfamiliarity makes us uncomfortable, and sometimes being uncomfortable can make us insensitive.
Asking questions (respectfully) and educating yourself is the best way to learn more about the unfamiliar, and understand what you didn’t before.
So, ask questions, Google what you don’t know, and share what you do.
Works Cited
- “Yom Kippur: Significance, Facts & Traditions.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/holidays/yom-kippur-history.
- “Rosh Hashanah: Dates, Traditions & History.” History.Com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/holidays/rosh-hashanah-history.
Photo Citation
https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/5641845/jewish/Yom-Kippur-2023-FAQ.htm
