Rosh Hashanah, meaning 'Head of the Year' in Hebrew, is a two-day celebration that marks the Jewish New Year. In Israel, the holiday typically falls during September or October, depending on the Hebrew calendar. This holiday is not only the start of the Jewish New Year but is also considered the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve. It marks the beginning of the 10 'Days of Awe', leading to Yom Kippur which is the day of atonement.
This solemn yet joyful holiday is imbued with symbolic practices and customs. During Rosh Hashanah, it is traditional for Jews in Israel to attend synagogue services. One of the iconic symbols of the holiday is the blowing of the shofar, or ram's horn, which serves as a call to repentance. A traditional practice includes Tashlich, which involves symbolically casting off sins into a body of water.
The festive meals during Rosh Hashanah are symbolic and sweet, inspiring hope for a sweet new year. Foods like apples dipped in honey, pomegranates, and round challah bread are staples for this holiday. The round shape of the challah symbolizes the cyclical and eternal nature of life. There’s also a traditional practice of sending greeting cards to love ones, wishing them a good and sweet new year.