Rosh Hashana

Rosh Hashana History

Rosh Hashana, also known as the Jewish New Year, is a significant religious observance for Jewish communities worldwide, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days. The central theme of the observance is introspection and repentance, with a focus on Jewish individuals examining their actions and seeking forgiveness for sins committed during the past year. Rosh Hashana is characterised by the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn) in synagogues, symbolic of a spiritual awakening, as well as the festive meal consisting of symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey, to represent a sweet new year.

Though Rosh Hashana's origins date back to biblical times, its celebration in the United Kingdom commenced as Jewish communities established themselves in the country, particularly throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Over time, Rosh Hashana has grown in visibility and significance for British Jews and the broader society alike. The Observance offers an opportunity for Jews in the United Kingdom to connect with their religious and cultural heritage. Reaffirming their Jewish identity, they can better engage in acts of community-building and social solidarity.

In the United Kingdom, Rosh Hashana is marked by traditional rituals and customs in both private homes and synagogues. Key elements include the recital of special prayers, lighting of candles, festive meals, and the sounding of the shofar. The United Kingdom also boasts numerous events that facilitate the Observance, ranging from family-oriented activities to educational workshops and communal gatherings. Rosh Hashana occurs on the first and second days of the Hebrew calendar's month of Tishrei, typically falling in September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. The specific date varies according to the Hebrew calendar, and as such, the celebration aligns with the varying dates globally, including the United Kingdom.

Rosh Hashana (Begins) facts

• In synagogues it is common for 100 notes to be sounded with a Ram's horn as a call to repentance.
• For Rosh Hashana, many Jews 'cast off their sins' to a running water stream/sea containing fish (the Tashlich custom). This is to symbolically purge one's body of sin and cast the sins onto the fish.
• Between 1723 and 1857, Rosh Hashanah was recognized as a legal holiday in Britain. This meant that British Jews did not have to attend mandatory work or school on this day.
• In the United Kingdom, some Jews participate in a unique Rosh Hashanah custom known as Tashlich. They throw pieces of bread into streams or rivers to symbolically cast away their sins.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Rosh Hashana

Top things to do in the UK for Rosh Hashana

• Celebrate the Jewish New Year with a Rosh Hashana Concert. Popular concerts are held in major cities such as New York and London.
• Attend a local Rosh Hashanah service as a synagogue near you.
• Synagogues and Jewish community centers may hold classes, lectures, or workshops on the meaning and customs of Rosh Hashanah, aiming to educate and engage both children and adults in the celebration of the Jewish New Year.
• Many Jewish families in the UK host or attend elaborate meals during Rosh Hashanah, featuring traditional foods such as challah bread, apples dipped in honey, and pomegranate seeds. Some synagogues and Jewish community centers might also host communal meals for members and guests.

Rosh Hashana references