Jewis begin celebration of New Year with Rosh Hashanah
Brett Sowerby
Issue date: 9/13/07 Section: Style and Culture
- Page 1 of 1
Wednesday, Sept. 13, at sundown, marks the first of the two highest holy days in the Jewish faith. Looking at any half-decent calendar, one will notice that this holiday is Rosh Hashanah.
While the literal translation is "head of the year," it is more commonly known as the Jewish New Year.
"Sevens are very important," said Rabbi Barry Krieger of the on-campus Jewish organization Hillel. "Rosh Hashanah is a biblically ordained holiday that goes back about 3000 years," Krieger continues, "It is the first day of the seventh month in the Jewish Calendar."
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset. This was the only way for early civilizations to mark the end of one day and the beginning of another. Krieger points out that this was "before the time of Casio," his favorite timepiece.
Although this holiday shares its vernacular name with the western celebration that commonly ends in heavy drinking and midnight kisses, Rosh Hashanah is a more solemn festival. Practicing members of the Jewish community are expected to go to temple, pray and reflect on the past year. They are to ask forgiveness for those they have slighted in the past year as well as grant it for those who ask.
Differences aside, much like the western holiday, Jews use this holy day to create what many might consider New Year's resolutions.
Upon this day of rest, Jews contemplate the previous year and how they can better themselves. Krieger points out that Rosh Hashanah is, in fact, a cheerful holiday and would compare most closely to Thanksgiving, with family and friends gathering for a feast as well as enjoying sweet foods like apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year.
As important as Rosh Hashanah is, perhaps the more significant holiday comes next week. Ten days after Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur, the most solemn Jewish holy day.
Yom Kippur translates to "the day of atonement." It is most known for the twenty-five hours when Jews are to abstain from any food or drink.
On Yom Kippur, participants are expected to attend religious services for much of the day. During this time, Jews ask for forgiveness for the wrongs they have committed the previous year.
"We use this holiday as a chance to review our relationships as well," said Krieger. "It is a time for connecting with the community." "This is an opportunity for self-evaluation" and a chance to think about how to be a better person - to become more kind to others.
When asked of his personal plans for the upcoming holidays, Krieger explains that he intends to host services in San Antonio, Texas.
"I consider myself a facilitator," explains Krieger. He hopes to help others understand Jewish history as it pertains to 21st century Jewish Americans - what it means to change.
If you know of an upcoming holiday that you think deserves more coverage, e-mail your suggestion to The Maine Campus at Style@mainecampus.com.
While the literal translation is "head of the year," it is more commonly known as the Jewish New Year.
"Sevens are very important," said Rabbi Barry Krieger of the on-campus Jewish organization Hillel. "Rosh Hashanah is a biblically ordained holiday that goes back about 3000 years," Krieger continues, "It is the first day of the seventh month in the Jewish Calendar."
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset. This was the only way for early civilizations to mark the end of one day and the beginning of another. Krieger points out that this was "before the time of Casio," his favorite timepiece.
Although this holiday shares its vernacular name with the western celebration that commonly ends in heavy drinking and midnight kisses, Rosh Hashanah is a more solemn festival. Practicing members of the Jewish community are expected to go to temple, pray and reflect on the past year. They are to ask forgiveness for those they have slighted in the past year as well as grant it for those who ask.
Differences aside, much like the western holiday, Jews use this holy day to create what many might consider New Year's resolutions.
Upon this day of rest, Jews contemplate the previous year and how they can better themselves. Krieger points out that Rosh Hashanah is, in fact, a cheerful holiday and would compare most closely to Thanksgiving, with family and friends gathering for a feast as well as enjoying sweet foods like apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year.
As important as Rosh Hashanah is, perhaps the more significant holiday comes next week. Ten days after Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur, the most solemn Jewish holy day.
Yom Kippur translates to "the day of atonement." It is most known for the twenty-five hours when Jews are to abstain from any food or drink.
On Yom Kippur, participants are expected to attend religious services for much of the day. During this time, Jews ask for forgiveness for the wrongs they have committed the previous year.
"We use this holiday as a chance to review our relationships as well," said Krieger. "It is a time for connecting with the community." "This is an opportunity for self-evaluation" and a chance to think about how to be a better person - to become more kind to others.
When asked of his personal plans for the upcoming holidays, Krieger explains that he intends to host services in San Antonio, Texas.
"I consider myself a facilitator," explains Krieger. He hopes to help others understand Jewish history as it pertains to 21st century Jewish Americans - what it means to change.
If you know of an upcoming holiday that you think deserves more coverage, e-mail your suggestion to The Maine Campus at Style@mainecampus.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Ben
posted 9/15/07 @ 11:09 PM EST
Just to clarify its Jewish in the title not jewis
Post a Comment