A short guide to Rosh Hashanah

For 2010 / 11
Rosh Hashanah - September 19th

While most people believe that Rosh Hashana is a festival that marks the creation of the universe, some maintain that this holiday actually marks the creation of man. This would mean that the universe was created five days before that, or 25th Elul.

Occuring in September or October, the Jewish Rosh Hashanah festival marks the beginning of the New Year.

Sometimes the festival is known as Yom Ha-Zikkaron, which translates as 'Day of Rememberance'.

At this time of year, it's considered proper to renew your vows with God, and ask forgiveness of sins for the previous year. It's also a time to remember the responsibility of being one of God's chosen people.

One signifyer of the festival is the shofar blast, which is emitted from the Synagogue 100 times. This is a reference to Leviticus The shofar blast is one of the signifiers of this festival - 100 blasts being emitted from the Synagogue as a reminder of Leviticus 23:24.

There also follows a custom of eating apples and bread dipped in honey, thought to symbolise a sweet new year.One other thing to be eaten is the Challah bread which is round and symbolises the cyclical nature of the year. What else is eaten? Fish and also pomegrantes are quite often consumed at this festival.

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