Images of renewal

The symbols of Rosh Hashanah

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Jewish holidays are often associated with specific symbols. As we prepare for Rosh Hashanah, learn more about the range of symbols that embody the celebration.

The shofar

A trumpet is called a kind of "horn" because it has its origins in the shofar, a literal animal's horn used to make a musical sound. It often comes from a ram, since it was sacrificed instead of Abraham's son during the Binding of Isaac. But a shofar can come from goats and antelopes-but not cows (because of the Golden Calf).

Apples and honey

One of the main Rosh Hashanah greetings is a wish for a "sweet New Year." We take this pretty literally-and eat sweet things on the holiday.

A round challah

While we enjoy challah every Shabbat, we symbolize the cyclical and complete nature of the calendar with a round challah on Rosh Hashanah. For extra sweetness, try one with raisins, dried cherries, or chocolate chips. Since Jewish tradition holds that the Earth itself was created on Rosh Hashanah, a round, sweet challah can be even considered a birthday cake for the world.

Pomegranates

Also round and sweet, the pomegranate is native to Israel. Pomegranates are said to have exactly 613 seeds, which represents the 613 commandments. They also symbolize fertility, love, and new life.  We hope the New Year will likewise be packed with mitzvot, blessings, and sweetness.

New fruits

Consider trying new fruits like persimmon, papaya, or guava, this Rosh Hashanah. This sweet experience gives you the chance to speak the  Shehecheyanu  blessing, which blesses G-d for helping us reach a milestone or new experience.

Tashlich tidbits 

On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we walk to a body of moving water (handily, Chicago is graced with both a lake and a river) to say a series of short prayers. Then, we toss something small that floats into the water- maybe something fish and ducks could eat (not bread!)-while envisioning ourselves tossing away our faults, sins, and regrets. Tashlich , which comes from a Hebrew word meaning "to send," enacts the last verse of the prophet Micah: "You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea."

The head of a fish

While not as popular today, eating the head of a fish is a Rosh Hashanah practice. Aside from "Rosh Hashanah" literally meaning "the head of the year," it is a reference to Dvarim/Deuteronomy 28:13: "The Lord will make you the head, not the tail."

The mikvah

A mikvah is a Jewish ritual bath, and is often visited to mark new beginnings. Rosh Hashanah is not just the start of a new calendar year, but it's an opportunity for spiritual renewal.

A set of scales

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish Day of Judgement, when our deeds of the past year are weighed. We envision a balance on which our good and bad deeds are placed and measured against each other.

A new moon 

A new year starts on a new month, and as with all Jewish months, it falls on a new moon. This being the first new moon of the year, however, its image of renewal takes on an even deeper significance.

Best wishes for a sweet New Year!  

 


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