This year, Rosh Hashanah, which translates to “head [of] the year,” starts on the evening of September 29th and ends on the evening of October 1st.

It is a two-day Jewish holiday that commemorates the creation of the world and the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that ends in the Yom Kippur holiday. These two holidays (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur) are the highest holidays in the Jewish religion.

Aside from ushering in the Days of Awe, Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of a new year in the Jewish calendar. Because Jewish texts vary, some celebrate the holiday in a single day, while others celebrate for two days. Work is prohibited, and people spend much of the holiday attending synagogue.

However, unlike the raucous New Year’s celebrations celebrated at the end of the calendar year, Rosh Hashanah is more subdued as it is a contemplative holiday.

Rosh Hashanah Traditions

The Rosh Hashanah holiday reflects both happiness and humility.

After the temple services are over, many people celebrate by opting to wear new or special clothing, and by having a festive meal rich in symbolism and tradition. The meal typically begins with the ceremonial lighting of two candles and features food which represents positive wishes for the new year.

Typical Food in a Rosh Hashanah Spread

Some of the items you can expect to see on a typical Rosh Hashanah spread include:

• Apple and honey. One of the most popular Rosh Hashanah customs involves eating apples dipped in honey, usually after saying a special prayer. It is believed that apples have healing properties, while honey signifies the hope that the new year will be sweet.
• Round challah. During Jewish holidays, there is always challah (traditional braided bread) present. On Rosh Hashanah, challah is baked in a circular shape to symbolize the crown of God or the cyclical nature of life.

If you’re planning to attend temple all day, you don’t want to be concerned meal preparations for your own Rosh Hashanah spread. So, why not opt to have a delicious holiday spread delivered straight to your door?

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Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is considered to be one of Judaism’s holiest days. The Jewish New Year traditionally kicks off in late Summer or early Fall. Since it doesn’t follow a secular calendar but is instead based on the lunar cycle (with years in correspondence to the solar cycle), Rosh Hashanah usually takes place between the months of September and October.

For 2018, the Rosh Hashanah holiday begins the evening of Sunday, September 9 and ends the evening of Tuesday, September 11.

Rosh Hashanah: Some Background & History

The name Rosh Hashanah is translated from Hebrew to English to mean “Head of the New Year”. This holiday marks the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve.

Rosh Hashanah comprises the first two days of a 10 day period known as the “Ten Days of Repentance”. This time period is based on the idea of original sin and involves prayer, repentance, and charity. At the end of this 10 day period, Yom Kipper is celebrated — the Day of Atonement.

Traditional customs help to define the celebration of this event: many incorporating food as symbolism. For example, celebrants eat apples dipped in honey to bring about a “sweet” New Year. Consuming pomegranates supports a year of good deeds. Eating challah symbolizes the circle of life.

Families and friends exchange the words “Leshanah tovah tikateiv veteichateim”, which translates to “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.” Since this event is so important for those that practice Judaism, preparations for what is also known as the High Holidays begin a full lunar month ahead of the beginning of the 10 days, in Elul.

A Traditional Rosh Hashanah Meal

Catering by Michaels’ special Rosh Hashanah menu includes all of the traditional menu items you’d expect, as well as more modern twists on traditional favorites.

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