For many B-CC students, tomorrow is not just a day off of school, but a day of celebration. Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday that marks the New Year in the Hebrew calendar. Festivities stretch over two days, honoring one of Judaism’s holiest holidays.
These festivities begin Wednesday night with dinner amongst family and friends. While each family has their own personal traditions, there are some universal traditions that are associated with Rosh Hashanah. Senior Olivia Zaft said, “Every year we have the traditional dishes like challah and apples and honey which sort of symbolizes bringing in a sweet new year.”
On the following morning there are synagogue services, some of which are held in the auditorium at B-CC. During services various songs are played and between them prayers are held and the Rabbi gives a sermon. Additionally, excerpts from the Torah are read aloud. Zaft said, “During my temple’s service, families can sign up to come on stage and read off different assigned portions of the Torah.”
Finally, an important moment in the Rosh Hashanah service is the blowing of the shofar. There are several sounds that the shofar makes, including tekiah and teruah. The tekiah sound represents joy, hope and trust in the future, whereas the teruah sound symbolizes a cry for mercy and forgiveness.
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated a little differently by every member of the Jewish community but the idea is the same overall. Senior Karenna Seltman said, “I love getting together with family and it is special to see everyone come together for services.”
However one chooses to celebrate this holiday over the next coming days, The Tattler wishes the Jewish community a Happy Rosh Hashanah for the year 5785!
