Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, celebration, and hope for a sweet new year. It has reminded me of celebrating with my family and friends over the years in England.
In England, my Rosh Hashanah was always a whirlwind of activity, lasting two days, with the busiest day always being the first. We’d begin the evening, marking the start of the holiday, and immediately dive into the first-night dinner. Tradition had us gathering at the same family’s home every year, where we’d recite Kiddush, bless the challah, and dip the apple in honey.
Beyond the traditional symbols, our table was adorned with specific foods carrying symbolic meanings. We’d bless pomegranate seeds for abundance, carrots to increase our merits, and chives, which we’d tear apart, praying for G-d to strike down the enemies of Israel. A ram’s head, a reminder of the Binding of Isaac, was also present, signifying our hope to be leaders rather than followers.
The first day of Rosh Hashanah was always the most bustling of the two. It is a day when many who didn’t attend synagogue regularly would come together to visit family and friends and participate in the service.
Younger children would attend age-appropriate services, where they’d sing songs and learn about the holiday’s themes. Older children, meanwhile, would gather for youth services that often included prayer or discussions centered around Rosh Hashanah. A rabbi or synagogue member would typically visit the younger children’s services to allow them to hear the shofar being blown, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to experience this essential part of the holiday.
As we left the synagogue, we would each receive a small pot of honey, a sweet reminder of the holiday’s theme of a sweet new year, which was a favorite among the younger children. From there, we’d head to friends’ or family’s homes for a festive lunch. My family and I had a tradition of celebrating the first-day lunch at my aunt’s house. Her home would be transformed for the occasion, with Rosh Hashanah-themed decorations adorning the walls and table.
This will be my first festival celebrating in Israel, and I hope it is as special as it has been growing up.
I wish everyone a happy Rosh Hashanah and a sweet new year!
Timings:
- Jerusalem: Wednesday, October 2nd – 17:43 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 18:57 pm
- London: Wednesday, October 2nd – 18:17 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 19:22 pm
- Melbourne: Wednesday, October 2nd – 18:07 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 19:06 pm
- Adelaide: Wednesday, October 2nd – 18:07 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 18:58 pm
- Mexico City: Wednesday, October 2nd – 18:05 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 18:55 pm
- New York City: Wednesday, October 2nd – 18:17 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 19:14 pm
- Los Angeles: Wednesday, October 2nd – 18:17 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 19:11 pm
- Rio De Janeiro: Wednesday, October 2nd – 17:32 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 18:26 pm
- Paris: Wednesday, October 2nd – 19:09 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 20:11 pm
- Amsterdam: Wednesday, October 2nd – 18:56 pm | Thursday, October 3rd – 20:02 pm
