Rosh Hashanah (The Festival of Trumpets)

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Rosh Hashanah means "the Head of the Year."  Traditionally, this is understood to be the birthday of the world or the beginning of creation.  It is a time that we dedicate ourselves to personal renewal as we look forward to the future.

But, it's much more than that.  To look at Rosh Hashanah as an individula day of celebration is only to see half the story.  Rosh Hashanah begins what are known as the ten days of Awe that culminate in the observance of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).  Putting these two pieces of worship together as a complete story is to say, "God, we know that You have created us for Your glory and we want to be the greatest blessing and pleasure for you that we can be... but we know we can't do it without You."

The celebration of Rosh Hashanah involves the blowing of the ram's horn, the shofar with distinct blasts that remind us to return to God in everything we do.  It is a festival of homecoming, after having been so distracted by this world in all that goes on: our fears, frustrations and selfishness.  It is the story of the Prodigal Son that the Messiah told.  It is a celebration.


We eat bread and drink juice.  We dip apples in honey to remind us of the sweetness of a pure and good relationship with God.  We sing songs and tell stories.  We dance.