Rosh HaShanah (literally, "Head of the Year") refers to the celebration of the Jewish New Year. The holiday is observed on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which usually falls in September or October, and marks the beginning of a ten-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance, which culminate on the fast day of Yom Kippur. These ten days are referred to as Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe or the High Holy Days.
While there are elements of joy and celebration, Rosh HaShanah is a deeply religious occasion. The customs and symbols of Rosh HaShanah reflect the holiday's dual emphasis, happiness and humility. Special customs observed on Rosh HaShanah include; the sounding of the shofar, using round challah, eating apples and honey (and other sweet foods) for a sweet new year.
There is also a customary service observed before Rosh HaShanah. S'lichot, meaning forgiveness, refers to the penitential prayers recited by Jews prior to the onset of the High Holiday season. It is a solemn and fitting preparation for ten days of reflection and self-examination.
Rosh HaShanah at Home
Tashlich Service (PDF)from Beth El Synagogue; Durham, NC. A service for the custom of symbolically casting away our sins.
WRJ High Holiday cards - Wish friends and loved ones Shanah tova with these cards and E-cards
Text Study - Using verses from the prophet Nehemiah think about ways to share your Rosh HaShanah celebration.
Rosh HaShanah in Your Synagogue
Reaching for Holiness - Study guides for S'lichot, the High Holy Day season and Sukkot. Music workshop, text study, film discussion, personal evaluation, and more.
Algerian Jewish history and culinary traditions. Rosh Hashanah recipes: "Algerian Chicken with Quince" and "Vegetable Melange in Pastry Shells." Tina D. Wasserman. Fall 2009.
Why Bulgarian Jewish cuisine resembles the cooking of Sephardic Jews in Greece and Turkey. "Baked Chicken with Barley," "Agristada-Egg Lemon Sauce," "Kiopoolu-Bulgarian Roasted Eggplant Spread." Tina D. Wasserman. Fall 2008.
The origins of the custom of dipping a slice of apple in honey to express our hopes for a sweet and fruitful year. Recipes: "Rosh Hashanah Noodle Kugel," "Apples and Honey Cake Bread Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce," "Fresh Apple Cake." Tina D. Wasserman. Fall 2007.
Tashlich Service (PDF) 
Reaching for Holiness
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