FROM ISRAEL TODAY

Culture & Jewish Life


Monday, August 16, 2010

Israel gears up for Rosh Hashanah - another great year!

Rosh Hashanah is a joyous time in Israel when the various troubles and tribulations that face the nation are put on the back burner and families enjoy a time of celebration.

It's just a little over three weeks until the biblical holiday of Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Feast of Trumpets, and Israelis are already gearing up for what will likely be a very hot, but otherwise joyous holiday season.

Rosh Hashanah kicks off a full month of biblical holy days that also include Yom Kippur and the 8-day Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot.

Go to Jerusalem Depot >> The dates of these holidays shift from year to year as they are marked according to the Hebrew calendar (which is a lunar calendar). Rosh Hashanah is arriving rather early this year (September 9 - meaning it actually begins on the evening of September 8, since the biblical "day" is from sunset to sunset), and if the heat Israel is experiencing in August continues, local Jews and biblically-observant Christians are going to need to keep their fans at full-blast as they celebrate.

Rosh Hashanah is typically marked by prayers at local synagogues and, for those who can get there, the Western Wall in Jerusalem. These prayers are accompanied by the sound of the shofar - a traditional ram's horn trumpet dating back to biblical times.

Israeli families then settle in for a long and eventful feast with family and friends. A trademark of the Rosh Hashanah feast is apple slices dipped in honey, signifying hopes and wishes for a sweet and fruitful year to come.

Even if you can't be in Israel, you can still celebrate this joyful time with us. Check out our Jerusalem Depot for everything you need to celebrate an authentic Israeli Rosh Hashanah!

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