This Sunday, as the day draws to a close, the Jewish community will ring in year 5773 as part of their celebration of Rosh Hashanah, or the Jewish New Year. The festivities will continue until nightfall on Tuesday, Sept. 18.
Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” signals the beginning of the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, marks the end, and together they are two of the holiest days for Jews.
Like most New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashanah is a time of introspection and a time to bring about changes in the coming year. The traditional blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn, during services on Rosh Hashanah marks a time to contemplate past mistakes and find ways to make things right.
On this day, as on Sabbath, Jews avoid work and spend the day with family. And where there’s a family gathering, can food be far behind? It’s no surprise that after services Jewish families tuck into an elaborate spread of traditional dishes.
The day begins with eating apples dipped in honey, in hopes that the new year will also be sweet. Another tradition is to bake challah, a round-shaped bread that is a symbol of the circle of life.
You can celebrate the holiday in Santa Cruz:
Kolaynu: The Progressive Jewish Voice of Santa Cruz, invites community, friends, and loved ones to join us in celebrating the Jewish New Year “Santa-Cruz-Style” -- warm, spiritual, participatory, egalitarian, progressive, creative, joyful and peace-oriented, in song - with cantorial soloists Jonnie Pekelny and Sephy Elizai.
The services are at the Pacific Cultural Center, 1307 Seabright Avenue at Broadway, Santa Cruz. Call (831) 475-3313 for more information or KolaynuEvents-owner@yahoogroups.com
See: owner@yahoogroups.com
Temple Beth El: This reform synagogue in Aptos has a range of services, including some at the beaches at Rio del Mar and Natural Bridges. To download a complete packet about the High Holy Days, click here.
So, it's time to get into that festive mood! Patch has come up with some great recipes that will make your Rosh Hoshanah meal extra special this year.
Congregation Kol Tefillah: Erev Rosh Hashana Sunday, Sept. 16, 6:45 p.m.: Services at the synagogue at 200 Washington St., suite 109, followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner at the Community Room of the Santa Cruz Police Station, 155 Center St., where you can drop off your dish starting at 6:00 pm.
Chadeish Yameinu: Starts Sunday at 7 p.m. until Wednesday at 7:40 p.m. at First Congregational Church (Social Hall)900 High Street. For more info: here and here.
Here's a recipe for a mouth-watering, traditional meal complete with , and .
Want to try something new this year? Take a look at this , which Susan Silverberg shared on Culver City Patch.
In the mood for some baking and indulging that sweet tooth at the same time? Try this recipe for from West Bloomfield Patch.
Here’s wishing you L’shanah Tovah--the traditional Happy New Year greeting-- and B'tayavon (that’s Hebrew for bon appetit)!
How are you celebrating Rosh Hashanah this year? Share your Rosh Hashanah recipes and traditions with us in the comments section below!
The recipes sound great!
Together we'll listen to the call of the Shofar, taste the sweetness of the Apple-and-Honey, recommit to G-d on Yom Kippur, unite under the leafy branches of the Sukkah, and rejoice in our heritage on Simchat Torah. We invite you to join us for High Holiday services, complete with informative and inspiring commentary and insights. Of course, each service is followed by Kiddush and holiday delicacies. There is no fee for services and membership is not required. Contributions can be made at www.ChabadbytheSea.com/partners. Also, please note: If you would like to purchase a Lulav and Etrog set, your order must be places ASAP! Get all your High Holiday info at www.chabadbythesea.com/high