As the sun sets on October 2, the Jewish community will come together to kick off Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of their new year. This year, 5785, marks the beginning of the High Holy Days and a time for reflection and renewal. Synagogues will ring with the sound of the shofar, while families gather for meals and special prayers near bodies of water. From apples dipped in honey to traditional round challahs, Rosh Hashanah is a time for appreciation, hope, and unity.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah, meaning "head of the year," marks the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days and the Jewish New Year. This year, 5785, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on October 2nd and ends at nightfall on October 4th.
Background
Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection and renewal. Jews believe that on Rosh Hashanah, God judges all of humanity and determines their fate for the coming year. In preparation for this judgment, Jews traditionally engage in teshuvah (repentance), tefillah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity).
Observances
Rosh Hashanah is a joyous holiday, celebrated with festive meals, special prayers, and the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn). On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to dip apples in honey, symbolizing the hope for a sweet new year. Round challahs (braided bread) are also served, representing the cycle of the year.
Other Rosh Hashanah traditions include attending synagogue services, hearing the Torah reading, and reciting special prayers known as the Unetaneh Tokef. Jews also often gather near bodies of water, such as rivers or lakes, to cast their sins into the water.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What are the dates of Rosh Hashanah this year? Answer: October 2nd - October 4th, 2023
2. What is the significance of the shofar? Answer: The shofar is a ram's horn blown on Rosh Hashanah to symbolize the call to repentance and the awakening of the soul.
3. What foods are traditionally eaten on Rosh Hashanah? Answer: Apples dipped in honey, round challahs, pomegranates, and fish heads.
4. What are some common Rosh Hashanah prayers? Answer: "Unetaneh Tokef," "Avinu Malkeinu," and "Haverim HaKol."
5. What is the difference between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Answer: Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the High Holy Days, while Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement, observed ten days later. Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection and judgment, while Yom Kippur is a day of fasting and repentance.
International Men's Day, founded in 1999, is observed annually on November 19 to raise awareness about men's health and celebrate their contributions to society. It is a day to appreciate the fathers, brothers, sons, and friends who make a positive impact in our lives every day. Let's take this opportunity to show our love and gratitude to the men in our lives and acknowledge the impact they have on our wellbeing.
November 19 marks International Men's Day, a time to recognize and appreciate the outstanding contributions of men in society. This day promotes ideas and actions that support men's mental and physical health and encourages positive role models. Join the celebration by expressing your gratitude and admiration for the remarkable men in your life, and spreading awareness about important issues such as mental health, gender equality, and positive masculinity.
The city of Delhi continues to struggle with severe air pollution, leading to an alarming rise in toxicity levels. The worsening weather conditions and reduced visibility are causing disruptions in daily life, with flight delays and slower road traffic. The authorities have implemented a new plan to combat the pollution, including school closures and advisories for residents. Stay updated on the latest news and weather updates through various media outlets and be prepared to take precautions to protect your health.
A string of tragic incidents in Delhi involving speeding water tankers has left several people dead and injured. From a 40-year-old man being mowed down in a busy market to a teenage physiotherapy student dying in a car crash, these accidents serve as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. Authorities are being urged to take action to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
People for Cattle in India (PFCI), a Chennai-based animal welfare NGO, has called for immediate action against the custodians and mahouts of a temple elephant housed in Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu. The NGO has requested authorities to take action following disturbing video footage that shows the elephant being controlled through intimidation and threats, using banned iron ankushes. PFCI has highlighted the elephant's history of abuse and stressed the urgent need for her rescue and rehabilitation. The organisation has also drawn attention to ongoing welfare failures in the elephant's care and insists on accountability for those responsible. Captive elephants under extreme stress can become unpredictable and pose a threat to both the elephant and the community, making this a critical issue for humane management.
After decades of dormancy, Resumed Excavation at Ratnagiri Buddhist Monastery in Jajpur district is expected to shed light on previously unknown aspects of the historic site. Led by ASI officer Debala Mitra, previous excavations in the 1960s yielded thousands of rare artifacts, establishing Ratnagiri as an ancient Buddhist university. With renewed efforts beginning on November 20 and the participation of students from prestigious universities, the mysteries of Ratnagiri may finally be revealed. However, logistical challenges and lack of on-site facilities for workers and researchers are causing some concerns. Nevertheless, this venture promises to greatly expand our knowledge of Buddhist heritage in the region and contribute to further studies.
As winter sets in, North India is facing a hazardous rise in air pollution, with several cities recording ‘severe’ and ‘very poor’ air quality. Delhi, the nation’s capital, is currently covered in thick smog, causing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach dangerous levels. In response, the Delhi administration has implemented anti-pollution measures and advised vulnerable populations to limit outdoor activities. While some cities, such as Patna and Lucknow, also faced ‘very poor’ air quality, others like Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad saw ‘moderate’ or even ‘satisfactory’ levels.
The Delhi Traffic Police has started cracking down on violators of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) III in the national capital. On the first day of the ban on BS III petrol and BS IV diesel vehicles, around 550 challans were issued with a total fine of over Rs 1 crore. Additionally, 4,855 vehicles were also fined for not having a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC). The ban also extends to inter-state buses from NCR cities into Delhi. Traffic police have intensified checking and returned over 300 prohibited vehicles, prosecuting those without PUCC certificates. This comes as the city faces severe air pollution levels and the Delhi government implements restrictions under stage III of the GRAP.
A Roman Catholic priest named Christopher Lee was stabbed inside a church in Singapore by a Singaporean attacker. The priest was in stable condition and the attacker has been arrested. Despite the rarity of violent crimes in Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong expressed shock and sadness over the incident and reminded that violence has no place in the city. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was not an act of terrorism and the suspect, a 37-year-old Christian from the local Sinhalese community, acted alone. Masses at the church will continue as scheduled despite the incident.
Delhi experienced a cold and breezy evening on Thursday, accompanied by dense fog that resulted in low visibility and added to the chill in the air. The city recorded its second-lowest daytime temperature of the season at 29.4 degrees Celsius. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the maximum temperature on Wednesday was the lowest of the winter season so far. Visibility was also significantly affected, measuring at 200 metres at Safdarjung and Palam.