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.
Find out the special measures to take on Gopashtami to increase wealth, solve family problems, improve quality of life, maintain good health, and bring happiness and prosperity to your family. These rituals involve worshipping and showing respect to the cow, which is believed to hold immense significance on this day according to Hindu mythology. Don't miss out on the opportunity to unlock the auspicious benefits of Gopashtami for a prosperous and happy life.
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As the severe cyclonic storm Montha weakens into a deep depression over Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Telangana, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has ordered disaster management teams to be deployed in the inundated areas of Hyderabad. Enquiries were also made about the impact of the cyclone on paddy and cotton crops in the state, with officials predicting a more severe impact in certain districts. The storm is expected to move towards south Chhattisgarh and further weaken into a depression.
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A joyful occasion turned tragic in Mirzapur as a 17-year-old boy drowned and another remains missing during Chhath Puja celebrations. The incident occurred when five villagers entered River Ganga to take a ritual bath and began struggling in the water. While three were rescued by a local boatman, two boys were swept away. Mirzapur police are now continuing the search for the missing teenager and local divers have recovered the body of one of the boys. Similar unfortunate incidents have been reported in Jharkhand, with eleven people, mostly children, drowning in separate incidents during the past two days.
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The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a crucial advisory in preparation for the upcoming Chhath Puja celebrations in the city, which will take place on October 27 and 28, 2025. The advisory warns of potential heavy traffic and diversions near major water bodies and encourages commuters to use public transportation to avoid delays and congestion. The public is also reminded to report any suspicious activities and cooperate with the authorities for a safe and orderly celebration.
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