MBA’s Jewish families began a 10 day stretch of festivities on Monday, September 30th. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a fall holiday, taking place at the beginning of the month of Tishrei , which is actually the seventh month of the Jewish year It is both a time of rejoicing and of serious introspection, a time to celebrate the completion of another year while also taking stock of the good and the not so good in one’s life. As such, our Jewish students will be absent for a few days as the holidays prohibit work of any kind. The two days of Rosh Hashanah usher in the Ten Days of Repentance also known as the Days of Awe which culminate in the major fast day of Yom Kippur the Day of Atonement. The Days of Awe represent the climax of a longer process. Starting at the beginning of the previous month, called Elul, the shofar, a ram’s horn that makes a trumpet-like sound, acts as a wake-up call to prepare for the Tishrei holidays. One week before Rosh Hashanah, special petitionary prayers called are added to the ritual. Rosh Hashanah itself is also known as Yom Hadin or the Day of Judgment, on which God opens the Books of Life and Death, which are then sealed on Yom Kippur, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar.
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Food is an important part of most celebrations and it plays an integral part in Jewish holidays such as Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. After fasting and reflecting in solitude, the Jewish family reconnects over a marvelous meal. The challah (traditional bread) that is eaten for the Rosh Hashanah season is round, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life. The challah is traditionally dipped in honey, symbolizing the hopes for a sweet New Year.
Shanah Tovah Umetukah!
Mr. Redmond & Mr. Kelly