Rosh Hashana

Rosh Hashana History

Rosh Hashana, also known as the Jewish New Year, is a time for introspection, self-evaluation, and spiritual renewal. This significant observance invites Jewish individuals to assess their actions over the previous year and seek forgiveness for any wrongdoings. The holiday also marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, which culminate ten days later with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Essential aspects of Rosh Hashana include sounding the shofar, a traditional ram's horn trumpet, as a call to spiritual awakening, and partaking in symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey, representing the hope for a sweet new year.

The origin of Rosh Hashana can be traced back to biblical times with specific mention in the Torah, Judaism's most sacred text. Although the Canadian Jewish community is relatively small, representing approximately 1% of the population, the observance of Rosh Hashana remains significant within this group. Jewish Canadians often choose to spend time with family and friends during this period, reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the year to come.

In Canada, Rosh Hashana is not a public holiday, however Jewish organizations, businesses, and schools usually close or operate under reduced hours to allow for community observance. The customs and rituals practiced across the country are similar to those in other parts of the world, with gatherings at synagogues and festive meals in homes. The Jewish calendar determines the date of Rosh Hashana, which typically occurs in September or early October, differing year to year. Regardless of the specific date, this observance provides Jewish Canadians with an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their traditions and culture.

Rosh Hashana facts

• In synagogues it is common for 100 notes to be sounded with a Ram's horn as a call to repentance.
• For Rosh Hashana, many Jews 'cast off their sins' to a running water stream/sea containing fish (the Tashlich custom). This is to symbolically purge one's body of sin and cast the sins onto the fish.
• The oldest surviving synagogue in Canada is the Congregation Emanu-El in Victoria, British Columbia, established in 1863.
• During Rosh Hashana services, the shofar, a ram's horn, is blown 100 times to awaken the congregation to the importance of self-reflection and repentance.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Rosh Hashana

Top things to do in Canada for Rosh Hashana

• Celebrate the Jewish New Year with a Rosh Hashana Concert. Popular concerts are held in major cities such as New York and London.
• Attend a local Rosh Hashanah service as a synagogue near you.
• It is customary to bless and drink wine or grape juice during Rosh Hashanah. You can choose a kosher wine or grape juice to serve during the holiday celebration.
• Tashlich ceremonies usually occur on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, wherein Jews gather at a nearby body of water to symbolically cast away their sins. Tashlich ceremonies are organized in cities and parks across Canada.