Celebrating Rosh Hashanah

Contributed by Kate Gaddis, UHCL alumna

It’s that time of year again! It is time to bring in the Jewish new year!

Usually, during the second week of September, many Jews across the world gather with their families and head to the Synagogue. They come to listen to a beautiful choir sing and hear the Shofar, an instrument made out of a ram’s horn, which the rabbi plays multiple times during the service. The service consists of praying, singing and chanting songs.

Rosh Hashanah for me is a time where I can enjoy time with my friends and family and give thanks.

Rosh Hashanah is a time where we come to reflect on our past year and forgive those who have done us wrong. Also, don’t forget the food! Jewish people eat Challah bread and apples dipped in honey. Jewish people also have time to visit others, as well as take time out of their day to pray and thank Adonai (GOD) for what they have been given. Rosh Hashanah begins on Sept. 9 and ends on Sept. 11.

One of the biggest misconceptions about Rosh Hashanah is that it is a big party and that Jews wear party hats and act like it’s New Year’s Day. It’s the opposite of that. We don’t wear party hats or have any type of “kiss before midnight” type of thing. Mainly, it’s more of a quiet communal gathering. The rabbi wears a special tallit and sings more hymns than usual.

The Jewish community really comes together during Rosh Hashanah. Many of their family members will make dishes to bring to the Synagogue services.

L’Shana Tova! It’s Rosh Hashana.