Rosh Hashana begins the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe. This time encompasses Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. As we begin a new year, G-d decides what will be in store for the coming year. As a result, it is a time of introspection, where we resolve to better ourselves and live in the ways of G-d. Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year, celebrates G-d’s sovereignty over the world. Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world, as it was on this day that G-d created Man on the 6th day of creation....(more)

Rosh Hashana begins the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe. This time encompasses Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. As we begin a new year, G-d decides what will be in store for the coming year. As a result, it is a time of introspection, where we resolve to better ourselves and live in the ways of G-d. Rosh HaShana, the Jewish New Year, celebrates G-d’s sovereignty over the world. Rosh Hashanah is the birthday of the world, as it was on this day that G-d created Man on the 6th day of creation. Throughout the prayers we proclaim G-d as King of the Universe. We accept G-d’s rulership over us and thus resolve to follow His commandments. It is also a day of judgment, where G-d judges all mankind. The Talmud writes that on Rosh HaShana there are three books open before G-d, the book of the righteous, the book of the wicked and the book of those in between. On Rosh HaShana, all mankind is judged and placed into one of the three categories. The Shofar plays a critical role in the Rosh Hashana service. Formed from a ram’s horn, its blast signifies a call to return to G-d. Additionally it the coronation blast of G-d’s rule over the world. For those who are unable to make it to synagogue on Rosh HaShana, many try to arrange to hear Shofar in their own homes. The Shofar is also an allusion to our forefather Abraham and the Akeidat Yitzchak, Binding of Issac. Abraham passed G-d’s test and was ready to sacrifice his son, as per G-d’s commandments. At the last moment g-d revealed that it was just a test and commanded Abraham to stop. Instead of Yitzchak, Abraham sacrificed a ram, that had been caught in the bushes nearby. The Shofar reminds G-d ,so to speak, of Abraham and Yitzchak’s tremendous love for Him. We hope that this merit will arouse divine compassion on us, their descendants. It is customary to listen to 100 sounds of the Shofar on each day of Rosh HaShanah. The main aspect of the Rosh HaShana davening is the Shemoneh Esrei. The Shemoneh Esrei is divided into three main topics. The first, Malchiyot, describes our acceptance of G-d’s rulership over the world. The second, Shofrot, deals with the Shofar and it’s place in our return to G-d and the future Messianic times which will be heralded in by a Shofar. The third, Zichronot, emphasizes G-d’s knowledge of all our past deeds.In some congregations the Shofar is sounded during the Silent repetition of the Shemoneh Esrei. It is customary to eat sweet foods, specifically honey, as symbolic of our wish for a sweet year. Additionally, one greets fellow Jews with a prayer of “shana tova” a good year should come. (less)