Last evening was the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the first of the Jewish High Holy Days. Rosh Hashana begins what are referred to as the Days of Awe or Days of Repentance, a 10 day period that end with Yom Kippur.
As the new year begins, attention is focused on themes of judgment, repentance, memory and the divine presence in the world. At the same time, Rosh Hashanah is an invitation to celebrate birth and creation. The Rosh Hashana liturgy commemorates the creation of the world. Many Jewish families will dip apples in honey to emphasize the sweetness of starting the cycle of seasons once again, and eat round challot as a reminder of the cycles of life.
On Thursday, I’ll be speaking to our Weekly Manna group about the repentance and reconciliation aspect of this period.
For now, though, I simply wish all of my Jewish friends L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu, which means, “May you be inscribed (in the Book of Life) for a good year.”
Creo en Dios! 