Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year and Day of
Judgment, in which G-d judges each person individually
according to their deeds, and makes a decree for the
following year. The Jewish New Year is a time to begin
introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year
and planning the changes to make in the New Year.
The name
"Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to
discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom
Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day
of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in
Leviticus 23:24-25.
The
shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a
trumpet. One of the most important observances of this
holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the
synagogue. The shofar is blown everyday of the month
preceding Rosh Hashana in order to remind us to do
"Teshuva" (repentance) for the mistakes we have made
during the year.
Some of the food customs associated with Rosh Hashana:
Round Challah
The round shape symbolizes a perfect year to come. Sometimes
raisins or honey are added to make it extra sweet.
Apples and Honey
We dip the apples in honey to symbolize our wish for a
sweet year to come.
New Fruit
On the second night of Rosh Hashanah,
we eat a new fruit which we have not yet eaten this season.
When we eat this new fruit, we say the shehechiyanu blessing
which thanks God for keeping us alive and bringing us to
this season. This ritual reminds us to appreciate the fruits
of the earth and being alive to enjoy them.
Pomegranate
A pomegranate is often used as this new
fruit. In the Bible, the Land of Israel is praised for its
pomegranates. It is also said that this fruit contains 613
seeds just as there are 613 mitzvot. Another reason given
for blessing and eating this fruit on Rosh HaShana is that
we wish that our good deeds in the ensuing year will be as
plentiful as the seeds of the pomegranate.
While
Chocolate does not have a direct connection with Rosh
Hashana, sweet Chocolate could just as easily remind us to
Have a Sweet New Year! Look for chocolate lollipops with a
picture of a shofar or apples & honey, honey bees, or
simply Chocolate gift cards saying 'Have a sweet new
year'
