Q&A for How to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

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  • Question
    Where is Rosh Hashanah celebrated specifically?
    Community Answer
    Rosh Hashanah is celebrated in the synagogue and at home for 2 days. Festive meals are served for friends and family.
  • Question
    Are Christians welcome at Rosh Hashanah celebrations?
    Community Answer
    It really depends on the family, most Jewish families would be happy to invite Christian friends or family into their home to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, and I sincerely doubt a family would turn a friend away from a unique cultural experience because of differing beliefs. When in doubt, just ask the family, there are no rules against hosting guests.
  • Question
    What are the symbolic foods for Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    Some symbolic foods are round challah (to symbolize the endless circle of life), apples and honey (to represent a sweet new year), and brisket.
  • Question
    Is it okay if I leave a few of these steps out?
    Community Answer
    This is a sort of controversial topic because many people who are more religious would probably say no, but religion is all about what you believe, and what you want to do. It is a non-binding contract. If you don't have time for synagogue, that is totally fine and you shouldn't feel guilty about whatever you are busy with. Even if you just don't want to say all the blessings for the yom-tov, it's all up to you. So, yes, you can absolutely still celebrate Rosh Hashanah even if you leave a few steps out.
  • Question
    Where in the Torah is Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    The Jewish New Year is strictly traditional, and does not come from the Torah. There are only three Jewish holidays directly commanded in the Torah: Sukkot, Pesach, and Shavuot.
  • Question
    Do I need to fast on Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    No. But you should fast on Yom Kippur. The rules for fasting are no food of any kind, nor liquid. Some modification is made for those who are infirm, elderly, too young etc.
  • Question
    What is the Torah and where is it kept?
    Community Answer
    The Torah is the first 5 books of the Old Testament, also collectively called the Laws of Moses. These books include Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. To "keep" Torah means to abide the Laws of God as outlined in these 5 books. Jews are the major religion known to "keep" Torah and read from it weekly in their Synagogues. Many Christians believe that keeping Torah was done away with when Jesus (Yeshua in Hebrew) died on the cross and was resurrected. There are religious people who adhere to the entire Bible, both Old and New Testament, and in practice keep the Torah commandments.
  • Question
    What do I take to a Rosh Hashanah party?
    Community Answer
    It's not exactly a party, but a celebratory meal. Talk to whoever is having the celebration.
  • Question
    What should we eat for dinner on the eve of Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    Many Jews eat meat dinners, like lamb, brisket, or chicken. If the Eve falls on Shabbat, the meal is eaten before sundown.
  • Question
    Since Rosh Hashanah is a celebration, is it okay to give the hostess flowers?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The hostess can place them on the table for the celebratory meal. Flowers are always appropriate for the Jewish New Year.
  • Question
    Are gifts appropriate on Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    You can always send High Holiday greeting cards to Jewish friends and family members. If you want to give food as gifts, choose honey cake, apples, and honey for "A Sweet New Year." Just make sure the food is kosher.
  • Question
    When is Yom Kippur? How long do I fast for?
    Community Answer
    Yom Kippur is on a different date each year; check on the internet for when it is in the exact year you want. Fasting is observed for 25 hours, from sundown on one day to sundown on the next. Eating and drinking is prohibited. Check the exact timings for start and finish on the internet.
  • Question
    Do you give tithes or money on Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    It's best to give food, like honey cake, apples, and honey for "A Sweet New Year." Just make sure the food is kosher.
  • Question
    Are you supposed to work on Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    No, but some Jews work anyway. If Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, the Day of Rest, it's best to stay in the synagogue all day or rest when you return home.
  • Question
    As a guest, what should I bring to a Rosh Hashanah meal that I am invited to?
    Community Answer
    Ask the people who invited you. I usually bring dessert, like honey cake, since it's part of having "a Sweet New Year".
  • Question
    Why do people empty their things in a body of water?
    Community Answer
    There is a tradition to do Tashlich near a body of water containing fish on RH. One prays for forgiveness of sins, and at the end of the prayer a symbolic "emptying of pockets" is done as the sins are thrown away.
  • Question
    In Numbers 29:1, it talks about a day of shofar blowing. Is that related to Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    Actually, that is the biblical source for Rosh Hashana, and most laws are derived from that verse.
  • Question
    My Jewish friend is in a nursing home where there are no other Jews. What can I do or bring her to help her feel the holiday? I am not Jewish.
    Community Answer
    If she is religious she would likely appreciate being taken to synagogue. If it is not possible for her to leave, she may enjoy having someone come and sound the shofar for her.
  • Question
    How do you say "happy Rosh Hashanah" in Hebrew?
    Community Answer
    Yom Tov is Hebrew for "Good Day." Many people say: "Good Yom Tov!" You'll usually hear it in the synagogues.
  • Question
    It says "Know that when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, the Shofar will not be blown." Why is that?
    Community Answer
    I disagree with this. The Shofar will be blown from Sunday to Saturday depending on the day that it falls on. No exceptions!
  • Question
    Can you wish a Happy Rosh Hashanah to a Jewish person?
    Community Answer
    Absolutely! Rosh Hashanah is a High Holiday which celebrates the Jewish New Year.
  • Question
    How long is the service in the synagogue for Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    It can last from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the synagogue you attend. Orthodox Jews spend the longest period of time in the synagogue.
  • Question
    How do I wish a Jewish friend happy Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    You can say "Happy Rosh Hashanah" to your Jewish friend.
  • Question
    How do I take the necessary steps to become Jewish? I come from a Christian background and I honestly don't know where to start.
    Community Answer
    You need to find a synagogue with a rabbi you can talk to. It may take anywhere from a few months up to a few years, so you need patience.
  • Question
    Is it okay to eat after the sun goes down?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Yom Kippur is the only holiday on which you have to avoid eating after sundown.
  • Question
    What is a typical greeting for a Rosh Hashanah celebration?
    Community Answer
    "Good Yom Tov" is Hebrew for "Good Day." You'll mainly hear it in the synagogues.
  • Question
    Can I drive on Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    If your synagogue is too far away to walk to, then you have no choice. Orthodox Jews rarely drive to synagogue because they usually live within walking distance, since driving is not allowed on Shabbat.
  • Question
    What are the blessings for the Yom Tov?
    Community Answer
    There are several different blessings for the High Holidays, and you'll find them in the Jewish prayer books.
  • Question
    Can I go out on Rosh Hashanah?
    Community Answer
    That depends on the branch of Judaism you practice. Reform Jews can choose to do whatever they want.
  • Question
    What is the Jewish term for the Rosh Hashanah meal?
    Community Answer
    Judaism has festivals and feasts, just like all other religions, and Rosh Hashanah is both.
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