B"H

Tuesday, Elul 3, 5782 / August 30, 2022

Rosh Hashana is celebrated two days in Israel just as it is in the Diaspora (not as mistakenly written in yesterday’s Torah Fax).  

Other holidays like Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot, are celebrated one day less in Israel than in the Diaspora. However, Rosh Hashana is the only Biblical holiday which is celebrated two days in Israel just as it is in the Diaspora.

Here is the reason: The other holidays come later in the month. Pesach is on the fifteenth of Nisan, Sukkot is on the fifteenth of Tishrei and Shavuot is on the sixth day of Sivan. Rosh Hashana is the only Biblical holiday celebrated on the first day of the month – the first day in the month of Tishrei.

A Hebrew month can be either 29 days or 30 days. Before the sages set the Hebrew calendar which we use today, the months were established by the sighting of the new moon. At the end of each Hebrew month the moon is not visible, when it became visible again, the High Court would announce Rosh Chodesh and the first day of the new month began. Two witnesses had to testify before the High Court that they saw the new moon. Then did the court declare that day Rosh Chodesh.

Other holidays, because they are later in the month, there was enough time to notify all the people throughout the land when the holidays are. But, Rosh Hashana because it is on the first day of the month of Tishrei, it was impossible to notify the people throughout the land on that one day that it is Rosh Hashana. Thus, everyone, throughout Israel observed two days Rosh Hashana in order to be sure that they don’t desecrate the holiday.

This is why even today, when we have a set calendar, Rosh Hashana is celebrated two days also in Israel, to keep the tradition of the holiday the same as our forefathers celebrated.

Q.  Why is this holiday called "Rosh Hashana?"

A.  The literal translation of "Rosh Hashana" is, "Head of the year."  Rosh Hashana is not only the beginning of a New Year, but even more important, the head of the New Year. 

Q.   What is the significance of calling the holiday Head of the year and not beginning of the year?

A.  Our sages explain that just as the head controls and directs the activities of the entire person, so too, everything which will transpire in the coming year is determined on Rosh Hashana, which is the head of the year.  The name Rosh Hashana (HEAD of the year) brings out the significance of this special day much more than if it was called the beginning of the year.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

& SHANA TOVA – A HAPPY HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR