Monday, Elul 6, 5784 / September 9, 2024

          We are less than four weeks from Rosh Hashana. Rosh Hashana, the arrival of the New Year 5785, will begin Wednesday night, October 2nd.  

Each year before Rosh Hashana we study, review and become re-educated about the mitzvot, historical events, customs and reasons connected with the holiday.  From now until Rosh Hashana we will, G-d willing, review and explain some of the mitzvot and customs associated with Rosh Hashana.

Q.   All holidays are celebrated one day in Israel and two days in the Diaspora.  How do Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur differ from other holidays?

A.   Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is celebrated the same in Israel and the Diaspora; Rosh Hashana is celebrated two days even in Israel, while Yom Kippur is only one day also in the Diaspora.

Q.  Why is the holiday which ushers in the New Year called, "Rosh Hashana?"

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

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 from above on Rosh Hashana.

Q.  Each holiday is connected with a specific historical event which took place on that day.  What event took place on the first of Tishrei to warrant this day to become Rosh Hashana - the day of universal judgment?

A.  According to the Talmudic sage Rabbi Eliezer, Rosh Hashana is celebrated on the sixth day of creation - the day in which Adam and Eve were created.

Q.   Why was the sixth day of creation designated as Rosh Hashana and not the first day of creation?

A.  The purpose of creation was so that mankind would make this world a dwelling place for G-d.  We accomplish this by observing G-d's commandments.  Since mankind is the one responsible to fulfill the purpose of creation, Rosh Hashana - the New Year - was established on the day when Adam and Eve were created.

Q.   Why does the Cantor conduct the High Holiday services in a white robe, called, “a kitel”?

A.   One reason is that white symbolizes cleanliness and purity.  The white garment alludes to the words of the prophet, "Even if your sins will be as scarlet, they will become white like snow." White represents forgiveness of our sins.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY & SUCCESSFUL DAY & SHANA TOVA

UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW