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Shana Tova friends,
This year we are experiencing one of the hottest summers Israel has ever known. Temperatures of over 32oC (90oF) in Tel-Aviv and up to 48oC (118.4oF) in Eilat are what we have to deal with, when we leave our homes. Therefore, we are looking forward more than ever to our New Year (Rosh Hashana, רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה), as it represents the beginning of the autumn and the hope that the climate will become more tolerable.
But, Rosh Hashana represents much more than the change of seasons. It represents the beginning of a new year, time for self-examination of our previous-year's deeds and preparation of our souls for the year to come.
The phrase "Rosh Hashana" (רֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה) is composed of two words: Rosh (רֹאשׁ), which means “head” and Shana (שָׁנָה), which means year. Hence, Rosh Hashana means the beginning, or the head of the year. Just like the head of a human being is the center of his or her energy and the brain sends signals and operates the body, so the Head of the Year determines a person's predestination.
Rosh Hashanah, is the first day of the Hebrew Lunar Calendar. On the first day of each Hebrew month the earth shadows the moon and therefore this day, is moonless. The shadow of the earth moves during the month and reveals a full moon in the middle of the month. As the moon is “covered” on the first day of Tishrey (תִּשְׁרֵי, the first Hebrew Month), this day is called “יוֹם הַכֶּסֶה” (Yom hakese), meaning “the day of the covered (moon)”.
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It is believed that on the day of Rosh Hashana, the faith of the people is determined for the year to come. From that day until the 10th of Tishrey (Yom Kipur), people can still change the verdict, by praying, asking for forgiveness and asking for the absolution of vows (הַתָּרַת נְדָרִים, hatarat nedarim). On Yom Kipur, The Book of Life is signed and sealed. Therefore, these 10 days have several names:
• בֵּין כֶּסֶה לֶעָשׂוֹר (beyn kese le’asor) – referring to the days between the time that the moon is covered (כֶּסֶה , the first day of Tishrey), until the 10th (עָשׂוֹר) day of the month (Yom Kipur).
• הַיָּמִים הַנּוֹרָאִים (hayamim hanora’im) - translated as the "Days of Awe" or the "Days of Fear", in which life and death of all people are determined by providence.
• עֲשֶׂרֶת יְמֵי תְּשׁוּבָה (aseret yemey tshuva) - referring to the repentance component of these ten days. Tshuva (תְּשׁוּבָה) is derived from the Hebrew root ש.ו.ב (come back, return) and refers to returning to G-d.
We all hope that our faiths are destined for a good, sweet and fruitful year. To symbolize our wishes, we dip an apple in honey and make the following blessing:
שָׁנָה טוֹבָה וּמְתוּקָה
Shana tova ‘umetuka
Good and Sweet Year,
שִׁירָה כֹּהֵן-רֶגֶב
Shira Cohen-Regev
The eTeacherHebrew Team
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