Today at sundown the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana beings. This is the first of two Jewish holidays that are commonly referred to the “High Holidays”. Welcome to 5770!
Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year. Unlike the secular New Year which is celebrated in many parts of the world by partying, drinking to excess and watching a little ball descend a tower in Time Square, the Jewish New Year is celebrated by reflecting upon the past, correcting one’s mistakes, planning for the future, praying for a healthy and sweet year and celebrating with holiday meals.
Rabbi Nachum Braverman writes, “On Rosh Hashana we make an accounting of our year and we pray repeatedly for life. How do we justify another year of life? What did we do with the last year? Has it been a time of growth, of insight and of caring for others? Did we make use of our time, or did we squander it? Has it truly been a year of life, or merely one of mindless activity? This is the time for evaluation and rededication. The Jewish process is called ‘teshuva,’ coming home – recognizing our mistakes between ourselves and God as well as between ourselves and our fellow man and then correcting them.”
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I like to think that the worst thing you can realize at Rosh Hashana is that you are the same person you were last year. (ie: haven’t progressed, gotten better)
It is my intent that this be the Friday night positive/G-dlyness thread, but that is up to you!
Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.
-Unknown.
Enjoy the open thread.
Tags: G-d, Judaism, Rosh Hashana, Shabbat
