Jewish Holy Days

Jewish Holy Days

Jewish Holy Days
Rosh Hashanah literally means “Head of the Year” and while the name is not mentioned in the Bible it is referred to as Yom Ha-Zikkaron meaning day of remembrance. Rosh Hashanah is the time when man stands in judgment before God.   During this High Holy Day God will open three books to inscribe the names of those held in judgment and their fate.   The first book contains the names of those granted life in the New Year these people are known as the righteous.   The second book will contain the names of those who will meet death within the New Year these people are known as the wicked.   The third and final book is the where the majority of people will have their names inscribed as their fates are yet to be determined and will depend upon their actions during the ten days of repentance ending on Yom Kippur.   While this may seem like a solemn time with little celebration, it is in fact a time of celebration with many customs and traditions.  
While there are similarities to the American New Year where individuals make resolutions and plan making a better life in the upcoming year.   The Jewish New Year is a time of reflection, a time for individuals to look back at the mistakes of the past year and plan the changes they will make for the New Year. Unlike the American New Year, Rosh Hashanah is observed in the month of Tishrei, the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar or September and October in the Gregorian calendar.   While Tishrei is not the first month of the Hebrew calendar, Tishrei is commonly believed to be the time when God created the world.  
Rosh Hashanah was originally a one day holiday instituted in Leviticus 23:23-25 and was not known as Rosh Hashanah, but was known as “Yom Teruah” or “Zikkaron Teruah”.   The name Rosh Hashanah was not actually used until around 10 B.C. and it was extended to a two day or 48 hour holiday.   The extension of the holiday was instituted due to the worldwide placement of Jewish people within the different time...