The Days of Awe-Rosh Hashanah-Yom Kippur
The month of Elul, the month leading up to the High Holy Days, is considered a propitious time to ask forgiveness from those we have wronged. The 'Days of Awe' mark the 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur during which Jews around the world take time to reflect on the year that is coming to a close. We use this period of self relfection to think about where we have 'missed the mark' in our deeds and actions and look at how we can do it differently in the year to come.
Rosh Hashanah means literally 'the head of the year'. It is when we start counting the new year, even though it occurs during the seventh month on the Jewish calendar. As stated above, it is the beginning of a time of introspection. It is also a time to wish for a better year. It is customary to eat round foods, like a round challah, to symbolize our wish for a full, round, smooth, year - one without any breaks or sharp corners. We also eat sweet foods, such as apples dipped in honey to symbolize our wish for a sweet year without the bitterness of disappointment or the saltiness of sorrow.
Yom Kippur is the Holiest of Holies on the Jewish religious calendar. (The Jewish equivilent of the holiness of Christmas and Easter rolled together.) It is a day of fasting and prayer when we ask H'Shem (The Name) to forgive us for any sins or promises to H'Shem that we've made and broken. In a sense, the Jewish High Holy Days are a chance to wipe the slate clean and start the new year afresh.
Members and non-members are welcome to join us as we celebrate this holy days. See the calendar for specifics.
