On this day, before Erev Rosh Hashanah, I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Society Hill Synagogue community, to offer you the traditional blessing that we are all invited to express to one another. L’shanah tovah tikatevu — may you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year (or shanah tovah, for short!).
Other customs as we prepare for the beginning of Rosh Hashanah tomorrow evening include:
Heshbon hanefesh — an internal check-in, an accounting of the soul, in which we’re invited to take time to reflect on who we are and our aspirations for ourselves; whether through silent reflection, written reflection, or talking through our efforts at t’shuvah with a trusted guide or counselor.
Visiting the gravesite of a loved one. As Rabbi Daniel Syme writes, “Visiting the graves of loved ones prior to the High Holidays helps connect us to the holidays’ themes of renewal, repentance, reflection, and growth through memories of our loved ones. Visiting these graves can add poignancy and perspective to the High Holidays.”
Giving tz’dakah (charity/contributions toward a more just world), especially on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, is a traditional part of the process of repentance and renewal.
Getting our hallah, apples, and honey ready, to symbolize hope for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah hallot (plural of hallah) are often round, in the shape of a ladder, or even in the shape of a bird — round to symbolize the crown of divine sovereignty or the cycle of the year we hope to embark upon; a ladder to symbolize our spiritual striving, as in Jacob’s dream of angels ascending (and descending); a bird to symbolize that which can carry off our sins. Of course, good old braided hallah, or any bread, will do, too.
And fruit and vegetables, too. Pomegranates, carrots, pumpkins, dates, and more fruits and vegetables have all been associated with Rosh Hashanah, too, for their symbolization of sweetness, prosperity, health, and mitzvot — the fulfillment of sacred responsibilities — in the year to come.
Most of all, we wish you a sweet new year, as we continue on in community together.
On this day, before Erev Rosh Hashanah, I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Society Hill Synagogue community, to offer you the traditional blessing that we are all invited to express to one another. L’shanah tovah tikatevu — may you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year (or shanah tovah, for short!).
Getting our hallah, apples, and honey ready, to symbolize hope for a sweet new year. Rosh Hashanah hallot (plural of hallah) are often round, in the shape of a ladder, or even in the shape of a bird — round to symbolize the crown of divine sovereignty or the cycle of the year we hope to embark upon; a ladder to symbolize our spiritual striving, as in Jacob’s dream of angels ascending (and descending); a bird to symbolize that which can carry off our sins. Of course, good old braided hallah, or any bread, will do, too.