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Rosh Hashanah

This page is a work in progress. It is a very personal exploration of some of the themes of Rosh Hashanah written by one person at one time in her life. Another person, or even this person writing at another time, might have a completely different understanding.

There are a number of images or themes that spring to mind when thinking of Rosh Hashanah, but the three that come first to me are:

• The shofar -- The shofar is not a melodious instrument. Its sound is sharp and, as skilled as the shofar blower may be, the sound itself is shaped by nature and not by humans.
• The book of life -- This is not always an easy image for me -- the image of a book or scroll where my fate for the coming year is already written.
• The creation of the world --

At the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah there are special sections of prayer that are added to our regular morning service.

• Malhuyot (Sovreignty) --
• Zichronot (Remembrance) --
• Shofarot (Shofar Service) --

The Torah readings on Rosh Hashanah are, to my mind, some of the most difficult to deal with as a parent.

• First Day -- The birth of Isaac and the casting out of Ishmael. One year I prepared a d'var on the relationships between Abraham and Sarah, Hagar and Ishmael and I will share it here as this page develops.
• Second Day -- The binding of Isaac.

At home, Rosh Hashanah is celebrated with festive meals and family gatherings. Round challah is eaten and a variety of food customs have developed, e.g., eating sweet foods to express the wish for a sweet year. A PDF booklet on food customs of Rosh Hashanah will be available as this page progresses.