Did You Know: Rosh HaShanah Edition
Rosh Hashanah isn’t just the Jewish New Year—it’s a time filled with deep tradition, meaningful rituals, and fascinating customs that connect Jewish communities worldwide. From the symbolic sounds of the shofar to sweet treats and lesser-known traditions, there’s a lot more to this holiday than meets the eye. Check out these 18 surprising facts that will help you appreciate the richness of Rosh Hashanah and the Jewish calendar. Find all the High Holiday events in Chicago on the ChiTribe Guide>>
Did You Know?
1. Rosh Hashanah is referred to by different names in the Torah, including Yom Teruah (Day of Blasting) and Yom HaZikaron (Day of Remembrance). These names emphasize the themes of sounding the shofar and reflecting on one’s deeds.
2. According to the Talmud, the Jewish calendar has four different “new years.” Rosh Hashanah marks the new year for the civil calendar and the beginning of the agricultural cycle, while the others are for kings and festivals (1st of Nisan), animal tithes (1st of Elul), and trees (15th of Shevat, known as Tu B’Shevat).
3. The custom of eating apples dipped in honey began in medieval Ashkenazi communities as a wish for a sweet new year. Pomegranates are also eaten, symbolizing prosperity and fruitfulness. There’s a tradition that a pomegranate contains 613 seeds, corresponding to the 613 mitzvot (commandments) in the Torah.
4. Four types of shofar blasts are sounded during Rosh Hashanah services: Tekiah (a long blast), Shevarim (three short blasts), Teruah (a series of quick blasts), and Tekiah Gedolah (a very long blast).
5. If Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, the shofar is traditionally not blown in many Jewish communities. This practice stems from a rabbinic decree aimed at preventing the possibility of carrying the shofar in public, which is traditionally prohibited on Shabbat according to Jewish law. This custom is widely observed across various denominations, even among those who may not strictly observe all other Shabbat prohibitions.
6. The Tashlich ceremony involves going to a body of water and symbolically casting off sins by throwing pieces of bread or pebbles into the water. This practice, dating back to medieval times, is not mentioned in the Torah but has become a cherished custom.
7. Tens of thousands of Hasidic Jews make a pilgrimage to Uman, Ukraine, each Rosh Hashanah to visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Rabbi Nachman taught that being in Uman during Rosh Hashanah offers profound spiritual benefits.
8, The holiday has inspired modern music. Leonard Cohen’s song “Who By Fire” is based on the Unetanah Tokef prayer, a central piece of the High Holiday liturgy.
9. The Scottish band Mogwai created a 20-minute instrumental titled “My Father My King,” inspired by the prayer Avinu Malkeinu.
10. Unlike the traditional braided challah, it’s customary to bake round challah for Rosh Hashanah. The circular shape symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the continuity of creation.
11. The biblical story of Hannah is read on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Her heartfelt prayer for a child is seen as a powerful example of sincere supplication and has significant feminist interpretations for its portrayal of a woman’s direct relationship with God.
12. The day after Rosh Hashanah is the Fast of Gedaliah, commemorating the assassination of Gedaliah ben Ahikam, a governor of Judah. His death led to the further scattering of the Jewish people after the Babylonian conquest.
13. Tradition holds that Rosh Hashanah marks the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, making it the birthday of humanity and a time to celebrate creation.
14. Shofars are made from the horns of kosher animals, typically rams. Due to their natural origin, some shofars can have a strong odor. As a result, shofars are sometimes treated or selected to minimize the smell for those blowing them during services.
15. In the early 20th century, it was common for Jews to send telegrams wishing each other a happy new year. In 1927, Western Union noted that more Rosh Hashanah greetings were sent than messages for any other holiday.
16. Eating New Fruits: On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, it’s customary to eat a “new fruit”—one that hasn’t been eaten yet in the season—to symbolize newness and gratitude. This practice often includes exotic fruits, offering a chance to try something unique.
17. In many Jewish communities, work is traditionally prohibited on Rosh Hashanah, similar to Shabbat. This observance allows individuals to focus on prayer, self-reflection, and spending time with family without the distractions of daily labor. However, the level of observance may vary among different communities.
18. Some communities perform Tashlich by emptying their pockets into the water, symbolizing the shedding of sins. This act serves as a physical manifestation of spiritual cleansing.
As we gather to celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Chicago and beyond, let’s take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning behind these traditions and carry them with us into the coming year. Whether it’s the sound of the shofar echoing through the sanctuary, the sweetness of apples dipped in honey, or the chance to come together as a community, each element of Rosh Hashanah offers an opportunity for connection, introspection, and growth. May this season be filled with sweetness, reflection, and renewal for you and your loved ones. Wishing everyone a year of health, happiness, and new beginnings. L’Shanah Tovah!
