Rosh haShannah: The Beginning of Change

Sunday at sunset we begin Rosh haShannah. It is commonly referred to as the Jewish New Year. However, it also is the beginning of the 7th month of the year, not the first month of the year. So, I prefer to translate Rosh haShannah as the Head of Change. Rosh means head and shannah can mean to change or transform, as well as year. I prefer calling Rosh haShannah the Beginning of Change because it is the beginning of a … Continue reading

Rosh Hashanah: A Special Torah for the Holy Days

Hello everyone, As today is erev Rosh haShanah (the day before the Jewish new year), I thought I would share a few thoughts.  A study partner of mine a couple of years ago observed that most people call Rosh haShanah, “Judgment day,” and when you think of a judgement day, you think of somber clothes and going to court and fear of what the verdict will be.  However, we look at Rosh haShanah as a day of joy and celebration … Continue reading