As the year draws to a close, we in the Christian world get ready to celebrate the end of the year. However, this is not the case for everyone. On September 25th in Israel and around the world, where Jewish communities congregate, the blowing of Ram’s horns can be heard. They are heralding the new year with the festival of Rosh Hashana. For the Jews, it will be the year 5783 and not 2023. Why is this? In the eyes of the Jewish faith, Jesus Christ was just a prophet, much the same as he is viewed in Islam. Therefore, they have no Anno Domini distinction.
Whatever your faith, it’s a beautiful celebration with much eating and drinking. One of the best ways to celebrate it is to send Rosh Hashanah cards, much like the ones from cazenovejudaica.com/uk. It’s also seen as a time of deep reflection and a chance to take stock of the past year and the one ahead.
The food is an exceptional experience, as it is in most Jewish celebrations. Rosh Hashana is dominated by the seasonal food of Autumn, as you would expect. Honeyed apples are one of the most delicious and widespread during the festival. The honey is in use again when it is spread over the challah. This is a symbolic bread, baked in a round shape to show the year’s circle. A thick, hearty carrot-based stew is also served as a main. It’s very much a time of family and sharing.
