At the very end of summer, the people rise in the
very early morning hours and go to synagogue for Slichot, an act of asking
forgiveness by acknowledging mistakes, misconduct and unforgiving behavior.
In the beginning of fall, on the second day of the
Jewish month of Tishri, come the High Holy Days of Rosh HaShana and Yom
Kippur. Rosh HaShana (the Head of the Year) is not only the beginning of
the Jewish new year, but one of two new years, the second being at Passover in the spring.
Passover marks the new year in seasons, specifically human, "Earthan" time. Rosh
HaShana, however, marks a cycle in God’s time, a recognition of the passing of
time throughout the universe. This connection to God’s time is a very holy moment,
when each individual must take stock of him/herself within the context not only of their
days and nights, but of their overall being; their oneness with all creation.
As in keeping with all Jewish traditions, the High
Holidays are reflected in the sounds, tastes and smells of the day. On Rosh HaShana,
the Hallah (a braided baked bread) is shaped in a circle, reflecting the
event of the fullness and end of one year. A piece of the Hallah is torn from the
loaf (symbolizing the sharing of blessings), and then dipped in honey. Apples are also
served and dipped in honey, reflecting the sentiment for a sweet new year.
The sound of the High Holy Days is in the Shofar,
a horn of a ram, which when blown, emits strange sharp tones unlike any animal or human
voice. In ancient times, the sound alerted people to gather for news and signaled the
beginning of a new lunar month. In twenty-first century synagogues, it will continue to
remind the people of an ancient bond to a universal core.
After attending synagogue, the congregants observe
Tashlich, going to the banks of a nearby lake, river or stream to empty
their pockets of crumbs, allowing the last vestiges of the bad things that were carried
through the year to float away.
The tenth day after Rosh HaShana, Yom
Kippur, the Day of Atonement begins. Candles are lit in the evening in remembrance
of beloved ones who have passed away. In the synagogue, the service begins with the Kol
Nidre, the sound of regret and a wish for atonement. Sung, not spoken, Kol Nidre
is a open expression of sorrow for mis-judgement, a blend of voices both young and old,
mature and innocent. In demonstrating the sincerity of their thoughts, some congregants
even tap their own chests as each transgression is mentioned. The services last all day,
and from early morning until dark, people come and go and return again, during which time
nothing passes between their lips but heartfelt words. At the end of one day’s fast,
people return to their homes to enjoy a hearty meal that nurtures a return to the smiles
of Hope for a better year.
Passing people on the street during the High Holy
Days, each passerby wishes the other, "Shana Tova!" (Happy New
Year) and "Chatima Tova." (An abbreviation for, "May your
name be written in the good book as having lived a good year.")