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While it does have its festive side, Rosh Hashanah is not one big party, as the New Year's celebrations on Dec.

Rosh Hashanah is a time for personal introspection and prayer. Jews may also visit graves. It is thought that the prayers or good wishes of the dead can help the living. By wishing each other well and sending cards, people let friends know what happened in the past year and what plans lie ahead. Christmas cards and get-togethers fill a similar role for Christians. Rosh Hashanah is part of a process of spiritual growth. The Hebrew month preceding it, Elul , is a time for charity, tzedakah. Rosh Hashanah falls on the first and second days of the seventh month, Tishri.

Traditional Jewish foods accompany Rosh Hashanah. Typically, a blessing will be said over two loaves of bread, known as challah. The round shape symbolizes a crown, a reminder of the kingship of God. Challah also stands for the circle of life, and the hope that our lives endure without end. Challah is sometimes baked with a ladder on top in recognition that only God decides who climbs up or down the ladder of life.

Forming challah in the shape of a bird is also done. The Torah says that God will protect Jerusalem in the same way a bird hovers. Apples dipped in honey are another Rosh Hashanah tradition. It symbolizes the hope for a "sweet year" ahead. Honey is spread on challah. Tzimmes , a mixture made from carrots, cinnamon, yams, prunes, and honey, is also traditional.

Sephardic Jews? Some Jews also present fruit baskets covered to hide the contents, symbolizing that no one can know what the new year will bring. Rosh Hashanah observances vary. Orthodox Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah for two days. Sukkot: 7 days; first is holy. Shemini Atzeret: 1 day. Hanukkah: 8 days. Outside Israel: Purim: 1 day. Passover: 8 days; first 2 and last 2 are holy.

Shavuot: 2 days. Sukkot: 7 days; first 2 are holy. Shemini Atzeret: 2 days 2nd called Simchat Torah. Purim: 1 day. Rosh Hashanah: 1 day. See also:. Western Christian Holidays, Trending Here are the facts and trivia that people are buzzing about.

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