22 September 2006
Jews around the world are to mark the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) this weekend by praying for the strength to admit their transgressions against others, and to seek forgiveness. Rosh Hashanah literally means "head of the year" and is one of the holiest days in Judaism. It is a time when Jews take stock of their lives with an eye toward becoming better people. Rosh Hashanah ushers in the Jewish High Holy Days, a ten-day period that ends with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. For many Jews, the holiday is also a time to express concern for the safety of the state of Israel. Rabbinical scholars say while most Jewish holidays commemorate some past event – the Passover holiday is based on the biblical exodus from slavery in Egypt, for instance – Rosh Hashanah marks a spiritual journey of introspection.
