We celebrate the Jewish New Year according to all the rules

First of all, let's find out when the Jewish New Year is celebrated. This holiday is "migratory", calculated according to the solar-lunar calendar, which does not coincide with the generally accepted one. Strictly speaking, he falls on the first day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. In 2013, this date corresponds to the fifth of September, but since the festivities must last exactly two days (during which it is impossible to work), the beginning of the new year should be celebrated on September 5-6.

This Jewish holiday is called Rosh Hashanah. According to legend, it was on this day that God, beginning to create the world of the 25th Elul, created the first man, Adam, the first Tishrei. Thus, this is not a new era of peace, but a new stage in the life of all mankind. God on this day is transplanted from the throne of Justice to the throne of Mercy, and all believers await forgiveness and pardon. Adam, born in Eden, sinned and was cast out from the Lord's face into the world of death. He was condemned by God on Yom Kippur. Therefore, the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are called "ships".

It is believed that before the God in the Jewish New Year three books are opened: first - the "Book of Life" - the Lord records the saints and the righteous, sending them long and happy years. The second - "The Book of Death" - He brings the names of unrepentant sinners, whom he extirpates from the face of the earth. And in the third - all the rest, leaving the decision of their fate before the trial, which should take place in Yom Kippur. Therefore, Rosh HaShana is a strict, full of spiritual cleansing, reflection, prayer. Whoever will feel remorse for his bad deeds, will be filled with a strong desire to renounce sins and hope for the mercy of God, he will be forgiven.

In the Jewish New Year, believers must prepare for the Judgment. And the trumpet sound of the ritual horn - the shofar - as if invoking: "Let all those who are asleep wake up and spend time wasted in vain ... Make your deeds good."

The Creator of the Universum has the right to enrich someone, while the other is made to be a beggar, one to give one more year full of health and prosperity, and another to plan wanderings and illnesses. Therefore, on the eve of the feast, the Jews wish each other the following: "Be included in the list of the happy year." It is customary to give gifts and send greeting cards to all friends and acquaintances.

The Jewish New Year is celebrated with the family. At the festively decorated table, dishes are created, called by their appearance or symbolism to lure luck. Start the meal with a hala - a round sweet muffin with raisins (so that the year is healthy). Then you need to dip a slice of the sliced apple into honey and eat it, so that the coming time becomes happy and sweet. Also on the table must necessarily be present: the fish (the symbol of fertility), the lamb or the fish head (not to drag along in the tail), carrots sliced with circles (as it resembles gold coins), fruit and vegetables, so that our plans give good results.

However, these are all folk beliefs. The Jewish New Year has a deep philosophical basis, which emphasizes the Lord's greatness over His creation. This holiday is also called the Day of Coronation, similar to the erection of the throne of the earthly sovereign. As vassals bring homage to their lord, so the Jewish people bring praise to their Creator by uttering a ritual prayer: "Our God, rule over all the earth in His glory." Let him know all created things, that You created them ... And let them all be in one union, to fulfill God's will with all the heart. "