Why is Rosh Hashana celebrated at this time? Rewind to the very first Shavout:
G-d’s gift of the Torah to his people. This was the day that Moses climbed Mount Sinai to receive and study the Torah. Forty days later, he came down from the mountain to find the Jews worshipping the golden calf. Moses broke the tablets of the Torah in anger for the people’s lack of faith in the one G-d of Abraham and, the return to idol worship, which is forbidden. On 1 Elul, Moses climbed the mountain again to plead for G-d’s forgiveness of the people and was asked to climb up once again. Forty days later, on 10 Tishri (Yom Kippur), he returned with a second set of Tablets – the sign of G-d’s love and forgiveness.
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To commemorate this, we are supposed to use the forty days between 1 Elul and 10 Tishri to reflect on the past year, resolve and let go of the past through self-judgement and act on these, by making amends and renewing our intentions, priorities and spiritual connections. We do this in order to remember G-d’s love and forgiveness, which he showed by giving Moses a second Torah. S’lichot services (services of forgiveness) are held at the Synagogue the week before Rosh Hashana, to help us prepare us for repentance and forgiveness. |
The Torah sets aside the first day of Tishri for Rosh Hashana. On this day, we are judged by G-d for our deeds to others and ourselves. We remember that he is forgiving and merciful, but can only appreciate this by looking at our lives with honesty and work towards making the necessary changes. Rosh Hashana is the time to consider:
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Were there times that we could have been nicer to people?
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Were there people that we hurt, intentionally or unintentionally?
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Are we fulfilling the dreams and goals that we set out for ourselves?
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Have we been honest with ourselves and everyone around us?
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When we consider our year, what are the things that we are proud of, and what are the things we are sorry about?
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