Interfaith Inspirations: Judaism
Rosh Hashanah ~ Yom Kippur & Sukkot
September 15-17, 2023
Sundown to Sundown

Judaism is a set of beliefs and practices originating in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), as later further explored and explained in the Talmud and other texts. Judaism presents itself as the covenantal relationship between the Children of Israel (later, the Jewish nation) and God. There are many high holy days in Judaism and at the top is 'head of the year', Jewish New Year, known as Rosh HaShanah.

In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest days of the year; beginning at sunset, this year on September 25, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in synagogue ~ the synagogue is the Jewish House of worship like a church, temple, mosque. One of the most important practices in the synagogue this day is the sounding of the shofar ~ a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. During Rosh Hashanah, it is traditional to eat apples dipped in honey, to symbolize hopes for a "sweet" new year. The apple is dipped in honey, the blessing for eating tree fruits is recited, the apple is tasted, and then the apples and honey prayer is recited.

Pray:
Apples & Honey Prayer
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe who creates the fruit of the tree. (Amen)
Take a bite of the apple is dipped in honey, then continue with the following:
May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors
that you renew for us a good and sweet year.

Joanie Calem is a wonderful musician & artisit with children & families who has a CD of very singable songs. Shanah Tovah, Shanah M'tukah: a cycle of songs for the Jewish year. The title of the CD is Hebrew for "Have a good, sweet year!"
Joanie generously offers her lyrics, info & activity booklet as a free pdf download at her website. Here is something from the booklet about her song,
Happy Birthday To The World:

Rosh HaShanah is often considered the birthday of the world.
This is a call and response song. Teach the children to respond
with “Rosh HaShanah, clap clap” following each line of lyrics.
Everyone can join in on the chorus, making sure to clap twice after
each line. I often extend the song by inviting the children to tell
me what they would like to give the world as a birthday present. ~ Joanie Calem

Check out Joanie Calem below & her CD here!

Shofar Pray: Shofarot  - Blasts of the Shofar We recall the time that G-d revealed Himself on Mt. Sinai and gave us the Torah. "The whole world trembled at Your Presence, Creation shook in awe before You, when You, our King, did reveal Yourself on Mt. Sinai to give to Your People the Torah and its Commandments, letting them hear your majestic voice, your holy words out of flashes of fire.  Amid thunder and lightening did You reveal Yourself to them, amid the sound of the Shofar did you appear to them." The Shofar will be blown during the final battles of Israel with its enemies. It will be sounded when our Exiles return. It will be sounded when the Temple will be rebuilt. It is the sound signifying the Presence of the majesty of G-d. We ask that it be sounded again with the arrival of the Mashiach. The above found here!

Sing Happy Birthday To The World w/ Joanie Calem! Sing Joanie's Rosh Hashanah Release Song w/ her! Joanie about the Shofar (w a tag invitation from Laurie Story!)

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Spiritual support for your family!