THE JEWISH YEAR BEGINS WITH:

ROSH HASHANAH  The Jewish New Year.  This date marks the beginning of a period known as Aseret Yimai Teshuva - the Ten days of Repentance lasting from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur.   Traditionally it is said that during this time God sits in judgement on the entire World. On Rosh Hashanah it is customary to eat sweet foods such as apples dipped in honey and honey cake.  This symbolises hope for a 'sweet' new year. Rosh HaShanah is also known as Yom ha Zikaron", the "Day of Remembrance", and is the occasion when the Shofar is blown - presumably to wake us up and put us in a pentitential mood.

Torah scrolls are dressed in white covers for the High Holydays YOM KIPPUR

Yom Kippur is the 10 day after Rosh HaShanah and culminates the 10 days of penitence beginning on Rosh Hashanah.  The day means many things. Literally the words mean 'Day of Atonement'.  It is the holiest day of the year.  It is the Sabbath of Sabbaths.  Traditionally it is also regarded it is as the day God saved the Jewish people from destruction in the Sea of Reeds during their escape from Egypt.  It is the day God forgave the Jewish people for their sin of worshipping the golden calf.  It is a day devoted to prayer.  It is a day devoted to consideration of how we can personally make the World a better place.  It is a day devoted to reaffirming that we shall use every day of our lives to help make the World a better place - in accordance with God's wishes. This task is taken so seriously that those who are able to are commanded to fast for 24 hours in order to detach themselves more fully from the material World in order to better tune into God.  Through prayer, repentance and acts of charity we can redeem ourselves and help to fulfil the age old commandment of Tikkun Olam -making the World a better place.  It can be the longest day of the year but also the most rewarding.

Audubon-Parkside Lodge #218 F&AM
wishes those of the Faith
A Happy and Prosperous New Year