Rosh Hashanàh 5787

Rosh Hashanah (literally “The Head of the Year”) is the Jewish New Year. It commemorates the creation of the world and inaugurates the Yamim Noraim (the Ten Days of Penance), a period of introspection that culminates on Yom Kippur. The main observances include the blowing of the shofar and sweet food.
A few days before Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to plant wheat or corn seeds in a dish. On the eve of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is customary to visit the cemetery, take personal care, and apologize.
On the first evening of Rosh Hashanah, after kiddush, before the start of dinner, special foods are eaten as a sign of good luck and greetings are recited.
In the morning, it is a mitzvah to listen to the blowing of the shofar. Even women and children, although formally exempt, should listen to the sound of the shofar.
The main theme of the 10 days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur is Teshuvah, repentance and return to God; Rosh Hashanah is still a yom tov, a festive day on which it is a mitzvah to eat and drink.
On the second evening of Rosh Hashanah, candles are lit using a fire already lit. On the second evening of Rosh Hashanah, she-hecheyyànu (the blessing for new things) is also said in the kiddush, but it is good to have some first fruits on the table to justify repeating this blessing.