High Holy Days

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High Holy Days refer to the two most significant Jewish holidays in the Hebrew calendar: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. These days are also known as the Yamim Noraim or "Days of Awe." They are a time for reflection, prayer, and repentance in the Jewish community.

Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah, which means "Head of the Year" in Hebrew, is the Jewish New Year. It is observed on the first and second days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, a period of introspection and seeking forgiveness. Traditional customs include the sounding of the shofar (a ram's horn), attending synagogue services, and enjoying festive meals with symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is considered the holiest day in Judaism. It occurs on the 10th day of Tishrei, following Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur is a day dedicated to fasting, prayer, and repentance. Observant Jews refrain from eating, drinking, and other physical pleasures for approximately 25 hours. The day is spent in synagogue, where special liturgical texts, such as the Kol Nidre and the Ne'ilah, are recited.

Ten Days of Repentance

The period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is known as the Ten Days of Repentance or Aseret Yemei Teshuva. During these days, Jews are encouraged to engage in teshuva (repentance), tefilah (prayer), and tzedakah (charity). It is a time to seek forgiveness from God and from fellow human beings.

Selichot

In preparation for the High Holy Days, special penitential prayers called Selichot are recited. These prayers begin before Rosh Hashanah and continue through Yom Kippur. The Selichot service is typically held late at night or early in the morning.

Customs and Traditions

Several customs and traditions are associated with the High Holy Days:

• **Tashlich**: A ritual performed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, where Jews symbolically cast off their sins by throwing pieces of bread into a flowing body of water.
• **Fasting**: Observed on Yom Kippur as a means of self-purification and atonement.
• **Charity**: Increased acts of charity and kindness are encouraged during this period.
• **Reflection and Repentance**: Individuals reflect on their actions over the past year and seek to make amends.

Related Pages

• Judaism
• Jewish holidays
• Hebrew calendar
• Shofar
• Kol Nidre
• Ne'ilah
• Teshuva
• Tefilah
• Tzedakah
• Selichot
• Tashlich