Tishrei

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Tishrei (תִּשְׁרֵי‎‎) is the first month of the Hebrew calendar's civil year and the seventh month of the ecclesiastical year. It is a month of significant Jewish holidays and observances. Tishrei usually occurs in September–October on the Gregorian calendar.

Etymology

The name "Tishrei" is derived from the Akkadian word "tašrītu," which means "beginning." This reflects its position as the first month of the civil year in the Hebrew calendar.

Jewish Holidays in Tishrei

Tishrei is notable for its numerous and important Jewish holidays:

• Rosh Hashanah (ראש השנה) - The Jewish New Year, observed on the first and second days of Tishrei. It is a time of prayer, self-reflection, and the sounding of the shofar.
• Yom Kippur (יום כיפור) - The Day of Atonement, observed on the 10th of Tishrei. It is the holiest day of the year in Judaism, marked by fasting and intensive prayer.
• Sukkot (סוכות) - The Feast of Tabernacles, starting on the 15th of Tishrei and lasting for seven days. It commemorates the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert.
• Shemini Atzeret (שמיני עצרת) - The Eighth Day of Assembly, observed on the 22nd of Tishrei. It is a separate yet connected holiday to Sukkot.
• Simchat Torah (שמחת תורה) - The Celebration of the Torah, observed on the 23rd of Tishrei. It marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the beginning of a new cycle.

Observances and Customs

During Tishrei, various customs and traditions are observed:

• Selichot - Penitential prayers recited in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
• Tashlich - A ritual performed on Rosh Hashanah afternoon, where individuals symbolically cast off their sins by throwing pieces of bread into a flowing body of water.
• Lulav and Etrog - Four species (palm, myrtle, willow, and citron) are waved during Sukkot.
• Sukkah - A temporary hut constructed for use during Sukkot, symbolizing the temporary dwellings used by the Israelites during their desert wanderings.

Significance

Tishrei is a month of renewal and reflection, offering a time for Jews to reconnect with their faith, seek forgiveness, and celebrate their heritage. The holidays and observances in Tishrei emphasize themes of judgment, atonement, and gratitude.

Related Pages

• Hebrew calendar
• Jewish holidays
• Rosh Hashanah
• Yom Kippur
• Sukkot
• Shemini Atzeret
• Simchat Torah