Tonight (at sundown) is the start of the Jewish new year, called Rosh Hashana. Being born into a Jewish family (my biological family, that is), I have always been interested in finding out about my heritage and the traditions associated with it.
The history of this High Holy Day is really interesting, so I thought I would post it for you (as found here) so you can check it out for yourself in more detail.
Rosh HaShanah (ראש השנה) falls once a year during the month of Tishrei and occurs ten days before Yom Kippur ("The Day of Atonement").
Jewish tradition teaches that during these High Holy Days, God decides who will live and who will die during the coming year. As a result, during Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur (and in the days leading up to them), Jews embark upon the serious task of examining their lives and repenting for any wrongs they have committed during the previous year. Jews are encouraged to make amends with anyone they have wronged and to make plans for improving during the coming year. In this way, Rosh HaShanah is all about making peace in the community and striving to be a better person.
Even though the theme of Rosh HaShanah is life and death, it is a holiday filled with hope for the New Year. Jews believe that God is compassionate and just, and that God will accept their prayers for forgiveness.
Isn't it amazing to see the parallels that God made between His chosen people and how Christians live and believe today? Of course, there is only salvation and surety in Jesus Christ, the Messiah; but this tradition is an excellent way to begin to show my children the importance of confession and striving to live a holy life before God.
Have a blessed weekend... and remember that every day is a new day in Christ.
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