Rosh Hashanah, which begins at sundown tonight, ushers in the beginning of the Jewish year and is a holiday that celebrates the creation of the world, something that’s reflected in its name, which means “head of the year” in Hebrew.
Rosh Hashanah ushers in a 10-day period known as the Yamim Nora-im (“Days of Awe” or “High Holidays”). Nine days after the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Jews will observe Yom Kippur, which means “day of atonement.” During Yom Kippur, observers abstain from eating and drinking and participate in daylong prayers of repentance. Forgiveness is asked for sins committed during the year. But on Rosh Hashanah symbolic foods are eating to ensure a prosperous year.
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