Rosh Hashanah Q&A

Where does this tradition come from, and does it have any true significance?

Maybe we’ve got everything 100% wrong. Because if we’re thinking the holidays are backward, it’s likely we’ve got their meanings backward.

What actually occurred on the first Rosh Hashanah, more than 5700 years ago? What are we commemorating?

Why do we take our New Year’s Day so seriously? What’s this whole judgment deal? Why all the prayers? Can’t we just party?

All other Jewish holidays have something happy and beautiful about them. Rosh Hashanah only frightens me.

Yes, it is true that Rosh Hashanah is a very serious day. But is it meant to be frightening? Certainly, this kind of relationship with G-d, with Torah and with Rosh Hashanah is not what G-d ever meant . . .

Many have the custom to begin the Rosh Hashanah meals with round challahs, often filled with raisins and sweeter than usual. Here's why.

Last year I came to your services and found them to be happy, light, musical and joyous. I enjoyed the experience, but I’m wondering, is it fitting to be so upbeat on days when we are seeking forgiveness for our sins?

I understand that that the Torah tells us that there is a mitzvah to blow a horn on Rosh Hashanah, but why is it specifically a ram’s horn? Is that a mitzvah, or just tradition?

Why not mangoes dipped in maple syrup, for example?

Is it inconceivable that the Sages would deprive all of Israel of the benefits afforded by one of the greatest mitzvot we have—simply on account of a few ignorant souls who might otherwise err?

There are different reasons given for this custom, each impacting the parameters of what (and when) exactly we refrain from eating.

According to the Talmud, Pharaoh's dreams and the release of Joseph from prison occurred on Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the year. On that day, G‑d determines the fate of the world...

I heard that there is a custom to buy a new kitchen knife every year for use on Rosh Hashanah. Did you ever hear of this, and, if so, what is the reason for this tradition?

There are different customs as to how many times the shofar is blown on Rosh Hashanah. In most communities, the shofar is blown one hundred times . . .

On Rosh Hashanah, the real judge is you. Past, present and future are in your hands.

Why are we rational Jews doing something that seems superstitious?

I got into Jewish things and spirituality around a year ago, and I was feeling really motivated and inspired. But now I just don’t have the passion for it anymore. What happened?

There is a custom to eat the head of a fish on the night of Rosh Hashanah. What does this actually mean? I can’t make head or tail of it . . .

See how well you know the basics of the first holiday of the Jewish year

I’m wondering if it’s permitted to begin defrosting on the afternoon of the first day of Yom Tov something that we will eat that night?