Rosh Hashanah 5785 Oct 2 -Shabbat

Rosh Hashanah 5785 begins before sunset on Oct. 2 and continues into Shabbat.
Shofar
Hi Friend,

With a strange mix of emotions, we prepare for Rosh Hashanah. Nearly a year ago we lived through the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust followed by the most powerful spiritual awakening many of us have experienced. And a year later, war is raging in the South and the North and many of our hostages are not yet home.

The plaintive cry of the shofar, which we will hear on both Thursday and Friday, will give voice to our collective wail, the outpouring of the soul, and our prayerful wish for a peaceful tomorrow.

To enhance your prayer and celebration, here’s our essential pre-Rosh Hashanah to-do list, with lots of handy links and resources.

We wish you, yours, our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, and the entire world a very healthy, happy, and sweet new year (click here to share your shanah tovah wish with the Chabad.org community)!

Shanah Tovah!

From your friends and family @ Chabad.org

P.S. Be sure to visit our High Holiday site, which includes learning, recipes, stories, practical guidance and more!

13 things to do
before Rosh Hashanah
1
Brush Up on Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the first holiday of the year. Between the shofar blowing, special prayers, symbolic foods and our all-important teshuvah (return to G-d), there is so much to learn and prepare!
» Rosh Hashanah 2024 FAQ
» 5 Ways High Holidays of 2024 Are Unique
» How Do Chassidic Jews Celebrate Rosh Hashanah?

2
Get Ready to Hear the Shofar
The primary Rosh Hashanah observance is to hear shofar, which we will do this year on both Thursday and Friday.
» Find a Shofar-Blowing (and service) Near You
» Why Are Shofars Rams’ Horns?
3
Recite Selichot
In the final days remaining before Rosh Hashanah, we entreat G-d with petitions for forgiveness.
» Download a PDF of the Selichot Service (Hebrew)
» Get the Bi-Lingual Siddur App. Which Includes Selichot
» Learn More About Selichot
4
Bake Round, Sweet Challah
Our Rosh Hashanah challah is round (symbolizing the cycle of life) and sweet (symbolizing our wishes for the coming year).
» Get Miriam’s Raisin Challah Recipe
» Get Our (FREE!) Rosh Hashanah Cookbook

5
Release Your Vows
Did you accidentally make a promise to do something you cannot actually do? Prior to Rosh Hashanah, release your vows in the presence of a beit din (Jewish ecclesiastical court).
» Read About the Procedure Here
6
Get Apple & Honey Etc.
Since Talmudic times, our Rosh Hashanah tables have been graced with special foods, especially those that express our wishes for sweetness for the coming year. Make sure you stock up on all those essentials, and that you are ready to celebrate in style.
» Rosh Hashanah Dinner Menu, Customs and Prayers
» Why Is Rosh Hashanah Challah Round?
7
Prep-Up for Services
Rosh Hashanah’s special prayers are different from what we say all year, and include additional stirring liturgy.
» Read What to Expect at Rosh Hashanah Services
» Rosh Hashanah Services at a Glance

8
Get Your Walking Shoes
On the first afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to walk to a body of water (with fish) and perform Tashlich, “casting” our sins into the depths.
» What You Need to Know About Tashlich
» Print a Tashlich Card (PDF)
9
Be Inspired by the Rebbe
Rosh Hashanah comes after a month of spiritual preparation. The Rebbe explains how to harness this energy at this time.
» Watch: A Rosh Hashanah Meditation
» Explore Rosh Hashanah’s Themes & Apply Powerful Lessons to Daily Life

10
Light Holiday Candles
Since Rosh Hashanah leads into Shabbat, we light candles three times this year: On Wednesday afternoon before sunset, on Thursday night after night has fallen (from a pre-existing flame), and then Shabbat candles on Friday before sunset (from a pre-existing flame).
» Get Local Candle Lighting Times
» Print Out the Candle-Lighting Blessings

11
Care for Those In Need
While encouraging the Jewish People to enjoy their Rosh Hashanah feasts more than two millennia ago, Ezra the Scribe exhorted all to send portions to those in need. Giving tzedakah to those less fortunate is part and parcel of the Rosh Hashanah prep.
» Read: 15 Facts Everyone Should Know About Tzedakah
12
Read Up on Rosh Hashanah
This holiday is laden with meaning and laced with inspiration. Here are some articles, hot off the Chabad.org press:
» The Fake Captain and the Ice-Cream Barge
» 7 New-Years Mindsets for (Current and Aspiring) Urban Joggers
13
Test Your Knowledge
Found everything you need, and feel ready to celebrate this beautiful holiday?
» Take the Rosh Hashanah Quiz
» Take the Chana Quiz

For all your Rosh Hashanah needs, visit:
www.RoshHashanah.org
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