Rosh HaShaná the new year Jewish

Rosh Hashanah (ראש השנה) is the Jewish New Year, one of the most important holidays in the Hebrew calendar. Its name means "Head of the Year" and marks the beginning of the Jewish civil new year, although in the Bible it is also known as Yom Teruah ("Day of Trumpets").

Here I share a complete explanation of its biblical meaning, customs, and spiritual symbolism:

• It is the day dedicated to repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God.

• It is observed on the 10th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, exactly 10 days after Rosh HaShanah (the Jewish New Year).
  

📖 Biblical Foundation

• It is mentioned in Leviticus 23:23-25 ​​and Numbers 29:1-6 as a day of Sabbath, holy convocation, and blowing of trumpets (shofar).

• It is the first day of the month of Tishrei (September or October in the Gregorian alendar) and lasts two days.

• It marks the beginning of the Days of Teshuvah (repentance), which culminate on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).

• Leviticus 16 and Leviticus 23:26-32 establish the commandment to afflict oneself, fast, and present sacrifices.

• In the times of the Temple, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the atonement cover of the Ark of the Covenant.

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✡ Spiritual Significance

1. Repentance and renewal:

It is a time of self-examination, asking for forgiveness, and reconciliation with God and others.

2. Coronation of God as King:

God is proclaimed King of the universe, recognizing His sovereignty over creation.

3. Judgment and mercy:

According to tradition, on Rosh Hashanah, God opens the books of life, where each person's destiny for the new year is inscribed.

🎺 Main Customs

• Shofar Blowing:

The ram's horn is blown as a call to repentance and a reminder of the covenant with God.

• Special Prayers (Tefilot):

Prayers that include Avinu Malkeinu ("Our Father, Our King"). • A complete 25-hour fast (no food or drink).

• Intense prayers, such as the Kol Nidre prayer and the confession of sins (Vidui).

• Requests for forgiveness from God and from others.

• Festive Dinner:

Symbolic foods are eaten, such as:

🍎 Apple with honey: a wish for a sweet year.

🍯 Round challah bread: represents the eternal cycle.

🐟 Fish or lamb head: "to be the head, not the tail."

• Tashlich:

A ceremony in which bread crumbs are thrown into a river or lake, symbolizing the cleansing of sins (Micah 7:19).

💡 Connection for Christians

• Many see Yom Kippur as a prophetic fulfillment in Christ, who is our High Priest and the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11-14).

• Jesus, with His blood, entered the heavenly Holy of Holies and obtained eternal redemption for all who believe.

• Therefore, for believers, annual sacrifices are no longer needed, because in Christ the final atonement is fulfilled.

• As a pastor, you can highlight this as a prophetic figure:

• The blowing of the shofar recalls Christ's second coming (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

• The call to repentance connects with spiritual preparation before the Lord's return.

• Jesus is our Lamb who allows us to enter the Book of Life (Revelation 20:12). Pastora Jadira Garcia