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Shalom Parents:
Shalom ECLC Parents,
As we stand at the threshold of another Jewish New Year, we are filled with gratitude and excitement. It's heartening to see our community grow, welcoming many new families and students who have chosen to embark on their journey into Jewish tradition with us, both at school and at home.
The Essence of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is more than just a celebration; it is a profound reflection of renewal and introspection. This holiday not only marks the Jewish New Year but also commemorates the sixth day of creation, when God created Adam and Eve, completing the world with the creation of humanity. Created b'tzelem Elohim, in the image of God, man and woman were entrusted to carry forward God's creation and fulfill his plan. This pivotal moment underscores our foundational connection to divine purpose and the completion of the world.
On this day, we reflect on our origins and our responsibilities as stewards of the world. It is a time when we are encouraged to look inward, evaluate our actions over the past year, and set intentions for the year ahead. Celebrated with prayer, reflection, and the sounding of the shofar, Rosh Hashanah calls us to return to our roots and values.
The Tradition of Simanim:
On Rosh Hashanah, our tables feature Simanim, symbolic foods that represent our prayers for the coming year:
- Apples Dipped in Honey (תַּפּוּחִים בִּדְבַשׁ, Tapuchim b'Dvash) - A wish for a sweet new year.
- Pomegranate (רִמּוֹן, Rimon) - With its many seeds, it symbolizes our hope for abundant merits and deeds.
- Dates ( תְּמָרִים, Tmarim) - Praying for the cessation of enemies and adversity.
- Leek - (כְּרֵשָׁה, Karti) - A symbol to 'cut off' our adversaries.
- Beet (סֶלֶק, Seleq) - To remove our sins and start anew.
- Gourd/Pumpkin - ( דְּלַעַת, קרעה, Kara) - Representing the tearing of bad verdicts and proclamation of good deeds.
- Black-Eyed Peas (רוּבִּיׇה, Rubia) - A symbol for an increase in merits.
- Fish (דָּג, Dag) - Signifying fertility, life, and abundance.
- Head of a Sheep or Fish (רֹאשׁ שֶׁל דָּג אוֹ כֶּבֶשׂ, Rosh Keves o Dag) - Eaten to symbolize being at the 'head' and not the 'tail'.
These symbols enrich our celebration, infusing it with meaning and a deep sense of purpose as we share these traditions with our children, ensuring they understand and value their heritage.
We are so grateful to each of you for joining us on this beautiful path of Jewish education and community life. May this Rosh Hashanah bring you and your loved ones renewal, joy, and a deeper connection to our traditions.
Shanah Tovah U'Metukah—may you have a good and sweet new year!
Rosh Ha-Shannah Creative Seder:
We you might find this creative Rosh Ha-Shannah “Seder” useful for your family and you and to learn about how other Jewish families celebrate the holiday and what symbols they use and bless on in Rosh Ha-Shannah. (Credit: Kol HaOt - Kol HaOt imparts Jewish values, texts and history through a creative synthesis of the visual and performing arts). Click Here to View
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