Rosh Hashanah

Whip out that calendar, review your year, and think. Rosh Hashanah is the time to consider how you might have wronged others or how you might be falling short of your own potential. As said in the highly renowned and critically acclaimed motion picture, The Hangover, “You better check yourself, before you wreck yourself.” This is the time when it is encouraged to fairly judge yourself and your actions over the preceding year. During Rosh Hashanah, eating apples dipped in honey symbolizes one’s hope for a “sweet” new year.

However, the most important aspect of Rosh Hashanah isn’t about judgment, it is the teshuvah. Each individual celebrating the New Year is called to the return, renewal, or repentance of what has happened. Think of teshuvah as the response to a typical promise to do better, as it marks the process of true forgiveness. What makes Rosh Hashanah so special isn’t reflecting on all that has happened, it is beginning the process of forgiveness and of forgiving others. This process continues through Yom Kippur. 

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, is ten days following Rosh Hashanah. This is a day set aside to “afflict the soul” to atone for the sins of the past year. To do so, a 25-hour fast begins before sunset on the evening prior to Yom Kippur and ends after nightfall on the day of. Most of Yom Kippur is spent in services at a synagogue. Often times Jewish Community Centers will have members write down something they are not proud of and then put in a stream. Growing up, I did this with some of my friends from Hebrew school. This signifies the recognition of one’s sin, it’s forgiveness, and the ability to move forward. As the sin floats away, you begin to truly let go.

Personally, my absolute favorite part of Yom Kippur is breaking the fast. Who doesn’t love stuffing their face with friends and family to welcome in the New Year? L’Chayim to that. #PassTheKugel

The George Washington University has the fifth highest collegiate Jewish student population in the country. Wish your Jewish friends a happy and healthy holiday using one of these phrases:

• Shanah Tovah is Hebrew for "Happy New Year."

• L'shanah tovah tikateyvu v'tichatemu is a Hebrew blessing meaning "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."  

Regardless of your faith, from my family to yours, we wish that your year is to be filled with good health, warm company, and full tummies! Godspeed and Shana Tova.