Rosh Hashanah
What is Rosh Hashanah?
As we approach the start of Rosh Hashanah, I want to take a moment to highlight the significance of this important holiday in the Jewish community and its relevance to our broader efforts to foster an inclusive and understanding environment.
Rosh Hashanah, which takes place on October 3rd, 2024 this year, also known as the Jewish New Year, is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration. It marks the beginning of the High Holy Days, which are some of the most sacred days in the Jewish faith. This holiday typically involves gathering with family and friends, attending synagogue services, and participating in special prayers and rituals. It is a time for individuals to reflect on their actions over the past year, seek forgiveness, and look forward to personal growth in the year ahead.
At its core, Rosh Hashanah is a time of introspection and community, and it offers valuable lessons that resonate with our values of respect, empathy, and inclusivity. By acknowledging and understanding the significance of holidays like Rosh Hashanah, we create a learning environment where all students and staff feel seen, valued, and respected for their identities and traditions.
🙏 Other Holidays Observed During October
Sukkot (Judaism) - Usually begins in late September or early October
An eight-day festival (seven in Israel) that celebrates the harvest and commemorates the Israelites' time in the wilderness. Observant Jews build and dwell in temporary structures called sukkot.Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah (Judaism) - Immediately following Sukkot
Shemini Atzeret is a day of assembly, and Simchat Torah celebrates the conclusion and restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle.Navaratri (Hinduism) - Typically falls in September or October
A nine-night festival honoring the goddess Durga and celebrating the triumph of good over evil. The festival concludes with Dussehra, which commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana.Durga Puja (Hinduism) - Coincides with Navaratri, primarily celebrated in eastern India
Focuses on worshipping the goddess Durga and celebrating her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.Eid Milad un-Nabi (Islam) - The date varies based on the lunar calendar
Commemorates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Celebrations differ widely among Muslim communities, with some focusing on prayers and others on festive events.Feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Christianity) - October 4
Honors St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and ecology. Many churches hold blessing of the animals ceremonies.All Hallows' Eve (Christianity) - October 31
Known as Halloween, it precedes All Saints' Day on November 1, which honors all saints and martyrs.Samhain (Paganism/Wicca) - October 31 to November 1
An ancient Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It is considered a time when the veil between the living and the dead is thinnest.