"Rosh Hashanah 2019 Start Time: When Does the Jewish New Year Begin?"

Rosh Hashanah 2019: Start Time and Significance

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is a significant holiday that marks the beginning of a ten-day period of introspection and repentance, culminating in Yom Kippur. If you're wondering "What time does Rosh Hashanah start in 2019?", you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll provide you with the start time, explain the significance of Rosh Hashanah, and guide you through the key traditions and customs observed during this sacred time.

Rosh Hashanah 2019 Start Time

Rosh Hashanah begins on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which typically falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar. In 2019, Rosh Hashanah started at sunset on Sunday, September 29, and ended at nightfall on Tuesday, October 1. Here's a breakdown of the start times for each day:

• First Day: Sunset on Sunday, September 29 (around 7:00 PM local time)
• Second Day: Sunset on Monday, September 30 (around 7:00 PM local time)

Why Does Rosh Hashanah Start at Sunset?

Jewish days begin and end at sunset, as stated in the Torah: "And there was evening, and there was morning, one day" (Genesis 1:5). This is why Jewish holidays, including Rosh Hashanah, start at sunset. The day is considered to have ended, and the new day has begun.

Significance of Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah is a time for reflection, renewal, and new beginnings. It is believed that on Rosh Hashanah, God opens the Book of Life and begins to write down the fate of each person for the coming year. The fate is then sealed on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This period is known as the "Ten Days of Repentance" or the "High Holidays."

Key Traditions and Customs

Rosh Hashanah is filled with rich traditions and customs that help us connect with our faith and community. Here are some key practices observed during Rosh Hashanah:

• Shofar Blowing: A shofar, a hollowed-out ram's horn, is blown during morning services to awaken us from our spiritual slumber and remind us of the binding of Isaac.
• Tashlich: On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to perform Tashlich, a ceremony where we symbolically cast away our sins by throwing breadcrumbs into a body of water.
• Apples and Honey: We dip apples in honey to symbolize our hopes for a sweet new year. This tradition is often enjoyed at the Rosh Hashanah meal.
• New Year's Greetings: We greet one another with "L'Shana Tova," which means "For a good year."

Rosh Hashanah Meal: Symbolic Foods

The Rosh Hashanah meal is filled with symbolic foods that represent our hopes and prayers for the new year. Here are some common symbolic foods and their meanings:

Rosh Hashanah is a time for renewal, reflection, and connection with our faith and community. By understanding the significance of Rosh Hashanah and participating in its traditions, we can make the most of this sacred time and start the new year on the right foot.