Many people aren’t aware why there is no school on Thursday, October 3rd, or maybe even aware of that at all. No, it’s not just a day off given to us by the county because they want to give us a break (please MCPS…please), it’s Rosh Hashanah!
Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the beginning of the New Year in Judaism. The holiday starts up the High Holy Days and celebrates the creation of Man. It is a time of reflection and self-evaluation. Rosh Hashanah means “head of the year” in Hebrew, since the months start in spring in the Jewish calendar. Rosh Hashanah signifies the beginning of the seventh month, Tishrei.
The holiday itself is a two-day celebration during which people gather together, eat delicious food, and grow their relationship with God. Traditionally, people perform a prayer by a body of water, toss bread into the water, blow on a Shofar (which is a curved ram’s horn), and have a celebratory feast. The holiday is a beautiful beginning to a hopeful new year and a transformational period that allows the past to be thought of. This holiday holds a large significance for Jewish people and having this day off is important to allow them to celebrate without restrictions. Shana Tova Umetuka!
