A time for reflection is ready to start



The high holy days are a solemn time of repentance.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
VINDICATOR RELIGION EDITOR
LIBERTY -- Rosh Hashana signifies the new year and a fresh start. These are the "days of awe" when God created Adam and Eve and the beginning of mankind.
Rabbi Nosson Schuman of Congregation Children of Israel said it's during this time that those of the Jewish faith reflect on the abstract "Book of Life." The book is opened on Rosh Hashana, on Monday, and will be sealed on Yom Kippur, Oct. 12, the day of atonement. The Jewish holidays begin at sunset the day before.
In the Jewish faith, believers pray for their hopes and dreams and wishes and wants, reflect on their lives and repent transgressions. It's believed that God decides people's destinies for the coming year during this time. People have until Yom Kippur to make requests and pray for forgiveness for sins of the past year.
Requests to find a husband or wife, have a child, win the lottery, have good health are some goals that might be prayed for said Rabbi Schuman. In computer terms, Rabbi Schuman said it would be compared with "clearing the hard drive" and "writing a new program."
During the solemn days, he said, people reflect on the "quality of their lives." The faithful "accept God's kingship" by showing humility and subjugating themselves before God.
Room for celebration
Though the holiday is one of repentance and reflection, the anticipation of a new year and new beginning also offers the occasion for a festive meal.
At that time, Jews would dip challah (bread) or a piece of apple into honey to symbolize the promise of a "good, sweet year." Rabbi Schuman said it is customary for Jews "to wish each other a sweet year."
An important symbol during the Rosh Hashana observance is the sounding of the shofar, the ram's horn. "It's an eerie sound," Rabbi Schuman said, and prompts listeners to take notice and there is no talking. The ancient symbol reminds the congregation to "humble themselves before God."
Prayer time
The musaf, the longest prayer of the day (up two hours), follows. Rabbi Schuman made the analogy that God is the potter at the wheel. "He shapes our lives and should be the center of our lives," he said.
The 10 days of repentance lead up to Yom Kippur, the day of atonement. The observance involves a fast that starts at sunset Oct. 12 and ends after dark Oct. 13.
Before the fast is a "celebration meal eaten to build up strength," Rabbi Schuman said. "We're confident that God will forgive our sins and cleanse us."
On the menu is kreplach, which Rabbi Schuman described as similar to a won ton, and is meat wrapped in dough. "It symbolizes that our fate ... our judgment is hidden," he said.
Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, is the last chance to repent before the book of life is sealed for another year. Rabbi Schuman also said that the "drasha" (talks by the rabbi) given during the high holidays are the most important of the whole year.
linonis@vindy.com

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