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Bernat Armangue / AP
Ultra-Orthodox Jews pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, before the start the holiday of Rosh Hashana, early Sunday.
Millions of Jews around the world began ushering in the new year, 5773, when the holiday Rosh Hashana began Sunday at sunset.
Rosh Hashana translates from Hebrew to mean "head of the year," said Karen Lewin, education and youth director at Beth El in Lower Makefield, Penn.
The book of life is opened for the coming year and the fate of each individual is decided by God, according to Jewish beliefs.
During Rosh Hashana, the faithful look back at their mistakes of the past year, make amends, so they can start the new year with a clean slate, Lewin said.
Ronen Zvulun / Reuters
People, seen through a doorway, shop at a food market in Jerusalem September 16, 2012, ahead of Rosh Hashanah on Sunday.
The names of the good are inscribed in the book to live another year. The wicked are redacted forever, and those in between are given a chance to reflect, repent and become righteous. After 10 days, on Yom Kippur, they can then be sealed into the book of life. Yom Kippur falls on Sept. 26.
President Barack Obama sent wishes for a "sweet year of health, happiness, and peace" in a video message:
"This is a joyful time for millions of people around the world. But Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are also opportunities for reflection. They represent a chance to take stock of our lives and look forward to the coming year with clear eyes and renewed purpose.
In that spirit, the Jewish Tradition teaches us that one of the most important duties we have during this period is the act of reconciliation. We’re called to seek each other out and make amends for those moments when we may not have lived up to our values as well as we should.
At a time when our public discourse can too often seem harsh; when society too often focuses on what divides us instead of what unites us; I hope that Americans of all faiths can take this opportunity to reach out to those who are less fortunate; to be tolerant of our neighbors; and to recognize ourselves in one another. And as a nation, let us be mindful of those who are suffering, and renew the unbreakable bond we share with our friends and allies – including the State of Israel."
Israeli President Shimon Peres in a Rosh Hashana message called Jews around the world "full partners" with Israel.
"As we stand poised on the threshold of the New Year, it is my distinct pleasure to convey my heartfelt good wishes to all the Jewish communities around the world, in my name and on behalf of your brethren in Israel, eager to embark upon another year with hope and optimism," he said in his published message.
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For some of the Jewish faithful, Rosh Hashana ends Monday, but for others on Tuesday at sundown, he said. Those days are spent at the synagogue, since working is not allowed throughout the holiday.
As with most religious holy days, symbols and customs are part of Rosh Hashana.
Apples and honey or honey cake are included in a meal to symbolize the wish for a sweet new year. Round challah bread symbolizes the year’s cycle, Lewin said.
Among other customs is sending family and friends greeting cards that read “Shana Tova” or wishing “A good year,” she said.
Also, the sound of a ram's horn, or shofar, is heard in Jewish homes and houses of worship to alert the Jewish faithful of the coming judgement.
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Leave a Comment:
Let´s wish the Jews all over the world a Happy New Year.In Israel and for Jews all over the planet.And that they keep strong and powerful in the face of the Islamic terrorists both in Israel and the whole world.For the good of the global community and all of human civilization!!
You forgot to mention the many types of Christian terrorists, constantly killing Jews like Mr. Hitler--- just to mention one big one!--AND still today many --including Mormons are in Israel trying to convert them there and all over the world!
---But all very sad killing, just for religion!
And oh Mr. Bundgaard, tell us what would you kill for. Tell us. Lake your list public, we know your just iching to kill. Please tell us. You metion names but you have no proof, you just ramble. Get a life!!
What?????? Hitler was not a Christian and the Holocaust had nothing to do with a Christian desire to kill Jews. And comparing evangelism to murder is just absurd. I haven't heard a single case of a Mormon missionary threatening to kill you if you don't convert to Mormonism. Mormons use persuasion, not violence. And what is so wrong about trying to persuade someone to join your religion? It is a part of every religion, and if you believe that those who don't adhere to your beliefs will be punished, it is quite hateful to not try to convert unbelievers.
It is a good day for Jews to examine their own sins. That is the meaning of Rosh Hashana. Do not let your national and ethnic pride cloud your vision. Be humble before your Lord and yourself. Have a blessed day, Jewish people...
@ Bundgaard - What evidence, or even idea would lead you to believe that Hitler was a Christian? What Christian Biblical principals was Hitler following during his reign of terror? Who are the other "many" Christians responsible for "constantly killing Jews"?
You sir, are a troll.
Sorry Matthew Coons, but it is a historical fact Hitler was a Catholic and had good relations with Church leaders in Germany and in the Vatican. He claimed in numerous speeches his wars on Russia and against the Jews were sanctioned by God. He was also a great ally to Franco in Spain who had the unequivocal support of the Catholic Church while he conducted a brutal Civil War. Every German soldier went to war with the phrase, "Got Mitt Uns," on his belt buckle. It means God With Us.
Your statement that believers have a moral obligation to inflict their world view on unbelievers to save them from divine punishment reflects the unmittigated arrogance and pure insanity of revealed religion in all it's absolute cognitive dissonance.
I ask you some simple questions: Why Should An Omnipotent God Want To Punish Anyone? If we're his children why would he threaten to throw us in fire for simple disobedience? Consider; would you burn your children forever for the small transgression of not believing in you? Isn't that what children do; question their parents values?
So answer please why God punishes us for being exactly what he made us; imperfect? And furthermore, this god KNOWS IN ADVANCE who will obey or disobey him; that means he creates billions of people he knows are going to be sentenced (by him) to eternal torture. That make him a sadistic monster.
The answer to these questions is simple; God is a myth; a primitve, flawed, grotesque caricature of some ancient tyrant king. He is the ultimate slave owner, demanding blind obedience and threatening to burn us even for our thoughts.
Try looking at the popular metaphor of the Good Shepherd in this light: The shepherd goes far out of his way to save the wayward lamb... for what? For dinner! Because shepherds don't love their flocks; they eat them and wear their skins.
Bungaard:
Not in a million years will the Jews be converted to Mormonism. This is not out of disrespect for the Mormon Religion. It is well-respected, as are other religions.
Jews have a long heritage/culture of knowing they are Jewish, even though many do not practice their Religion. They have much pride, brilliance, compassion for others, also giving to Charity is called for, as the biggest Deed.
Stereo types are for those who fear being like them---it is a unique world-wide Community.
To those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah, (the New Year is the beginning of the Jewish New Year, those they have lost, Blowing the Shofar to start the New Year, having good health, peace, and wishing others good lives)----Yom Kippur is the High Holiday that is the day to remember our sins, by fasting 28 hours; it is the most solemn one.
To those who celebrate the High Holidays: L' Shanah Tovah.
Max:
My comments #1.7 are directed to you as well as Bundgaard.
Time ran out as I was editing.
Matthew Coons; look up Mountain Meadows Massacre - there you will find Mormons killing emigrants in Utah - year 1857.
I started to research when the Jewish faith began to see if it coincided with this number of 5773 - I found several different dates. Now I know why I'm not religious - way too much time is required to be a good religious person...I hate just reading ipod instructions.
As with all religions - you have the flock and you have what basically amounts to a political party at the top...Dear Flock - get your leaders to practice what you preach.
I'll stick with my version of Spirituality - no Gods/Masters. no outside influence like books and preachers, no guilt trips - but all the morals. People who have real morals - don't need do over rules (Wiki - Jewish faith - seems do overs were very popular even 5000 years ago).
@Kevin,
Just because someone CLAIMS to be Catholic, Mormon, Christian, Muslim, etc., doesn't make them so. It's how you live by those beliefs that make you a part of that religion.
Hitler may have claimed he was Catholic but he was a murderer, adulterer, and slept with his younger niece and never repented from any of those sins.
And by the way...no where in the Bible does God say that everyone is His children. If you actually took the time to read the Bible or other religious books then you would understand more about what each religion teaches.
Why is it that so many people who aren't religious seem to THINK they know it all when it comes to every religion out there?
Why does God send people to hell? Because we all deserve it! We ALL are sinners... no better then anyone else. God offers a way of salvation and only those who seek it find His mercy and grace. If you don't believe in a god, then why get so upset about hell?
My suggestion? Read and research a relgion before you quote from their book or Bible.
Happy New Year to the Jewish people!
Becky:
Excellent commentary!
@Becky, just curious, how do you know he never repented?
Here is the funny thing, IF he repented and was baptized again before he died, you might see him behind the pearly gates.
According to Christianity.
Unlike the Muslim exterminators!!! Convert by the sword. Jews are peaceful compared to those animal
@ Dave,
People who repent don't take the easy way and and kill themselves...they make it right. Hitler did not. He condoned the killing of his girlfriend (murder) and then took his own life (murder). That should be evidence enough that he is not in Heaven.
Baptism has nothing to do with salvation. Many Christians die before they are baptised.
Salvation is a gift from God...not based on works. We can do nothing to earn our way to heaven or to save ourselves. When a person is born again, they are still sinners and sin, but the difference is, they are now grieved by their sins. Hitler showed no remorse or repentance and that is why I know he is not behind the pearly gates.
Hitler was an aweful person, we all our aweful people, Christians are aweful people, but Christians know they are aweful and are grieved by their sins.
Becky,
I have studied comparative religion for over 35 years. I have read the bible cover to cover many times over. I've also read much or most of the Koran, Mahabarata, Book of Mormon and Diantetics too. I assure you, there is nothing in Diantetics that is any less strange or fanciful than there is in the bible.
There are at least 11 passages in the new testament stating specifically we are all god's children. Just google, 'bible, all god's children,' so perhaps it is you who needs to read more of it. If you are Jewish and don't subscribe to the NT, that's another matter, but don't tell me the bible doesn't say it.
Sadly for believers many atheists and non religious people do actually know more than believers do about their own beliefs. That's because we tend to be curious, critical thinkers who employ reason and logic instead of blind obedience. Sheep tend to stoop low to the ground and never even notice an eagle soaring up above.
Religious believers throughout history have commtted and continue to commit murder, rape, incest, ethnic cleansing and all manner of depravity in the name of or at the express orders of their gods. Yahweh repeatedly orders his, "chosen people," to slaughter man, woman and child in the conquest of Canaan.
The common apologetics for such bad behavior is to say, 'that's not what the religion teaches...' or 'they're interpreting it wrongly,' or, 'those were primitive times.' Well that's pure B-S; you can't separate the religion from the act of a religious fanatic and if the times were primitive then shouldn't we abandon those primitive notions if they are out of date?
Furthermore, if the brutality of the biblical god(s) is out of date, doesn't that kind of belie the notion of an unchanging, eternal, fixed and unmoving entity? Don't want to tax your uncurious mind too much, but I'm not, "upset about hell," because there is no hell. I do get upset with people who demand we should all act as if they're belief in hell applies to the entire human race. I doubt you can discern the difference but it is huge.
Finally, your statement that all humans deserve to be sent to hell says all that needs to be said about the moral bankruptcy of revealed religion. If you want to wallow in self loathing and self denigration, go right ahead; but it is a statement of supreme arrogance to declare all humanity subject to your susperstitions.
My suggestion; don't place your head into a lion's mouth.
Becky, Your statement is so full of religious holes I am just going to walk away...
AWFUL indeed..
Kevin, Thank You. Well said.
Dave,
"...religious holes..." There's a visual! Thanks for the vote!
Saccomm,
Jews have only been peaceful since the Romans crushed them. What about the conquest (theft) of Canaan? That wasn't peaceful.
Happy holidays to my Jewish friends. May future hold peaceful co-existence with you and your neighboours all over the world.
Happy holidays and remember Mitt is your friend not Obama
You have to politicize even this joyous occasion for the Jewish people? You are a hating bigot, Scott
Happy holidays, and remember all of America are your friends and allies.
Neither A nor B
Best wishes for a happy holiday. Aloha.
There is only one Prince of peace and His Name is Yeshua.
Wulfrano, if you are a Christian, we don't need your proselytizing here. You believe the way you want to and leave everyone else alone.
Please remove your Jesus from my holiday wishes.
How many more years of attempted conversion do we have to endure? Are centuries not enough?
Always hating??? Noone mentioned Jesus.
Sam,
You think Jesus is the only transription of the old Aramaic name? Do you also believe that the Bible was written in English?
Judsi and phalaeo,
One belief of Christianity is that unbelievers will spend eternity in hell. It would be hateful and the complete opposite of Christian love to not attempt to persuade everyone to put their faith in Jesus. Why so offended by the mention of His name?
Im a jew, and I love Jesus. You can believe in Him or not, up to you. However, It is abundantly clear He met all the conditions to be the Messiah. There can be no other in that regard. Seems silly to me, to keep ignoring Jesus that way. I believe it is prophesied that one day the jews will in fact come to accept Jesus. It will happen. Till then, shana tova.
yeah, Gd bless Israel and 'Be Nice'.
I'm not religious but Happy Rosh Hashana..Reading the article though Shimon Peres couldn't help but use the holiday as a political opportunity "Jews around the world full partners with Israel." Does that gov't have no shame?
To Peter church:
I am a Jew and don't wish me a Happy Rosh Hashana! People like you are nothing but latent anti-semites and anti- Israel!! Most Jews around the world have a special connection to Israel. Remember if you can that after the Holocaust took place during WWII, many Jews made their way to the Promised Land, that being both a dry and swamp-infested land called Israel. In very few years, the people were able to turn that desert into the land of 'milk and honey." In simple terms, they made the desert bloom. This small democratic country (the only democracy in the Middle East) the size of NJ, has fought 4 wars against its Arab "neighbors"and won all 4 wars to maintain their democratic way of life. Now, Iran threatens Israel's very existence, and you are concerned that Shimon Peres is using our Holiday for political opportunities? Jews around the world are partners because like Israel, we also celebrate Rosh Hashana and that is the connection we Jews have with Israel!! The modern state of Israel is only 64 years old, but Israel truly dates back many thousand years! So yes, peter, I am an American first, but I do feel like a partner with Israel, as do most Jews around the world. I am so proud of the USA and also have an allegiance to the Jewish people of Israel because I too am a Jew!! Finally, peter, the government of modern Israel has nothing to be ashamed of for what they have done with their country in 64 years.
peter, keep you happiness to yourself, because with friends like you, who needs enenmies!!!!!!!
Oh you are a Jew - well you have my condolences - don't worry it will be ok
To Dan C:
I myself am also Jewish, and I do not think that I could have stated it any better than you did. Also let us not forget when our Lord returns, Isreal is where His throne will be. It would be in the United Staes best interest to help and protect Isreal as well.
I'm a Christian who worships a Jewish carpenter. God Bless Israel...and God Bless Benjamin Netanyahu.
Dan C.
A personal L' Shanah Tovah to you! May you have a Sweet, Good New Year.
Hoping for Peace in the torturous Middle East. Israel must be supported in the tumultuous times that are happening now.
Another Holocaust could happen; Israel is now in a weakened position, outnumbered by the Crazies. So very concerned.
on this occasion, all jews and israelis should make a new year's resolution: to stop oppressing the palestinians, to allow the palestinians to have their own long denied palestinian state. to respect them and their freedom, to lift the gaza siege. so, duty before pleasure, honour and you'll be honoured, give and you'll be given.
To Matteo,
If you can take yourself back to 9/11/2001, you will remember the devistation we call 9/11. I'm sure that you were glued to the TV as so many pictures were shown pictures of people distraught and saddened by what happened to our wonderful country!!! However, I guess you missed the pictures of the celebrating many people in Arab countries along with the palestinians were doing right in front of the cameras!!!
As far as respect for the palestinians, it was and stills is the Arab countries that keep the palestinian people poor. With all their oil money, they should have built them hospitals, schools, and a watering system to help keep disease out, but they chose to give them weapons instead!
Matteo the truth hurts...
Man Dan C... i can add nothing.... people sometimes ask "Why did G_d choose the Jews to carry the "Light of G_d".... After reading the Bible and "living" as a Christian... I realized why:
Because G_d wanted a people that once introduced.. Would never leave Him.... and no matter the History G_d has always kept a remnant that will never be taken away.... in this world nor the next.
Shana Tova Shalom
Uh, Flame....
It's because in order to find the "light" you have to go through psalms, literally. It doesn't mean to imply they are any better than anyone else, but it does mean chosen. King David is the two doves that were sent out to find dry land, or Dovod, right left. Light is neither right nor left but both, Solomonic or moon and sun, thus the land of milk and honey. It's athenic, or pallindromic and he's a first born son in the red clay which is actually English. I know this is because I've made this journey. It's about producing the olive branch. It's not the overwhelming joy necessarily that it's made out to be. It should have been.....
This Christian friend rejoices with you during the High Holy Days. May the New Year bring you peace. May the Day of Atonement bring you rest for your souls. Shalom Beth Israel.
THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!!
Shana Tova from my family to yours!
Regarding the negative and or political commentary here, what would you say if we just posted a bunch of negative crap over your Christmas or Easter or (insert any Christian Holiday here) greetings! You wouldn't like it all that much I'll bet. Get over yourselves. Focus on the article, if you don't like it , move on
People would get crap if they celebrated Easter or Christmas in your country or any sandy areas around there. The beauty of this country is you don't have to move on if you don't like something, you can speak freely for or against it, just as you have the right to practice it even if it annoys others. If you can't take criticism then you move.
as a new years resolution all israelis and jews should start considering to treat the palestinians with more respect, considering that they have been waiting for so long and israel has been so unwilling to give them the state that is theirs.
Read some history, please.
Palestinians will earn respect when they stop blowing up our children.
"Hey, we've been blowing up everyone at random... can we have some land, please?"
We have endured millennia of oppression. We seek only to be left alone in peace, but we will not be victims of terrorism.
Thank you to everyone else who have expressed wishes for a good and sweet New Year. Your heartfelt thoughts are meaningful to this Jewish gal. L'Shana Tovah to all!
israel needs to stop killing Palestinian children as well, mass punishing and land grabbing. For every action there is a reaction. No difference between strapping a bomb and blowing it in the middle of innocent civilian and a bomber given as gift by us Americans to israel, dropping a 2 ton bomb in a crowded innocent civilian area. Actually the 2 ton bomb will cause way more casualties. So I would not go there...
Sam,
Which is why Israel does not drop bombs populated areas, and why the use of human shields by Hezbollah and other terrorists groups always works against Israel. Note the many instance when Palestinians have launched attacks from within their own populaton centers, knowing full-well that Israel with not counter-attack into a civilian area. Cynical, but effective. Israel has always had the capacity to commit genocide, and eliminate the Palestinians completely. Yet, they never have. The surrounding Arab countried have always had the capacity to provide land and humanitarian aid to lift the Palestinians up, way up. Yet, they have not. Explain that if you would (or can).
Shanah Tova (A sweet New Year) to all. Maybe this year will be better, more peaceful and more prospersous and healthy for all.
To all who begin the Ten Days of Penitence like me, may you be inscribed and sealed for a good and sweet year in the Book of Life. May the weather be not oppressive. May your fast on Yom Kippur be easy and fast. And may we finally have a year of peace.
L' Shana Tovah
May everyone have a sweet, healthy and prosperous New Year whether you are Jewish or Gentile.
Any Jew that has seen Obama's stance on Israel is a complete and utter fool should he/she vote for him. Many Jews are Democrats, but to blindly follow a party that has been infected with a amateurish zealot, is heresy. Wake up folks.
In actuality, neither presidential candidate is good for Israel.
Happy New Year. It is a shame israel/zionism tries to highjack Judaism. israel gives a bad name to Jews. I commend all Jews who dissociate themselves from israel, especially the Jewish Voice For Peace group.
Many, many more years of the Jewish people thriving and being prosperous!!! Happy New Year.
How did the Jews wrangle two days off for these obscure holidays in this country? They're a tiny fraction of the population, are we going to start celebrating muslim new year, and chinese new year, and tibetan new year, and inca new year?
This America, lets embrace everyone's holidays and beliefs as long as they are peaceful!
Just like going to your sister's wedding--you request and hopefully are granted vacation or personal time, or get someone to trade shifts with you. These holy days are not in any way recognized by any American employers in my experience. And obviously, you and the rest of the country are not celebrating. By the way, observing Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is not like what you do for Christmas.
Well Mike, Jesus celebrated these Jewish holidays. As a Jew, Jesus gave all to his Heavenly Father and King. On Rosh Hoshana we acknowledge the same as we humble ourselves before the Almighty King of the Universe and our Heavenly Father.
The entire purpose of our faith is to bring the knowledge of God to the world and for us all to worship and serve together.
God Bless the world and all his creation. May blessings and peace rain down from Heaven for all.
My kids have off from school so yes the holiday is celebrated. I don't care who celebrates what but it seems odd to give days off of school for such a tiny minority of the population. More kids celebrate muslim holidays and they don't get those off.
Happy Rosh Hoshana to all the Jewish people around the world. May the new year bring to you all peace and harmony. Enjoy your celebrations.
Happy new year!
Is it a paid three day holiday weekend?
Ridiculous--as if god has the time to watch 7 billion humans at one time. But the good news is that this will be reduced soon by billions in the coming apocalypse......
Its funny you can suck air with 7 billion people at one time...I have no fear i know who is in control!
Happy Rosh Hoshana Israel and to the hebrews all over the world..
Does everyone have to be so hateful?
Vegan,
Hurting people hate...that's why.
To all those of the Jewish faith I wish you and your families a very sweet, peaceful and Happy New Year and that no matter if we are Jew or Gentile we can all be friends and share the joys and sorrows of life with each other.
Plus another paid week off for Xmas....................
Isn't it sad, really, that in certain religions and indeed just a day or two of general holidays in calendar years are set aside for atonement and for wishing each other a happy new year? And reading some of the posts above that are hate-laced or which ridicule the Jewish faith, is it no wonder this world is what it is? If you don't subscribe to the Jewish faith, you probably don't understand the first thing about it, so who are you to condemn it?
piss on you scumbag. your damn jewish religion is not any better than any other religion you ignorant selfish FOOL
No one said it was alex. You seem to be filled with a lot of hate.
Why , did hitler let us all down
kellie must be alex or his homosexual partner.
W O W, aren't you on a one-way road to hell, You love this jewish crap and yet you hate Queens . That has got to be the icing on the cake. I know 9 jewish men in thier early 30s and only 1 is married . The rest still live with mommy . That my friend is the first sign of being gay.
I'll bet you knew them - in a biblical way!
Hahahahahahaha.
Oh , your just like my 3rd exwife, not very funny.
I agree with you lawfull...a lot of hate!
Why Kellie and not Kelly for a guy?
Ask my parents, not me?
kellie: your parent's inability so spell got handed down I see...