Illuminating the Word

Rosh HaShanah  (Hebrew for "beginning of the year.")  The Jewish Civil New Year  takes place on the 1st and 2nd days of Tishri, ushering in a period known as the ten days of awe (or the ten days of penitence.), culminating in Yom Kippur.  It is celebrated as the  'New Year' but is not one of the biblical feasts commanded by G-d.  (G-d commanded Israel to celebrate seven  appointed feasts beginning with Passover..."These are the Lord's appointed times.  The Lord's Passover begins at twilight on the fourteenth day of the first month' Lev 23:2-43 NIV...which would be the first full moon in Nisan.  In Judaism, we use a Lunar calander.)

The Feast of Trumpets is appointed on the 1st & 2nd day of Tishri as the fifth feast, "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, On the first day of the seventh month,  shall ye have a sabbath, a sacred assembly commemorated with blowing of trumpets, do no regular work, but present an offering made to the Lord by fire."(Lev 23:24. NIV).

 Traditionaly, (Jews) celebrate Rosh HaShanah by sending each other cards, wishing a 'Leshana Tovah' ('May you be inscribed for a good year') and by eating Apples & Honey for the hope of a sweet new year.  At the same time it begins the time used in preparation for Yom Kippur, when atonement of sins over the past year is made before the Lord in the hope that their name is written in the 'Book of Life'.