Rosh Hashanah
How Jews prepare for the day
Preparation
Summary meaning of the festival
Links to creation and judgement from God
At Home
In the synagogue
Day of Judgement: God weighs their deeds and decides fortune in year to come
Recalls creation stories in Genesis
Anniversary to come in which God created humans
Judgement can be influenced by actions
charity work
making up with people
reflect on their actions
One month before: Shofar( Ram's horn) is blown daily, announcing coming of judgement
Day before: similar to Shabbat, buy new fruits for renewal, candles lit before sunset
Prayers focused on asking God to continue being King
Special prayers for forgiveness said all month
Apples dipped in honey eaten: sweet new year
Fish head eaten: desire to grow in number
Festival meal begins with blessing of Kiddush cup
Longer service with special prayers, large congregations
Shofar blown 100 times
Many Jews attend that don't normally