Ono Marks the Jewish Holidays of the Month of Tishrei
The Hebrew Month of Tishrei is full of special days, mitzvahs and customs, which the people of Israel have observed for thousands of years. In this month, there is a wonderful harmony between forgiveness and mercy, joy, family, nature and Torah.
All these together constitute a starting point for a year of doing, learning and progress.
Below is a brief background on these holidays:
- Rosh Hashanah – Rosh Hashanah opens the ten days of repentance until Yom Kippur. It is customary to eat signs of a good new year at the holiday meal and it is commanded that every person hear a shofar blow that awakens the heart.
- The Fast of Gedaliah – This fast typically takes place the day after Rosh Hashanah. This year, because of the intervening Sabbath, the fast is delayed until Sunday October 6, 2024. The fast was established to commemorate the murder of Gedaliah ben Ahikam, the governor of the Kingdom of Judah in the period after the destruction of the First Temple. This political murder, committed by fellow Jews marked the beginning of the end of Jewish sovereignty in Israel, and is mourned as such. It is considered a particularly holy day and at its center are repentance and forgiveness.
- Yom Kippur – Yom Kippur is referred to in the Torah as “an ultimate Sabbath and holy convocation.” Despite the fasting and other deprivations that the Torah calls for on this day, Yom Kippur is mentioned in the Mishnah as one of the best days on the calendar for the people of Israel (together with the fast of the 10th of Av). This is, in part, because of the Jewish people’s great joy at being forgiven and receiving a second chance to do better in the new year.
May we all be signed and sealed in the book of life.
Rabbi Moshe Reiss
Director of the Religious Zionist Administration
