«The first day of the seventh month shall be a holy day for you—do no work on it. It is a day when trumpets are to be blown.»

Numbers, the Fourth Book of the Torah, 29:1

Happy New Year! That's right—this Friday, September 18, 2020, at sunset, marks the Jewish New Year, or the first day of the seventh lunar month of the year 5781! Rosh Hashanah In Hebrew, it means «the head of the year» and embodies both deep reflections on purifying our lives and the joy with which we look forward to the coming year and ask God that the new year, unlike the old one, be full and sweet. Especially now, in 2020, this is a very timely request, isn’t it?

Such celebrations are usually observed by the entire community or synagogue. That’s what we do, too—the Jewish Messianic community of Etz Chaim («Tree of Life») in Munich. But given the current global situation and for the sake of everyone’s health, we’ve decided to celebrate in a different way—online! Anyone who wishes to can join us via computer, tablet, or even a phone right from the comfort of their own homes and celebrate with us. This is important because, in addition to traditional dishes, it’s essential to grasp the very meaning of the holiday and hear the sound of shofar!

So, to take part in our celebration, you first need to register (089-44383421) and, second, set your own festive table at home for Rosh Hashanah.

How do you set the table for Rosh Hashanah?

It's very simple! Here's what you'll need:  

Like any Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah («Rosh Hashanah,» that is, the Jewish New Year) begins with the lighting of candles. So be sure to have two long white candles, candlesticks, and, of course, matches ready.

Feast Rosh Hashanah begins with Kiddush—that is, a blessing to God for a fulfilling life, symbolized by wine or grape juice and a soft, sweet roll called challah. On Shabbat, the challah is usually braided and oblong. But on Rosh Hashanah The challah should be round and sweet—it can even have raisins. So stock up on some good wine (preferably kosher) or grape juice, and bake or buy the «proper» challah.

In keeping with the spirit of a happy and sweet New Year—which is what we wish for one another on Rosh Hashanah—challah and apples are dipped in honey. Honey is a must on the table. Rosh Hashanah. And the apples can either be served in slices or even baked in honey (Here's the recipe!).

Usually on Rosh Hashanah Various vegetables (such as pumpkin, beets, green beans, carrots, and onions), fruits (especially apples, pomegranates, and dates), and fish are served as the main course. There are, of course, many recipes, and Here you'll find some helpful tips.

Since Rosh Hashanah The so-called Yomim Noraim («Days of Awe»), leading up to the holiest day of the year—Yom Kippur (the evening of September 27!)—the predominant color for both clothing and tablecloths is white. The table can also be decorated with apples, pomegranates, etc.

Even though everyone calls this holiday Rosh Hashanah («New Year»), the Torah refers to this holiday only as Yom Terua («the day of the trumpet blast,» that is, the day shofar). If you have shofar, make it—you'll need it. If not, that's okay—just be prepared to hear the sound shofar at our celebration.

So, friends,

THE NAME OF THIS ITEM IS "UMETUKA" —

Have a wonderful and sweet New Year!

Join us for the celebration on September 6, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.!