Jewish New Year - when begins, customs, greetings
Israel is an interesting and unique country that crowds of tourists seek to visit. Someone makes a pilgrimage, and someone rests and sightseeing. The inhabitants of Israel profess Judaism, so the holidays are not the same as the Russians. In the article we will consider detailed information about the New Year in Israel 2020.
The traditional New Year is not included in Israeli public holidays. He is noted only by the Russian-speaking population, but there is no day off for him. The country has its own holiday - Rosh Hashan - the beginning of a new year according to the Israeli calendar and 2020 dates as 5781th. How do locals mark the beginning of the year?
When does Jewish New Year start and end
Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashan) - is unique. He does not have a specific date. The holiday begins in the spring at the new moon, so the numbers are different every year.
In 2020, the Jewish New Year will begin on September 19 and will last two days - until September 20 inclusive.
The holiday as such is not considered, but is a public holiday. For people - this is a holy day, one of the religious holidays, and not a day for rest and enjoyment.
Rosh Hashan, Tu B'Shvat and New Year: features and customs
The Jews have two holidays called the New Year - Rosh Hashan and Tu Bishvat. If the first is repentance and forgiveness, then the second is the praise of trees and nature.
Rosh Hashan
Any Russian will be amazed. Israelis have no habit of celebrating the New Year with a grand scale, fireworks, songs and dances. According to popular belief, God arranges judgment over people these days. All acts and sins are evaluated, and a sentence is imposed. Believers must repent and remember their sins, because only in this way the Heavenly Father can forgive them.
Rosh Hashanah is saturated with symbolism. Every dish, action matters. Relatives give each other small gifts that carry some symbolic meaning. If the family is too far away, at least postcards are sent.
The family gathers at the set table, where each dish has a special meaning. Serve:
- Lamb heads symbolizing supremacy.
- Carrots, chopped in the form of coins - for monetary income.
- Fish for fertility.
- Pomegranate is a symbol of good deeds.
- Raisin bread for a healthy body.
- Apples are a required attribute on the table.
Bitter and salty foods are not served on the table so that the year does not “bitter”.
Tu B'Shvat
Tu B'Shvat is celebrated on January 25th. In fact, this is the day the tax year ends. The holiday comes from the tradition according to which taxes were levied on that day. They were calculated by the fruits ripened on the trees until this day. Residents paid tithing on all profits.
On this day, the Jews praise the trees, thank for the fruits that they bring. All actions are aimed at unity with nature, because man is its integral part.
Not so long ago, local residents have another tradition - planting trees for a hymn.
On this day on the table must be present:
- Dates.
- Wheat grains or wheat.
- Garnet.
- Grapes
- Olives.
- Figs
- Barley.
European New Year
In Israel, the European New Year is not a public holiday. It is noted mainly by the Russian-speaking population and tourists, but authorities and local residents reckon with these traditions.
Many Russians go to celebrate the classic New Year at Israeli resorts, so the locals are preparing for the holiday to ensure a pleasant pastime for guests. Not so long ago, even started to grow trees that look like Christmas trees, which is very nice.
Before the festive night, tourists visit attractions. Bars, restaurants and hotels offer live entertainment.
Video plot
Some people prefer to go shopping and supermarkets these days, because New Year's sales begin.
How to congratulate friends and family on the Jewish New Year
The main thing is that the gift carries some meaning, so each person chooses a special thing. If you live far away, send a greeting card. You can also send a gift, if possible.
Helpful information
- The difference between the Jewish and Christian calendar is 3761 days.
- Russian-speaking residents of the country celebrate New Year's standard for Russia on December 31.
- Since 2019, the Israeli authorities have signed a bill that allows noise on the night of December 31 to January 1.
- The European New Year was celebrated earlier, but many had to pay fines for noisy pastimes.
- Apples and bread are dipped in honey to make the New Year joyful and sweet.
It will be interesting for any traveler to visit Israel, see unique sights, relax in the resorts of the Red and Dead Sea, and get a lot of positive emotions.