In the Jewish calendar, the High Holy Days are like the engine that moves the year forward. These special times, called the High Holidays, are a mix of happiness and seriousness, eating and not eating, praying and feeling inspired. In Sussex and all over the world, we go on this meaningful journey through the Jewish year.
It starts in the month of Elul. Every weekday morning, we hear the shofar, which is like a wake-up call to get ready for the important days ahead. We take time to think about our lives and try to get closer to God.
The most important part of this journey is Rosh Hashanah, a two-day holiday that marks the beginning of the Jewish year. It’s when we believe God starts creating the world again. During these days, we pray, blow the shofar, and celebrate with joy.
This year, in 2023, Rosh Hashanah will begin on the evening of September 15 and end on the evening of September 17.
A week later, the High Holidays reach their peak with Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement. On this special day, we act like angels by not eating or drinking for 25 hours. We come together in the synagogue, dressed in white, as one big family.
This year (2023), Yom Kippur will start on the evening of September 24 and end on the evening of September 25.
But the spiritual journey doesn’t stop with Yom Kippur. It continues with the happy celebrations of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, which mark the end of the fall holiday season. These celebrations remind us of our faith and heritage and bring us closer to God and each other.
As we start this meaningful journey, may the High Holy Days be a source of inspiration, reflection, and togetherness for all of us.
