Rosh Hashana: Traditions and Teachings

Study Notes

Rosh Hashana

Hatarat Nedarim is the canceling of all promises and vows.
Hatarat Nedarim is performed before Rosh Hashana to ensure that people are not judged for breaking promises.
Selichot is a special prayer recited before Rosh Hashana, often at dawn.
Rosh Hashana is considered the day of judgment because Adam Ha'Rishon was judged on this day after sinning.
There are three books used on Rosh Hashana for judgment: Tzadikim (good people), Reshaim (evil people), and Beinonim (those who are in-between).
Beinonim are people who are evenly balanced between good and evil.
The judgment of Beinonim is postponed until Aseret Yimei Teshuva and signed on Yom Kippur.
Simana Milta means symbols are real and highlights the significance of practices like eating apples dipped in honey for a sweet year.
The Mashel of the grandmother who forgets her grandchild's birthday illustrates the importance of remembering the good deeds we have done throughout the year, symbolized by honey.

Yom Kippur

Kapparot is the custom where people take a chicken or money over their heads on Erev Yom Kippur for atonement.
The mitzvah on Erev Yom Kippur is to eat.
It's important to ask forgiveness from people on Erev Yom Kippur because Hashem will only forgive the sins between people if those people have forgiven us.
During Vidur, people pound their chests to express repentance and ask for forgiveness.
The final meal on Erev Yom Kippur is called Seudat HaMafseket.
Four things one cannot do on Yom Kippur: Eating, Drinking, Washing, Anointing oils, Leather Shoes.
We wear white on Yom Kippur to symbolize purity and cleanliness.
Kol Nidrei is a prayer said three times, each time a little louder.
Neila is the special additional Amida prayer recited on Yom Kippur.
The word Neila means closing, symbolizing the end of Yom Kippur.
We read the Book of Jonah on Yom Kippur because it demonstrates Hashem's willingness to accept repentance.

Description

Explore the significance and customs of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. This quiz covers important practices like Hatarat Nedarim, Selichot, and the judgment of the three books. Test your knowledge on the traditions that set the stage for this holy day of reflection and renewal.