Rosh Hashanah Traditions and Practices

Study Notes

Hatarat Nedarim is the canceling of all promises and vows
Hatarat Nedarim is performed on the eve of Rosh Hashanah as it is a serious matter to break promises
Selichot - prayers for forgiveness - are said early in the morning on the eve of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah is the day of judgement as Adam Harishon (the first human) was judged on the same day as the day he sinned
The three books refer to:
- Tzadikim – the righteous
- Beinoni – those who are neither good nor bad
- Resha’im – the wicked
Beinoni - means someone who is neither good nor bad and their judgement is postponed until the Ten Days of Repentance
Simana Milta means the symbol is real and that actions have a true meaning and purpose
The custom of eating apples dipped in honey symbolizes a sweet new year like the grandmother in the story who had forgotten her grandchild’s birthday and used honey to make up for it

Kapparot - a custom where a chicken or money is placed on the head and is swung in a circle and then given away
Erev Yom Kippur (the evening before Yom Kippur) is when it is most important to eat a meal
It is important to ask for forgiveness on **Erev Yom Kippur ** as forgiveness from Hashem only occurs for sins between people if those people have forgiven each other
Vidui – confession – includes physical actions like pounding one’s chest
Seudat HaMafseket – the breaking of the fast meal – is eaten on Erev Yom Kippur
E-D-W-A-L stands for (what is forbidden during Yom Kippur):
- Eating
- Drinking
- Washing
- Annointing oils or creams (or applying)
- Leather shoes
White clothing symbolizes purity and cleanliness for Yom Kippur
Kol Nidrei - a prayer recited three times during the Yom Kippur service, each time slightly louder than the last
Neila - a special prayer that is recited at the conclusion of Yom Kippur
Neila means “closing” in reference to closing the gates of heaven
The Book of Jonah is read on Yom Kippur to emphasize that Hashem accepts repentance