Tonight marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. This day is also known as Yom Tru’ah or the day of the sounding of trumpets. Shofars (rams horns) are blown just as in biblical times. This two-day holiday is preceded by a month of repentance so that the New Year begins with a clean slate.
This year Rosh Hashanah landed on Shabbat, when it is forbidden to sound the shofar, so it can be blown only on the second day. Israelis celebrate a good and “sweet” new year by eating apples dipped in honey.
On Rosh Hashanah, Jews proclaim that there is only one God and it is their deepest desire to serve Him with all their hearts. See more about Rosh HaShanah in today’s commentary.