Rosh Hashanah                                        

...In the seventh month, on the first of the month, there shall be a sabbath for you, a remembrance with shofar blasts, a holy convocation. -Leviticus 16:24

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the secular celebration of the new year on January 1st.

There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the secular one: Many  use the secular New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions." Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year. 

The name "Rosh Hashanah" is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

The shofar is a ram's horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice. One that has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance. In the mystical teachings the vibrations of the sounds affect our inner selves bringing healing and alignment with our soul's purpose. 

Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year.

Practiced usually in the afternoon of the first or second day of Rosh Hashanah is Tashlich ("casting off"). We walk to flowing water, such as a creek or river, and toss breadcrumbs into the river, symbolically casting off our wrong doings.