Thought For The Day – Monday 14th September 2026
Rosh Hashanah – The Head of The Year
The new academic year has very much begun at The Bishop’s Stortford High School.
Accountability, being responsible for our actions, is a key theme of this, and indeed any, year.
Both a new year, and accountability, are key themes in Judaism this September.
For, over the weekend, the Jewish community celebrated their new year.
In Judaism, this is called Rosh Hashanah.
The English translation of the Hebrew words Rosh Hashanah is: “The Head of The Year”.
Rosh Hashanah, which commenced on Friday evening, and closed on Sunday evening, commemorates The Creation of The World.
The Shofar, a ram’s horn, pictured above, heralds Rosh Hashanah. The Shofar sounds as a call to turn to God and ask for forgiveness.
Jews mark this important time by praying and worshipping in the Synagogue.
Afterwards, a symbolic and special meal is eaten at home and in the community. Apples dipped in honey are a symbol of hopes for a sweet New Year. A sweet carrot stew symbolises increase and multiplication (of blessings and growth) as, in Yiddish, the word for carrot means increase and multiplication. The Hebrew word for carrot means decree or law. A round loaf of Challah bread symbolises the circle of life. Whilst a pomegranate is said to have 613 seeds, one for each of The Commandments. At the meal, Jews dip their first piece of bread in honey, praying: “May God give me a sweet and happy new year”.
As regards accountability, Judaism also believes this is a time when God judges all humanity and considers our good, and our bad, deeds.
Therefore, Rosh Hashanah marks the start of a solemn ten-day period of humility and repentance, “The Days of Awe”, asking for forgiveness. This will culminate in Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement, the most holy day of the Jewish year. This year, Yom Kippur will begin at sundown on Sunday the 20th of September, and end at nightfall on Monday the 21st of September.
Many Jews believe God keeps a “Book of Life”. Here are written the names of those who are truly sorry for their actions.
So, at this time, and beyond, Jews deeply, and humbly, self-reflect before God, mindful of such Ultimate Accountability, asking soul-searching questions about their lives, and their hopes for a blessed future.
