Rosh Hashanah (New Year)
. . . is celebrated for 1-2 days in late September or early October.
. . . reminds Jews how God made the world.
. . . is the beginning of the most solemn time of the year.
. . . lasts 10 days.
These 10 days are called the Days of Returning.
During this time, Jews think about the wrong they've done in the past year and make
promises to
themselves and God that they will do better in the future.
During Rosh Hashanah the shofar (ram's horn) is blown at a special
synagogue service. It reminds people that
God is very powerful and they must listen to him.
The night before, Jews eat apples dipped in honey. This is to show
that they wish the year will be pleasant and
sweet.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
. . . comes at the end of the Days of Returning.
. . . is 1 day in September or October.
. . . is the most solemn day of the year.
On this day, Jews . . .
pray to God to forgive them for the things they have done wrong.
fast (go without food or drink) for 25 hours.
spend a lot of the day at the synagogue.
believe if they are really sorry for the wrong they've done, God will forgive them.
remember how kind God is and how much he loves them.
In the synagogue, the ark and the reading desk are covered in white
cloths. People leading the service wear white,
too. This shows that God has taken away their sins.
The shofar is blown at the end of the service. This time it reminds
people to remember all of the good things they
have promised to do and to live good lives in the coming year.