Celebrate the creation of Adam and Eve
Cultures' Calendars: Rosh ha Shana, Jewish New Year, 25th and 26th September 2014
With her toast “I would like to thank my amazing parents” is she currently the unchallenged champion: Ekaterina Perets.
“Shana tova ve metuka!” (Have a good and sweet year!) - says my mom, and thus begin all-out preparations to celebrate a holiday that is one of my personal favorites: Rosh ha Shana, better known as the Jewish New. As a refreshing change in Jewish history, this holiday commemorates a happy occasion; it marks the creation of Adam and Eve, thus beginning the era of human civilization. This event also marks the beginning of the Jewish calendar and is celebrated for three glorious, labor-free days.
Closely followed by Yom Kipur (aka “Judgment Day”), Rosh ha Shana symbolizes a fresh start and brings with it the opportunity to reflect on one’s actions in the previous year, make amends when necessary and be forgiven (hopefully) by those affected – and God. The tradition of “New Year’s resolutions” applies on this holiday as many people decide to quit smoking and/or go on a diet, but not, obviously, until the unrestrained three-day celebration has ended.
In many ways, this holiday is similar to the Christian Christmas and the more secular New Year. Rosh ha Shana celebrations consist of family gatherings complete with a delicious meal, holiday songs and toasts, and of course presents. In an identical fashion to Christmas, several weeks before the holiday bring a nation-wide, ultimate shopping spree for the perfect presents for friends and family. Malls all over Israel are packed with shoppers, “SALE” signs are featured in every store, and parking spaces become scarce. But in contrast to Christmas, children are allowed to express their Rosh ha Shana wishes directly to their parents, bypassing Santa Claus and the need for letters and elves.
Traditional foods served include apple sdipped in honey, which symbolizes the “sweetness” of the coming year, as well as pomegranates, symbolizing the year’s fruitfulness. In my family, these traditional foods are accompanied by Russian dishes complete with Olivye salad (which contains pretty much everything found in the fridge saturated with mayonnaise), fried potatoes, caviar and smoked salmon sandwiches. Since the holiday usually occurs in September, a barbeque is routine. The traditional drink for this holiday is wine; most immigrants from the former Soviet Union, however, have added more familiar and strongly concentrated alcoholic beverages. This subtle modification, although not part of the scriptural Jewish ritual, ensures that the New Year is met with extraordinary happy spirits, fiery but friendly political discussions, and guitar-accompanied singing of beloved Russian movie soundtracks from the 80’s.
In my family Rosh ha Shana is as good an excuse as any to gather family and friends, prepare favorite foods and celebrate; this serves not only a function as an ancient religious tradition but the good life and health of our loved ones. For my parents and their friends it’s the perfect time to brag about their children’s latest achievements, catch up on political developments and plan future getaways. For kids it’s more about food and rolling our eyes at our parents. Everyone, especially the young generation, is “encouraged” to give a toast at the dinner table. The toast has to be at least five sentences long and induce tears from at least half the participants. The subjects of toasts include: “to good health”, “may we always gather like this”, “to our lovely women” and the classic: “I would like to thank my amazing parents,” in which I am currently the unchallenged champion.
Featured Image: “Shana tova ve metuka!” (Have a good and sweet year!): Smoked salmon sandwiches are a must. Photo: Ekaterina Perets, MDC
