Jewish communities across Greater Manchester will be celebrating the high holidays over the coming weeks, starting with Rosh Hashanah this weekend. The Jewish new year begins on the evening of Sunday, September 25.
The festival is followed by fast days, including Yom Kippur which starts on October 4, and further festivities throughout the Jewish month of Tishrei . Families and friends come together to celebrate at this time of year, and many congregate in synagogues to hear the blowing of the shofar – a musical horn.
Last Rosh Hashanah was the first major festival in the Jewish calendar with no Covid-related restrictions, allowing friends and families to celebrate together. Marc Levy, who is the chief executive of the Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region (JRC), said this 'luxury' isn't taken for granted.
He said: "Rosh Hashana is the most important time of year for Jewish communities across Greater Manchester and around the world. We relish the opportunity to join family and friends both in synagogues and at festive meals.
"This is a luxury that is not taken for granted given the difficulties experienced during the Covid pandemic.
"Everyone connected with the JRC would like to wish the Jewish community a Shana Tova - a happy and healthy new year."
When is Rosh Hashanah and the rest of the high holidays?
Festivals and fast days are observed throughout the holy month of Tishrei , starting with Rosh Hashanah which literally means 'head of the year'.
According to the Hebrew calendar, which is based on both the moon and the sun, each new day starts at sundown and this new year will be number 5782. The Rosh Hashanah celebration, which lasts two days, starts at sundown on Sunday, September 25, and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, September 27.
Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, involves a 25-hour fast, starting this year at sundown on Tuesday, October 4 until nightfall on Wednesday, October 5.
How do Jewish people celebrate Rosh Hashanah and the high holidays?
Families and friends typically come together to celebrate with a meal on both nights which is preceded by a ceremony involving prayers and special foods.
Apples are dipped in honey to mark a sweet and fruitful new year and pomegranates, honey cake and round challah bread are also consumed. The first day of Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of ten holy days known as the high holidays - or the high holy days - which is a time of repentance for Jews.
Throughout this time of year, many congregate in synagogues to worship, particularly on Rosh Hashanah and on the tenth day – the fast of Yom Kippur.
In synagogue, the blowing of the s hofar - a ram's horn - must be heard by congregants at the new year service as well as at the end of Yom Kippur.
How do you wish someone Happy New Year?
At Rosh Hashanah, Jewish people say ' shanah tova' , which means 'good year', or ' shanah tovah u'metukah ', which is Hebrew for 'a good and sweet new year'.
Prestwich councillor Richard Gold, who is Bury council's cabinet member for communities, wished Jewish people a shana tova on behalf of the borough.
He said: "I'm really proud that in Bury we have one of the largest and most active Jewish communities in the country. Their contribution to Bury is immense.
"On behalf of everyone at the council I would like to wish everyone a sweet and healthy year. Shana Tova and well over the fast."
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