La'Shana Tova

For those that may not know what La'Shana Tova means is it means Happy New Year! For the Jewish people we celebrated our New Year this past fall. There are similarities in each celebration. They both involve food and drinks (wine) and they both strive for resolutions to do better in the upcoming year.

For the Jewish people we go through something called T'Shuva. The sinner must:

• Realize their sin.
• Feel sincere remorse.
• Try to undo any damage they can.
• Appease the offended of the offense and resolve never to commit the sin again.
• The offender must sincerely request forgiveness.
• The offended is required to grant forgiveness by the 3rd request.

Jews examine what they have done in the past year. The service is long and a special prayer book is used known as the Makhzor. The U-ne-ta-neh Toh-Kef is a prayer addressing the main theme: Life and Death. Jews are enouraged to observe the holiday in a positive outlook so G-d will accept their repentance and extend their lives. Honey is supposed to be served at all meals and slices of apples are to be dipped in it. A special prayer is to be recited; May it be Thy will, O Lord, our G-d, to grant us a year that is good and sweet. Traditions say on Rosh Hashana our actions are reviewed and judged by G-d. Jews are to reflect on their mistakes of the past year and to resolve to do better in the future. New clothing is to be worn and unusual foods are eaten. Honey represents the hope for a sweet year as well as symbolizing the Land of Israel.

So, as we get ready to bring in the secular new year it is also a time of reflection and to do better.