News Cultural Celebration Assembly on Rosh Hashanah 26.09.2024

On Wednesday, Middle School students Lola, Georgia, Lia and Eden delivered an insightful assembly on the Jewish New Year festival of Rosh Hashanah.

Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, marking the creation of the world and a fresh start. Celebrated this year from Wednesday 2 – Friday 4 October, the festival is based on the Hebrew calendar, which means its dates change annually.

They explained how during the festival families gather for a festive dinner, reciting traditional blessings over wine and bread, and attending synagogue services. One key ritual is the blowing of the shofar, an ancient ram’s horn instrument symbolising humility and a call to self-reflection. They also touched on some of the symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah including pomegranates (symbolising a celebration of new and unusual experiences), green beans (hope for a fruitful year), fish (an awareness of God and opportunity to do good), carrots (desire for increased blessings), and honey (a good and sweet new year).

They also introduced Yom Kippur, which follows ten days after Rosh Hashanah and is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is dedicated to seeking forgiveness and making amends.

Thank you to Lola, Georgia, Lia and Eden for such an informative and engaging assembly.