L'Shannah Tovah & Happy 5770, Montana (home, foods, Jewish)

[Walter Greenspan]

Here's wishing all the good people at the City-Data Montana forum, L'Shannah Tovah (li-SHAH-nuh TOH-vuh; li-shah-NAH toh-VAH), Hebrew, literally, "for a good year". This is a shortening of the traditional seasonal greeting, "L'Shannah tovah tikatev v'taihatem" (or, to women, "L'Shannah tovah tikatevi v'taihatemi"), which means, "May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

The two-day (one day if in Israel or if following the Reform ritual) Jewish Biblical Festival of Rosh ha Shannah (Lev. 23:23-25) commemorates the anniversary of the creation of the world, and more specifically the day on which G-d created Man, G-d's final and most precious creation; and, of G-d as judge, dispensing mercy or justice to those who do or do not repent their sins.

The shofar (ram's horn) is blown, sounding the alarm that it is the time for introspection, asking for forgiveness, giving forgiveness, resolving to do better, and remembering G-d is our King and Judge.

The synagogue service is followed in the early afternoon by a festive meal of sweet foods at home with family and friends. Pieces of challah (braided egg bread) are dipped in honey, rather than the usual practice of dipping in salt before saying the pre-meal Blessing, and pieces of apple are also dipped in honey before eating.

This year, Rosh ha Shannah, because it will occur on Shabbat (Sabbath), begins 18 minutes before sunset on Friday, September 18 on the civil calendar and marks the beginning of the High Holy Days that end 9 days later on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement, Lev. 16:29-31, 23:26-32).

L'Shannah Tovah & Happy 5770,

Walter Greenspan

[michgc]

L'Shana Tova to you and your family, too from Northern Virginia.

[Reziac]

Originally Posted by Walter Greenspan

"May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year."

That's a great greeting!

I have an idea what it means in the Hebrew context, but I think it also adapts well to other interpretations.