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Torah Portion: CUSTOMS OF EREV ROSH HASHANA

		CUSTOMS OF EREV ROSH HASHANA By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis

THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR CUSTOMS OF EREV ROSH HASHANA - THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR Friday, Sept. 26, 2003 - 29 Elul, 5764 1. We rise earlier than on other Selichos days to recite special prayers. 2. It is a tradition to fast on Erev Rosh HaShana until noon (12:46PM). Since this is the last day of the year, we prepare ourselves for the Day of judgment by minimizing our physical needs. 3. We devote this last day of the year to Prayer, Charity and Torah study. 4. We purchase special fruits for the Shecheyanu blessing and set them aside for the second night of Rosh HaShana. We also buy special foods called simanim which symbolize a blessed New Year. For example: honey for a sweet New Year, round challah which represents the crown of HaShem and a complete year, carrots (tsimes) to increase our merit. In Yiddish, carrots are called meren, which literally means to increase. THEMES OF THE ROSH HASHANA SERVICE Malchiyos We praise G-d who is the King of the Universe and we crown Him as our King. Zichronos We recall the merits of our forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and we beseech G-d to grant us a blessed year in their merit. Shofaros We remember the sound of the shofar at Mt. Sinai and we look forward to the sound of the great shofar which will be sounded when Moshiach arrives. FAST OF GEDALIAH - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 Fast begins at 5:42 AM and ends at 7:20PM This is a public Fast Day on which we commemorate the murder of Gedaliah ben Achikam, the governor appointed by the Babylonian king as ruler of the Jews in Israel. ASERES YIMEI TSHUVA The days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are called the Ten Days of Repentanace. During these ten days, it is appropriate to adopt mitzvos, good deeds not ordinarily observed during the rest of the year. The Zodiac sign of Tishrei is a pair of scales. Every Jew must look at these scales as though they are balanced and attempt to tip them in his favor through increased Torah study, mitzvos, acts of loving kindness and tzedukah. For more detailed information on Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, please check our web site - hineni.org THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK Tshuva (Repentance), Tefilla (Prayer) and Tzedukah (Charity) cancel the evil decree (Avos, 4:11) On behalf of the entire Hineni family, I would like to wish everyone a sweet, happy, and healthy New Year, 5764. We thank you for your many good wishes and we are looking forward to greeting you at our beautiful services, praying together, growing together, and celebrating together. Sabbat Shalom, Good Yom Tov, and a K’siva V’Chasima Tova. May G-d accept our prayers and grant peace for all our people. Rabbi Osher 29Elul 5764 - Torah Portion: Shabbos, Genesis 21, Sunday, Genesis 22 Candle Lighting Time, Fri. Sept 26, 6:29 PM – Sat. Eve. Sept. 27, 7:35 PM, Yom Tov ends Sun eve. Sept. 28, 7:37 PM ____________________________________________________________________ RESERVE NOW FOR YOM KIPPUR SERVICES Call: 496-1660 Reserve this date: Thursday October 16 GALA SUCCAH DINNER PARTY