The Jewish New Year.

Ok Vieen !
Here's the mail.
Sry for the delay :)

So, you know I ain't religious..at least not to much. So I'll do my best to explain how it works :P

Jewish have a different date to celebrate the new year. The "new year" we are used to is the Christian new year, in where the birth of jesus christ is celebrated. However, tradition and globalization spread the holiday across the world, to the point that there is a new meaning in the new year celebration, which of course you know. Party, celebrate the new year to come, spend time with family , and of course, the capitalist side of shopping and buying presents !!!!

We just entered the year 5770 !!! That's because the jews count the years much before the Christian do ! So, as every new year celebration , regardless the culture (I'm sure), people get together and celebrate too !.
But there is something special about the jewish new year.

The holiday, which is called "Rosh Hashana" (Head of the Year), reveals an important meaning. Besides thinking in the things to come , you should think about what you did the last year. It's a time for reflection and reconciliation that lasts for 9 - 10 days. You ought to think about your mistakes and how would you fix them.

How many times we realize that we screwed up but we don't have time to think about solutions ? We have complicated - fast paced lives. University, work, etc. Sometimes it's hard to find the physical space to think about all these stuff. It's about becoming a better - selfless - person. So, the Tora, the jewish sacred book (bible) gave us a physical time so we don't have excuses !! Great isn't it ?

9 days after Rosh Hashana, or the new year, there is another holiday that comes as the conclusion of this space of reflection. It's called Yon Kippur (Day of Atonement). This is the most important holiday for the Jewish people. In this day, you conclude (or double your efforts!) the reflection and repentance. The religious people do intensive prayer in the synagogue (the jewish church) the whole day (not me !). Also, people won't eat or drink anything for the whole day. Why ? It's hard I know...take my word for it hehe ! (that I do). The point of not eating or drinking is to help you put in the place of those who do not have the comforts you do. If you feel hungry and thirsty, you'll understand what it feels to be underprivileged, helping you to become more selfless. You should also take aside all goods, comforts or things that can distract you. (that I find really hard!!!)

So, that's the meaning of the Jewish New Year. A space to think about things to come while reflection upon the past.
It's not that you cannot do this every time of the year ! It's only a biblical measurement to ensure that everyone will go trough this process :)

Hope I satisfied your intrigue ! If not, just ask me again, and again.
Looking forward in hearing how things works in Malasya !

Yours.
Fede.



I was intrigued by the Rosh Hashana and Day of Atonement to put yourself in the shoes of the underprivileged in the world, thereby feeling contented by what we have. :)

Muslim has Puasa in place for it but Chinese, hmm.."no such thing"; notorious eating habits, plenty. Seems like we love every parts of anything under the sun?
Haha, it's a little sickening thinking about it.

Oh btw, I tried the fried tarantulas in Vietnam :)
And I got sick for the rest of the trip :(

Now, I really think that we should start a "Not Eating Day" for Chinese, it's an esteemed value missing. What do ya think? ;)