Shana Tova : Happy Jewish New Year 5769!

From Shlomi & Tam, the designers of Plushood, a new illustration featuring James Richardson, the 3rd posing as a good luck kitty.

SHANA TOVA !!!! שנה טובה

High Holidays FAQ: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 2008

The High Holidays are coming up soon! Here's a quick FAQ from Jeremy on what the Days of Awe are all about:

When are the High Holidays in 2008 (5769)?

Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Monday, September 29, 2008. The Jewish New Year is celebrated on September 30 and, for Conservative and Orthodox Jews, also on October 1.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 and is observed for one day by all Jewish denominations.

The Jewish holidays are based on a lunar calendar, so their dates vary each year on the Gregorian calendar.

What is Rosh Hashanah?

Rosh Hashanah (literally, head of the year) is the Jewish New Year. It is one of the Days of Awe, during which Jews go to synagogue to reflect on the past year and think about how they would like to improve themselves the next year. Part of this process is apologizing to the people you have wronged last year--this is the origin of Stephen Colbert's OOPS-JEW hotline!



During the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, Jews often perform the ceremony of Tashlikh (Hebrew for "casting off"): they throw bits of bread into a flowing body of water to symbolize casting off last year's sins.

Jews often send Rosh Hashanah cards with the Hebrew greeting L'Shanah Tovah (literally, "for a good year") to wish family and friends a good year.

Because the Days of Awe span 10 days, there is always at least one Shabbat (from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday) between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This is called Shabbat Shuvah, or the Sabbath of Return, meaning that Jews should return to G-d and the principles of the Torah (the Hebrew Bible).

What is the shofar?

The shofar is a ram's horn that is played as a musical instrument to awaken people to the new year. In fact, the Hebrew Bible calls the holiday not Rosh Hashanah, but Yom Teruah, the day for sounding the shofar.

What do Jews eat on Rosh Hashanah?

Apples, challah bread, and honey are traditional Rosh Hashanah foods. Jews often dip apple or challah slices in honey to symbolize a wish for a sweet new year. Special round challah is often made for the new year, symbolizing the circle or cycle of the year.

What is Yom Kippur?

Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, one of the High Holy Days. It is traditional to pray in a synagogue to atone for last year's sins. Typically services start in the morning and last until the early afternoon. Jews may then take a nap or participate in discussions about Jewish teachings, then evening services conclude the day. Jews often fast as a sacrifice symbolizing their atonement and attempts at self-improvement, but because Judaism values health above all else, fasting is not encouraged if medically inadvisable. Some Jewish people also refrain from wearing leather shoes on Yom Kippur, so as not to tread on the cow from which the leather came.

When does Yom Kippur end?

Yom Kippur ends at sundown on Thursday, October 9, 2008. At this time, hungry Jews have a break-the-fast gathering with their family and friends! You'll be glad to finally be able to use your Modern Twist Star of David Placemats & Coasters or other Jewish tabletop decor.

Rosh Hashanah Cards You Won't Be Embarrassed To Send!

ModernTribe.com is now offering Rosh Hashanah cards featuring modern Judaica art from designers including Snow & Graham, and Pancake & Franks, and Peculiar Pair Press.

A Sign of Peace Cards - Boxed or Single $15.00		Winter Fruit Cards - Boxed $15.00		Dove Peace & Goodwill Tiny Cards $6.00
Not Blue Rosh Hashanah Cards (Set of 6) $15.00		Blue Rosh Hashanah Cards (Set of 6) $15.00

As we move toward the beginning of the Jewish new year and thoughts of apples and honey and sweet challah begin to swirl, ModernTribe.com wants to remind you that sending Rosh Hashanah cards is a great way to connect with friends and family. This year, a variety of carefully chosen cards are available that stand out with fresh, beautiful Judaica art. Express your creativity and individuality while sharing your warm thoughts for the season.

How to Green Your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah: 5 Tips

Finally, going green is no longer a fringe mission but something most of us are trying to integrate into many aspects of our lives. Kate Harrison of Green Mitzvot shares with us how we can make even bar and bat mitzvah greener.

By Kate Harrison, Green Bar Mitzvahs

Protecting the earth has always been a Jewish value:

God placed the human in the garden of Eden to serve and keep it.
Genesis 2:15

Here are five ways to make your Bar or Bat Mitzvah eco-friendly:

1. Invitations: Come to My Green Bar Mitzvah!
Instead of buying glossy-coated Bat Mitzvah invitations that can't be easily recycled, pick invitations made from post-consumer waste (PCW) or recycled cotton. Electronic Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitations are another green option because they eliminate waste entirely. A number of Web sites now offer Jewish-themed animated cards as well as online RSVP tracking.

2. Decorations and Favors: Style Your Bar Mitzvah Party
Whenever possible, skip one-time-use disposable items like balloons, streamers, and plastic tablecloths for your Bat Mitzvah party. Instead opt for items that can be reused or that are made from sustainable materials. If you want to use candles, pick candles made from soy or palm oil instead of non-renewable petroleum to lessen their environmental impact. Avoid giving plastic toys and trinkets as favors--give guests favors they can use. Popular green favors include tree seedlings, organic or fair trade chocolates, and donations to charity.

3. Flowers: A Bat Mitzvah That Respects the Earth
Many Bar Mitzvah families decorate the bimah and reception tables with cut flowers, but most of the flowers available in the United States are grown overseas using harsh chemical pesticides. A great way to decrease the carbon footprint of your event while protecting workers and the environment is to buy locally grown organic flowers. Search localharvest.org for a list of growers in your area and consult your florist about local, seasonal options. Ask your florist if he or she can recycle the flowers by donating them to a hospital or charity after your Bar Mitzvah. Potted plants are another great choice because they are reusable and make nice gifts for friends and family to take home at the end of the night. Plus, they fight global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

4. Food: My Organic Bar Mitzvah
Whether you are cooking yourself or having your Bat Mitzvah catered, try to include seasonal organic ingredients as much as possible. Many companies now offer kosher organic meat and poultry; you can find organic fruits, vegetables and baking supplies at most supermarkets. Choosing organic food grown in a sustainable manner not only reduces your impact on the earth, but also ensures the freshest, most delicious flavors. Don't forget to ask your caterer about composting and recycling options, and see if leftovers can be donated to a charity like Mazon, a Jewish organization that provides food for the hungry.

5. Gifts: Green Bat Mitzvah Gifts
Before your Bar Mitzvah, let your friends and family know what you want by registering for gifts so you don't end up with things you will never use. Try to pick eco-friendly items made from sustainable, recycled, organic, or natural materials. When looking for Judaica, select Bat Mitzvah gifts from Israeli artists or those made from renewable resources.

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Modern Jewish Mom has Unique Rosh Hashanah Recipes

Meredith Jacobs, the author of The Modern Jewish Mom's Guide to Shabbat, runs the website ModernJewishMom.com

The site is developing quite a community of readers.

Meredith just posted several Rosh Hashanah recipes that are unique and sound delicious.

Check out:

Warm Barley and Apple Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette from Leah Koenig

and

Carrot and Parsnip Soup from: hip kosher author Ronnie Fein