9/14/2023 7:21:54 PM
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur - the High Holidays or High Holy Days - are celebrated annually by Jewish people all over the world.
Rosh Hashanah literally means “head of the year.” It is the beginning of the Jewish New Year and first of the High Holy Days, which marks the onset of a 10-day period of penitence and spiritual renewal. In 2023, this observance begins at sundown on Sept. 15 and ends at nightfall on Sept. 17. A common Rosh Hashanah greeting is "Shanah tovah um’tukah" which means "Have a good and sweet year." Traditionally, apples and honey are eaten to reflect that message.
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, occurs 10 days later and is considered the holiest time on the Jewish sacred calendar. Fasting (no food or drink) occurs for nearly 26 hours—from several minutes before sunset on Sept. 24 to after nightfall on Sept. 25. Almost the entire time is spent in synagogue worship. Typically, a meal at home breaks the fast. “G’mar chatima tova” is the customary greeting on Yom Kippur. In English, it means “May you be sealed in the Book of Life.”
Jews in the Military
Jewish Americans have served in all branches of the U.S. armed forces and in every major armed conflict in which the United States has been involved dating back to before the colonial era. According to a 2017 Moment article, 15,000 American Jews were serving on active duty and an additional 5,000 were in the Guard and the Reserves at that time. To date, more than 20 Jewish servicemen have been awarded the military's highest award, the Medal of Honor.
Learn about workplace considerations during the High Holidays
MDVA strives to create and maintain an inclusive environment where all employees feel they belong. All workplaces who seek to provide that same sort of setting can review the following articles for details.
