Q. Why is Rosh Hashanah considered the Jewish New Year?

A. Rosh Hashanah celebrates the anniversary of when the world was created. According to Jewish tradition, this year - Rosh Hashanah 2011 - will be celebrating the 5772 anniversary of creation. Time began with the creation of the world. We therefore begin our years from the date of creation.

However, we should point out that the Torah describes the world as having been created in six days. Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the sixth day of creation not the first day of creation. Why do we celebrate the sixth day of creation as the Jewish New Year and not the first day, when time began?

This can only be understood by clarifying the purpose of creation. Judaism believes that the world was created imperfect; it is man’s job to perfect the world that G‑d created. Our world does not have the intelligence to recognize its Creator and follow His will. Only people can do that, giving them the ability to perfect the world.

On the sixth day of creation, Adam and Eve were created. The first thing they did was recognize their Creator and praise Him. This is when true time started. This day is when the ability for creation to fulfill its purpose began with the creation of man.

Therefore Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year is celebrated on the anniversary of the sixth day of creation.

Learn more about Rosh Hashanah  at our Rosh Hashanah site here

 

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