3 Things Catholics Might Appreciate About the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah

How can Catholics appreciate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah?

While Judaism is definitely not the same as our Catholic faith, there is a unique relationship between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people.

When Pope Saint John Paul II made his historic 1986 visit to the synagogue in Rome, he said to the Jewish community, 

"We therefore have relations with you that we do not have with any other religion. You are our beloved brothers and in a certain way one could say our elder brothers."  

Therefore, the Jews can be considered our “Older Siblings” in the Faith.

We might remember that Jesus would have observed this sacred assembly like all other Jews. Just as younger children have much to learn from older siblings, we ought to investigate what Jewish practice might enrich and speak to our Catholic faith and spirituality.  

Rosh Hashanah is a two-day holiday. While it’s always on the same date on the Jewish calendar (the first day of Tishrei), this year it is celebrated from sunset on Wed., Oct. 2, 2024, until nightfall on Fri., Oct. 4, 2024. 

1. Sound the Trumpets! 

Rosh Hashanah (literally, the head of the year) is a biblical holiday, although under a different name.

In Leviticus 23:24, we read that the festival of noise blasts (some translations say “trumpets”) is the first of the fall high holy days and ushers in the Days of Awe. 

Why trumpets?

Starting from the month before Rosh Hashanah, for 40 days, we invite our souls to awaken from their slumber with a blast from the ram’s horn (shofar) every morning.  

2. God is King of the Universe 

The theme of Rosh Hashanah is "God as King of the Universe." This is the foundation. Nothing can be properly ordered without knowing before whom we stand, and the understanding that our lives must be based on fulfilling His will.

With that understanding comes the themes of God’s judgment and the individual’s urgent need for repentance. 

Relatedly, the Feast of Christ the King comes right before our own liturgical holiday! 

3. Let’s Have a “Sweet Year” 

This holy day is celebrated both with the community in synagogue and at home with family. Many Jews who might only rarely come to synagogue will come specifically for the Days of Awe, so synagogues will be full.

Families have lavish meals together, with a special tradition of eating symbolic foods with wishes for the coming year, including the well-known apple with honey “for a sweet year.” 

Rosh Hashanah and the Call to Renewal   

For Catholics, reflecting on Rosh Hashanah offers a unique opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. The call to repentance, the recognition of God’s kingship, and the hope for a sweet and renewed year all resonate with themes in our spiritual journey.

By honoring and appreciating these traditions from our "elder siblings," as Pope John Paul II beautifully called the Jewish people, we can enrich our understanding of how God continues to work in the world through the history of salvation and our shared heritage.

As we enter the final months of the calendar year, let us embrace this chance to recommit ourselves to God’s will, reflecting on the mercy and majesty of our Creator and seeking renewal in both heart and soul.