Rosh Hashana

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Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year which is both a holiday as well as a day of Judgement. Following Rosh Hashana until Yom Kippur, there is a period called Aseret Yemei Teshuva, the Ten Days of Repentance. The laws and customs for Rosh Hashana and Aseret Yemei Teshuva are outlined below:

Shofar

  1. It is a mitzvah from the Torah to hear the Shofar blows on Rosh Hashana. [1]
  2. The congregation should stand while the Baal Tokeh makes the Brachot on the shofar and then they may sit for the blows prior to Mussaf. For the blows during Mussaf and the Chazarat HaShatz, the congregation should stand.[2]

Simanim

  1. There is a minhag to eat certain fruits and vegetables as a good omen for the coming year on both nights of Rosh Hashana. Some have this minhag only the first night. [3]
  2. If one is eating dates and other fruits, one should make a HaEitz on the dates because they’re from the seven species with which Eretz Yisrael is praised. Some say that one doesn’t make a HaAdama on vegetables during the meal. [4]
  3. Some say that one should say the Bracha of HaEitz, eat a little of the fruit, then make the Yehi Ratzon before continuing to eat, while others hold that one should say the Yehi Ratzon prior to the Bracha. [5]
  4. One may say the Yehi Ratzon’s with Hashem’s name.[6]
  5. These fruits and vegetables include: dates, promegrantes, beets, gourd, black eyed peas, fish head, and apple. [7]
  6. One should eat these fruits and vegetables in the meal after having eaten a kezayit of bread. [8]

Sleeping on Rosh Hashana

  1. It's a proper minhag not to sleep on Rosh Hashana. For someone who has a headache should sleep a little after midday in order to perform the mitzvot and prayers better. [9]
  2. After the meal a person should go to the shul to learn according to his ability. Some have the practice of reading Tehillim twice over Rosh Hashana. A person who usually studies halachot should learn halachot rather than say Tehillim. In any event, one shouldn't waste time on this holy day of Rosh Hashana and wasting one's time on Rosh Hashana is like sleeping.[10]

Minhag of Tashlich

  1. The minhag is to say Tashlich near an ocean or river on the first day of Rosh Hashana. [11] The minhag is to say it after mincha [12]
  2. It is preferable for there to be living fish in the body of water. [13]
  3. Many have the custom of shaking out their pockets as a symbol of throwing at one's sins. [14]
  4. Many poskim suggest that men and women should avoid being there at the same time so that it doesn't become an inappropriate, mixed social scene on our day of Judgment. [15]

Shabbat

  1. When the first day of rosh hashana falls out on Shabbat, some poskim say to postpone it, while others say just to say tashlich then. [16]

Fasting on Rosh Hashana

  1. It's forbidden to fast on Rosh Hashana. [17] Nonetheless, it's permissible to allow prayers to extend past chatzot (halachic midday) and fast until the afternoon. [18]

Prayers of Rosh Hashanah

  1. If one forgot to switch from Atta Kadosh to HaMelech HaKadosh the first night of Rosh Hashana one doesn't have to repeat Shemoneh Esrei as long as one said the Yom Tov Shemoneh Esrei, however, if one said the weekday Shemoneh Esrei or on the day of Rosh Hashana or the second night of Rosh Hashana one should repeat Shemoneh Esrei. [19]

Yaaleh Veyavo

  1. If one forgot Yaaleh VeYavo in Benching on Rosh Hashana during the day one does not have to repeat benching, but during the nighttime one must repeat benching. [20]

Customs of Erev Rosh Hashana

  1. There are five main customs observed on Erev Rosh Hashana: 1) Laundering one's clothing. 2) Cutting one's hair. 3) Dipping in the mikveh. 4) Visiting the cemetery. 5) Giving tzedaka. [21]

Fasting on Erev Rosh Hashana

  1. Some have a custom to fast on Erev Rosh Hashana. [22]
  2. Women do not fast on Erev Rosh Hashana. [23]
  3. One who is still fasting at mincha, should recite aneinu during mincha, [24] For the chazzan, if he doesn't plan on finishing the fast, he shouldn't recite aneinu in the chazarat hashatz at all. [25]
  4. One doesn't need to have to accept this fast upon himself during mincha the day before. [26]

Aseret Yemei Teshuva

Changes in Shemona Esreh

  1. During the Aseret Yemei Teshuva, the conclusion of the Bracha HaEl HaKadosh is switched to HaMelech HaKadosh. [27] If one forgot to say HaMelech HaKadosh and remembered within Toch Kedi Dibbur (2-3 seconds), then one should say HaMelech HaKadosh right then. [28] If one remembered only afterwards one must start from the beginning of Shemoneh Esrei. If one is unsure, it is assumed that one forgot. [29]
  2. The conclusion of the Bracha Melech Ohev Tzedaka UMishpat is changed to HaMelech HaMishpat. According to Ashkenazim, if one forgot, one doesn’t go back to the beginning of Shemona Esreh. [30] According to Sephardim, if one forgot and remembered within Toch Kedi Dibbur (2-3 seconds) then one should say HaMelech HaKadosh right then. If one remembered afterwards, some say that one should return to the Bracha of Hashiva, however, if one finished Shemoneh Esrei one must start from the beginning of Shemoneh Esrei. If one is unsure, it’s the same as if one forgot. [31]However, some say that if one remembered after Toch Kedi Dibbur one need not repeat anything. [32]
  3. Three other additions to Shemoneh Esrei are the lines of Zachrenu LeChaim, Mi Kamocha, Ketov BeSefer Chaim, and UveSefer Chaim. One may not skip UveSefer Chaim in order to catch Kedusha with the congregation. [33]
  4. On Friday night, the words HaEl HaKadosh are changed to HaMelech HaKadosh in the Bracha Mein Sheva that the Sheliach Tzibbur says. [34]If he forgets and remembers before the end of the Bracha he goes back to HaEl HaKadosh, if he remembers after concluding the Bracha, he doesn't repeat it. [35]

Changes in Kaddish

  1. The Ashkenazic minhag during the ten days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (Aseret Yemei Teshuva) is to say LeElah UleElah MeKol Birchata (in Kaddish) instead of LeElah Min Kol Birchata. [36]

Other practices during Prayers

  1. Some have the minhag to stand bent slightly (hunched over slightly) during the Tefillot of Rosh HaShana and if one does so, one should make sure to stand straight for the end and beginning of each Bracha. [37] Some say it’s preferable to stand straight for the Tefillot. [38]
  2. Some have the minhag to daven slightly out loud during Tefillot of Rosh Hashana. [39] However, many authorities discourage this practice. [40]

References

  1. ↑ Yalkut Yosef 583:1
  2. ↑ Yalkut Yosef 583:3
  3. ↑ The Gemara (Horiyot 12a) says that a person should see gourds, fenugreek, leek, beets, and dates (though these definitions are the subject of controversy) on Rosh Hashana as a good omen. The Gemara (Keritut 6a) records the same statement with the text that a person should eat these fruits and vegetables as a good omen. Beit Yosef 583:1 notes the different versions and rules in S”A 583:1 that a person should eat these foods as a good omen. Kaf HaChaim 583:6 writes that if one can’t eat a certain food, he may just look at it and say the Yehi Ratzon nonetheless. Nitai Gavriel 29:24 agrees.
    • Eliyah Rabba 583:1 writes that the minhag is to eat simanim on both nights of Rosh Hashana. Machazik Bracha 583:2, Chazon Ovadyah (p. 93), Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:266, and Rivevot Efraim 6:308:1 agree. However, Bnei Yisaschar 2:11 and Eishel Avraham MeButchach 583 explain the minhag of eating the simanim only on the first night of Rosh Hashana.
  4. ↑ Chazon Ovadyah (p. 98) writes that one shouldn’t make a Bracha upon the cooked vegetables because they’re considered as part of the meal. Halichot Shlomo (1:18), however, writes that one should make a HaAdama upon the gourd and exempt the other vegetables. To avoid all doubt, Nitai Gavriel 29:18 writes that one should make a HaAdama on a banana. Chut Shani (Rosh Hashana p. 48) agrees. It is noteworthy to mention that S”A 211:2 rules that when eating a food which is HaEitz and a food which is HaAdama one should make the bracha on the food which one prefers first.
    • Halichot Shlomo (1:17) writes that one should make the HaEitz upon the dates because they’re from the seven species with which Eretz Yisrael was praised and they come before pomegranates on that list (see S”A 211:4). Ben Ish Chai (Nitzavim #4) and Nitai Gavriel 29:4 agree. Kaf HaChaim 583:13 records the practice of some people to make a HaEitz on the apple to exempt the dates. He explains that perhaps they brought out the apple first, and in such a case, one need not wait for the dates to come out to make the bracha upon them. Rivevot Efraim 8:558:3 writes that after making HaEitz on the dates, one may eat the apples prior to the pomegranates because the rules of precedence apply only regarding the Bracha, not regarding when each food should be eaten.
  5. ↑ Magen Avraham 583:2 quotes the Magalei Tzedek as saying that one should say the Yehi Ratzon in between the Bracha and eating. He explains that the Yehi Ratzon is a prerequisite for eating and thus does not constitute an interruption. The Magen Avraham, however, argues that it’s not such a requirement to say the Yehi Ratzon, and as such it is preferable to say the Yehi Ratzon after taking a bite. Mishna Brurah 583:4 and Chazon Ovadyah (p. 93) agree with the Magen Avraham.
    • Rav Hershel Schachter (quoted in Halachipedia Article 5773 #3) said that it makes sense to say the Yehi Ratzon before the Bracha so that the Yehi Ratzon can function as a Tefilla and the eating as an action enhancing the Tefilla. Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:266 agrees. See Chazon Ovadyah (ibid.) who quotes the Chemdat Yamim who argues that one shouldn’t say the Yehi Ratzon prior to the Bracha because that is a violation of asking for one’s personal needs before praising Hashem (See Gemara Brachot 32a).
  6. ↑ Mishna Brurah 583:2 writes that the text of the Yehi Ratzon begin with Yehi Ratzon Milfanecha Hashem Elokeinu VeiyLokei Avoneitu with Hashem’s actual name. Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:266 and Chazon Ovadyah (p. 93) agree. Nitai Gavriel 29:22, however, writes that from some poskim it seems that there was a text without Hashem’s name. Rav Shlomo Zalman’s minhag (Halichot Shlomo p. 12 note 70) was to say the first Yehi Ratzon with Hashem’s name and the others with Avinu SheBaShamayim. He explained that he did so because it’s difficult to have the proper kavana when saying Hashem’s name. Similarly, the Stiepler’s minhag (Orchot Rabbenu vol 2, p. 175) was to say them without Hashem’s name.
  7. ↑ Torat HaMoadim 4:1
  8. ↑ Chazon Ovadyah (yamim Noraim p. 93)
  9. ↑ Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 183-4), Kaf HaChaim 584:38,39
  10. ↑ Yalkut Yosef (Moadim p. 33)
  11. ↑ Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 186). The name of this ritual comes from a verse in Michah 7:19 which says וְתַשְׁלִיךְ בִּמְצֻלוֹת יָם, כָּל חַטֹּאותָם. This minhag is mentioned by the Rama 583:2. Mishna Berura 583:8 says that this is in remembrance of the akedat yitzchak, because the midrash says that on his way, Avraham had to cross a river, and when the water level was up to his neck he called out to Hashem and Hashem saved him. Rama in Torat HaOlah 3:56 explains that when one goes to an ocean or rivers and sees the greatness of Hashem's creations, he will immediately regret his sins and will be forgiven. The Kaf Hachayim 583:30 calls this an Ashkenazic minhag but adds that the custom in his times in Jerusalem was to say it. Maaseh Rav 209 writes that the minhag of the gra and his student Rav Chaim Volozhin was not to do tashlich at all, but Rav Moshe Harari in Mikraei Kodesh Rosh Hashana 14:note 4)writes that many people who generally follow the customs of the Gra do not follow him for this.
  12. ↑ Chazon Ovadia Yamim Noraim page 186. Rav Moshe Shternbuch in Teshuvot Vihanhagot 1:346 agrees but says that mincha should be said earlier in the day so tashlich could be said immediately afterwards because he doesn't think it is so simple that it's permissible to carry the siddur. Also see Moadim U'Zmanim 1:34 where he discusses this issue.
  13. ↑ Mishna Berura 583:8. Mishna Berura elaborates that this is symbolic of our wish to be immune to the ayin hara and that we want to be as fruitful as the fish of the sea. Mateh Ephraim 598:4-5 also says it should be done with fish, but criticizes the minhag that some have of feeding the fish crumbs of bread. The Machatzit Hashekel 583:5 also says it is forbidden to throw food into the water.
  14. ↑ The Mateh Efraim 598:4 and Kitzur S"A 129:21. Eliya Rabba 596:3 writes based on kabbala that shaking out your pockets is like shaking off the kelipot (layers) that stick to us when we sin. Rabbi Eli Mansour points out that this is in no way a substitute for repenting, just a symbolic act to show that our repentance is sincere.
  15. ↑ Aruch Hashulchan 583:4 and Elef Hamagen 583:7, Rabbi Eli Mansour
  16. ↑ Ben Ish Chai Parashat Netzavim: 12 says to say it even on shabbat. Kaf Hachayim 583:31 says that is the custom in Yerushalayim. Shvut Yaakov 3:42 quotes the Shnei Luchot Habrit that it should be postponed, but disagrees and says to say it on shabbat, and quotes the Maharil (Teshuva 136) as saying the same. This is also the ruling of the Mateh Ephraim 598:4, Shaare Teshuva 583:6. The Elef Hamagen 598:11 says to postpone it. Rabbi Eli Mansour says this is the custom of the Brooklyn Syrian Community based on the psak of Chacham Baruch ben Chaim. See Yabia Omer 4:47 and Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 34 for a summary of the opinions on this matter.
  17. ↑ S"A 597:1, Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim, pg 180)
  18. ↑ Mishna Brurah 597:2 writes that even though usually on Shabbat and Yom Tov one shouldn't fast until after chatzot on rosh hashana it's permissible to allow the davening to extend past chatzot. Rav Hershel Schachter on yutorah.org (min 40-42) explains that this leniency is based on the fact that there are opinions in the Geonim who even permit fasting completely on Rosh Hashana.
  19. ↑ Chaye Adam 24:10, Sh"t Igrot Moshe 1:170, Rabbi Hershel Schachter in a shuir (min 43-45:30)
  20. ↑ Mishna Brurah 188:19 quotes the Magan Avraham 188:7 who says one doesn't repeat Birkat HaMazon and the Eliyah Rabba who argues and the Mishna Brurah leaves it unresolved. Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 57:7(4) quotes both opinions and in note 25 he concludes that one doesn't have to repeat benching because it's a Safek Brachot LeHakel. Similarly, Rabbi Hershel Schachter in a shuir (min 41-43) mentions that some achronim hold that one doesn't have to repeat benching because there is an opinion that one is allowed to fast on Rosh Hashana. When asked whether this would be considered Safek Deoritta Lechumra he explained that even if one forgot Yaaleh VeYavo one fulfills the Deoritta obligation of benching it just that one didn't fulfill the din derabbanan to have a meal for Yom Tov.
  21. ↑ Shulchan Aruch, Siman 581:4
  22. ↑ This custom is quoted in SA 581:2. The Rama there says there is no need to finish the fast. Rabbi Eli Mansour says that one shouldn't eat until kiddush at night.
  23. ↑ Mishna Berura 581:16 writes that women also fast, but Rabbi Yissachar Dov Krakowski says this isn't the custom.
  24. ↑ Mishna Berura 562:7 says this is true even if you do not plan on finishing the fast. For sephardim, the Kaf Hachayim 562:8 says if you do not plan on finishing the fast to recite aneinu during elokay nitzor.
  25. ↑ Beiur Halachah 562:1 "aval."
  26. ↑ Mishna Berura 581:16, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Krakowski. This is also the ruling of Rabbi Eli Mansour However, Revach.net quotes Rav Elyashiv as saying that if you don't fast every year, you should accept it during mincha the day before.
  27. ↑ S”A 582:1, Kitzur S”A 129:3
  28. ↑ S”A 582:2, Kitzur S”A 129:3
  29. ↑ S”A 582:1, Kitzur S”A 129:3
  30. ↑ Rama 118:1, Mishna Brurah 582:9
  31. ↑ S”A 582:2. Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim pg 193) writes that this is the halacha and we don't say Safek Brachot LeHakel however it is more correct to stipulate: if I'm obligated to repeat Shemoneh Esrei then I'm praying for my obligation, and if the halacha is that I don't have to repeat my prayer should be considered a voluntary prayer.
  32. ↑ Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in Maamer Mordechai (Aseret Yami Teshuva #19) based on Ben Ish Chai (Nitsavim #19).
  33. ↑ Chazon Ovadyah (Yamim Noraim pg 205)
  34. ↑ S”A 582:3
  35. ↑ Mishna Brurah 582:11 writes that if he remembers before the end of the Bracha he goes back, however, after he finishes the Bracha, there’s a dispute in the achronim. However, the Kitzur S”A 129:4 writes that unless he remembers within Toch Kedi Dibbur he doesn’t go back.
  36. ↑ Kitzur S”A 129:1 writes to say LeElah LeElah MeKol Birchata. Mishna Brurah 56:2, 582:16 agrees but adds a vav as follows LeElah ULeElah. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu’s footnote on Kitzur S”A 129:1 writes that the Sephardic minhag is not to change this for Aseret Yemei Teshuva.
  37. ↑ S”A 582:4 writes that those who have the minhag to stand bent over for Tefillot on Rosh Hashanah should stand straight at the end of the Bracha. Mishna Brurah 582:14 writes that starting from Baruch Atta Hashem through the beginning of the next Bracha one should stand erect so that it doesn’t appear like one is adding the established bows of Chazal.
  38. ↑ Kitzur S”A 129:2
  39. ↑ S”A 582:9 writes that one may daven out loud during Tefillot of Rosh Hashana and not worry about bothering others Davening since everyone has a machzor. Mishna Brurah 582:24 writes not to raise one’s voice too much.
  40. ↑ Kitzur S”A 129:2, Chaye Adam 139:2, Kaf HaChaim 582:17, and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu’s footnote on Kitzur S”A 129:2. Kaf HaChaim 582:17 adds that if one doesn’t have kavana another way one may raise one’s voice slightly.
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