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Rosh Hashanah: so much more than just the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah: so much more than just the Jewish New Year
(14 days later)
There are many factors that differentiate the Gregorian calendar's New Year and the Jewish New Year, (Rosh Hashanah). Perhaps the No 1 contrast is that the common Gregorian New Year falls on 1 January, while the Jewish New Year – following a lunar calendar – falls sometime between early September and early October (this year, starting on the evening of 4 September).There are many factors that differentiate the Gregorian calendar's New Year and the Jewish New Year, (Rosh Hashanah). Perhaps the No 1 contrast is that the common Gregorian New Year falls on 1 January, while the Jewish New Year – following a lunar calendar – falls sometime between early September and early October (this year, starting on the evening of 4 September).
Most would argue that Gregorian's solar-based calendar makes a lot more sense. Now, I'm no astronomer, but what I do want to point out is that nothing of any significance actually begins in January. I asked my colleague Adam Gabbatt whether he could think of anything, and he paused for 30 seconds before answering "no". I guess there would be American Idol for anyone who still watches the show, but the truth is that the conventional New Year doesn't line up with anything of import. It occurs in the dead of winter, when there is still no sign of spring's renewal of life.Most would argue that Gregorian's solar-based calendar makes a lot more sense. Now, I'm no astronomer, but what I do want to point out is that nothing of any significance actually begins in January. I asked my colleague Adam Gabbatt whether he could think of anything, and he paused for 30 seconds before answering "no". I guess there would be American Idol for anyone who still watches the show, but the truth is that the conventional New Year doesn't line up with anything of import. It occurs in the dead of winter, when there is still no sign of spring's renewal of life.
The Jewish New Year, on the other hand, is surrounded by occasions familiar to every American citizen. Put another way, the Jewish New Year truly marks the beginning of a new year for most Americans. Here are five instances in point:The Jewish New Year, on the other hand, is surrounded by occasions familiar to every American citizen. Put another way, the Jewish New Year truly marks the beginning of a new year for most Americans. Here are five instances in point:
1. Many of us were born right around Rosh Hashanah1. Many of us were born right around Rosh Hashanah
Is there a bigger milestone in a person's life than their birthday? As it turns out, Americans like to use the Gregorian New Year as an excuse to get lucky – and sometimes, the result is a child, born in September. The single most popular birthdate in the United States is 16 September. In fact, pretty much all the most popular birthdays take point between 14 September and 1 October.Is there a bigger milestone in a person's life than their birthday? As it turns out, Americans like to use the Gregorian New Year as an excuse to get lucky – and sometimes, the result is a child, born in September. The single most popular birthdate in the United States is 16 September. In fact, pretty much all the most popular birthdays take point between 14 September and 1 October.
2. The school year begins at Rosh Hashanah2. The school year begins at Rosh Hashanah
Speaking of milestones, there's also the first day of school. Most Americans spend 13 of the first 17 years of their lives in school. Some go on to attend college for an additional four to seven years. And the school year, of course, begins in early September, give or take a few days. This year, New York City public schools are not opening until the second full week of September – precisely, to accommodate the Jewish New Year. Growing up, Rosh Hashanah was the first holiday I could count on as a respite from what I viewed as a prison.Speaking of milestones, there's also the first day of school. Most Americans spend 13 of the first 17 years of their lives in school. Some go on to attend college for an additional four to seven years. And the school year, of course, begins in early September, give or take a few days. This year, New York City public schools are not opening until the second full week of September – precisely, to accommodate the Jewish New Year. Growing up, Rosh Hashanah was the first holiday I could count on as a respite from what I viewed as a prison.
3. The government budget is set around the time of Rosh Hashanah3. The government budget is set around the time of Rosh Hashanah
As you enter adulthood, Rosh Hashanah makes still more sense as the real new year. We all pay taxes (or we're supposed to, anyway): as they say, death and taxes are the only two constants in life. So the United States' fiscal year starts in October. If you want to know what it means when we're told that the federal government is running a deficit (or, occasionally, a surplus) for the current year, the period so defined is from October of one year to September of the next. The taxes that we pay get spent on a schedule from October to September.As you enter adulthood, Rosh Hashanah makes still more sense as the real new year. We all pay taxes (or we're supposed to, anyway): as they say, death and taxes are the only two constants in life. So the United States' fiscal year starts in October. If you want to know what it means when we're told that the federal government is running a deficit (or, occasionally, a surplus) for the current year, the period so defined is from October of one year to September of the next. The taxes that we pay get spent on a schedule from October to September.
4. The NFL season begins at Rosh Hashanah4. The NFL season begins at Rosh Hashanah
For many, welcome distraction from fiscal concerns is provided by the NFL. American football is by far the most popular sport in the United States. More Americans watch the Super Bowl than any other sports event. The NFL itself makes more money than the state of Wisconsin, for example. For a Buffalo Bills fan like me, the first game of the season is a highlight of the whole year.For many, welcome distraction from fiscal concerns is provided by the NFL. American football is by far the most popular sport in the United States. More Americans watch the Super Bowl than any other sports event. The NFL itself makes more money than the state of Wisconsin, for example. For a Buffalo Bills fan like me, the first game of the season is a highlight of the whole year.
This year, as it happens, the NFL begins on the second night of Rosh Hashanah. But it's more than just the opening night of football that links the Jewish community and the NFL. Unlike its college football equivalent, the NFL plays its games on Sunday. That's a big deal for Orthodox Jews, who cannot actually watch games that occur on Saturday (the sabbath).This year, as it happens, the NFL begins on the second night of Rosh Hashanah. But it's more than just the opening night of football that links the Jewish community and the NFL. Unlike its college football equivalent, the NFL plays its games on Sunday. That's a big deal for Orthodox Jews, who cannot actually watch games that occur on Saturday (the sabbath).
5. Our favorite TV shows usually launch around Rosh Hashanah5. Our favorite TV shows usually launch around Rosh Hashanah
So, maybe you don't like football, but you probably do have a favorite television show. Over 150 US TV shows open with their fall premiere in the month of September. Can you name any that are opening in January? I don't think so.So, maybe you don't like football, but you probably do have a favorite television show. Over 150 US TV shows open with their fall premiere in the month of September. Can you name any that are opening in January? I don't think so.
And what better way to relax than to sit down to your favorite show's premiere with some leftover brisket or turkey from the family's Rosh Hashanah dinner? It's a divine providence, you might say.And what better way to relax than to sit down to your favorite show's premiere with some leftover brisket or turkey from the family's Rosh Hashanah dinner? It's a divine providence, you might say.
So, all in all, for Americans everywhere, the Jewish New Year is marked by far more important events than the Gregorian calendar's starting point.So, all in all, for Americans everywhere, the Jewish New Year is marked by far more important events than the Gregorian calendar's starting point.
Shanah Tovah!Shanah Tovah!
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