Holidays

Today is a day for two holidays. One a federal holiday and the other a religious holiday. I wanted to recognize both as they are both important.

In the United States today, the first Monday of September we recognize Labor Day. What is Labor Day? Labor Day is a federal holiday to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States.

So to honor those who have worked to develop this great country, we don’t work. Literally most locations are not operating/in business on this day. Myself included. But for those who do have to work, they will usually be earning more per hour on their paycheck.

Labor day is the unofficial end of the summer and fall is just around the corner. 16 days and counting before fall officially begins. This is the last major weekend for camping, outdoor events and other summer related activities. But for those of us (like me) who love the fall season, we simply start now enjoying the fall themes, colors, and flavors.

Happy Labor Day to all who celebrate!

The second holiday that starts today is Rosh Hashanah. Now I am not familiar with all of the traditions and cultures of the Jewish faith, or those who practice it, so first I do not intend to relay information incorrectly, and mean no offense if I do speak incorrectly.

From what I learned Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival, held on the first (also sometimes the second) day of Tishri (in September). It is marked by the blowing of the shofar, and begins the ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the creation of the world. The day that God made Adam and Eve. The observance begins at sundown on September 6 and goes until sundown on September 8.

How it is celebrated: Candles are lit in the evening, festive meals are had with sweet delicacies during the night and day, prayer services that include the sounding of the ram’s horn on both mornings. And desisting from creative work.

The central observance of Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, the ram’s horn, on both days of the holiday. With some exceptions.

The first 30 blasts of the shofar are blown following the Torah reading during morning services, and as many as 70 additional are blown during (and immediately after) the Musaf service, adding up to 100 blasts over the course of the Rosh Hashanah morning services. For someone who cannot come to synagogue, the shofar may be heard the rest of the day.

Now this is just a small part of the holiday, and for those who celebrate, L’Shana Tovah!

I hope that whatever your day brings it finds you happy, healthy, and safe. Take care my friends!