Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year, is just around the corner. From sundown September 13th through sundown September 15th, Jewish families in Israel and around the world will celebrate the beginning of a new year filled with hope. In nearly every home, candles will be lit and sweet treats of honey, apples, and pomegranate will be eaten as families recite the ancient prayers associated with this holiday.
Here are some of the prayers, in English, that are traditionally spoken in every Jewish home during Rosh HaShanah.
Lighting the Candles
Blessed are You, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us
to light the candles of the holiday (Amen)
Kiddush – Prayer Over the Wine
Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
who creates the fruit of the vine (Amen)
Blessed are You, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe
who has chosen us from among all people, and exalted us above every tongue
and sanctified us with His commandments, and You gave us, Lord our God,
with love this day of remembrance, a day of shofar blowing
a holy convocation, a memorial of the exodus from Egypt
Indeed, You have chosen us and made us holy from all peoples
and Your word is true and established forever
Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King over all the world
who sanctifies Israel and the Day of Remembrance (Amen)
Prayer Over the Apples and Honey
Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe
who creates the fruit of the tree (Amen)
[take a bite of the apple slice dipped in honey and continue]
May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors
that You renew for us a good and sweet year.
