VervePress -- September 2010

September smacks of new beginnings in so many ways -- a new school year ripe with potential, new fall fashion and art seasons, and the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. According to The Knot, September has surpassed June as the most desirable month for a wedding, another momentous new beginning. More so than an arbitrary calendar roll-over in the dead of winter, a hint of crisp autumn air following the parched days of August, really feels like a fresh start.

New & Spotlighted Categories

Wedding Bells and Shofar Blasts!

Atoning, renewing and "I do-ing" are prime September activities -- along with the joyful New Year and wedding celebrations that accompany each. For all the brides 'n grooms, brides 'n brides, and grooms 'n grooms embarking on a new life together, may the force be with you, wedded ones -- and, may you never need the prenup! Entering the atone zone? The past is moot, so repent, reboot -- then, enjoy a honey-dipped challahday and a sweet year ahead!

Holiday Redux

Thar She Blows!

Rosh Hashanah (September 8th and 9th)

Rosh Hashanah (literally "head of the year") marks the Jewish New Year, and kicks off the High Holy Days, a 10-day period of reflection and prayer culminating in the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur. Both celebratory and solemn, Rosh Hashanah is a multi-faceted two-day affair -- a time for self-examination and reckoning; blowing the shofar (ram's horn) for spiritual awakening; remembering Jewish history; and feasting on honey-dipped foods for a sweet year ahead.

Tradition maintains that one's destiny for the coming year is inscribed by God in the Book of Life on Rosh Hashanah, then closed and sealed for the year on Yom Kippur. The High Holy Days in between are for atoning for the past year's sins to ensure a favorable judgment. Hence the customary Rosh Hashanah greeting, "May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a good year" or the shortened "L'Shanah Tovah" ("good year").