Ask JCI&R: The traditions of the high holidays

Q:  The New Year 5769 looms on the horizon.   I would like to better understand the traditions connected with the holidays. A:  The New Year begins with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot. These holidays are exceptional opportunities to celebrate with family and friends. The Tishrei (the first calendar month of the Jewish year) holidays have many symbols and traditions associated with them. Contact us and we will explain the traditions, including tashlich - the gathering at a body of flowing water on Yom Kippur - and ushpizin - the custom of inviting honorary guests to the Sukkah. If you want to buy or create your own Shofar, we can direct you. We can also tell you Rabbi Sa’adiah Gaon’s ten reasons to hear the Shofar. Please let us know if you want to know more about the fall Holy Days, from A to Z. Shana tova!  For more information about connecting to Jewish life, call JCIR 415.777.4545 or local toll-free in the Bay Area 877.777.JCIR (5247), or email us at Info@JewishNfo.org. Jewish Community Information and Referral is a free and confidential service of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma counties. Visit our website: www.sfjcf.org/resources.