The month of September brings two important Jewish holidays, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We are lucky to receive those days off from school, and while it is just a free day for most, for some, both are important days to be celebrated. 

Rosh Hashanah, which occurred on September 7th, marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. The Jewish calendar differs from the Gregorian (the calendar we follow), with different months and dates. The first month of the year is called Tishrei, and it lasts 30 days. To announce and ring in the new year, it is customary to blow a rams horn, a religious instrument called the shofar. Another tradition is to eat apples dipped in honey, to signify a sweet year. 

The other day celebrated is Yom Kippur. It fell on Thursday, September 16th, another day which we had off from school. Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism, and is also referred to as the Day of Atonement. On this day, one is to confess all their faults and misdeeds to God, and seek repentance for their sins. 

To those who practice Judaism, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are very important, holy days. They are more than just another day off of school.