Truly, Israel is a unique country. Probably, nowhere in the world is there a state with such a concentration of holy places and ancient sights. Special is the religion of local residents - Judaism. The adherents of this confession have their holidays, which differ sharply from such Christian ones that are habitual for us. This applies to the New Year in Israel. We will talk about when he is celebrated in the country and familiarize himself with the main traditions.
Traditions and the New Year in Israel
At us, Christians, the most magical night in a year occurs from December, 31st till January, 1st. The Jews, on the other hand, keep a record of the coming of the new year at a different time of the year - in the fall. This holiday is called Rosh Hashanah (in translation from Hebrew "head of the year"). Moreover, the established date of the new year in Israel does not exist. The Jews celebrate Rosh HaShanah for two days (they are called yom-ha-arihta) in the new moon, which falls on the autumn month of Tishrei in the Jewish calendar. On our chronology, this time is in September-October.
It can not be said that Rosh HaShanah is celebrated cheerfully. The fact is that according to Judaic traditions, in the first ten days of the new year God judges and pronounces a verdict. Therefore, believers should remember all their accomplishments, repent of their sins and rely on God's mercy.
Rosh Hashanah is celebrated throughout the country. It is customary for believers to gather for a festive dinner, to congratulate each other and to give symbolic gifts. If a loved one is not near, greeting cards are sent to him. On each table in a Jewish family one can see traditional dishes for this day, which always symbolize something. So, for example, the head of a fish or a ram helps to be at the head. Fish is considered a symbol of fertility, carrots, cut in circles, - wealth (like gold coins), ravings with raisins - health. And of course, on this day they eat honey with apples for sweet and happy year, as well as grain of pomegranate for the multiplication of blessed accomplishments. Bitter and salty on the festive table are not served.
| | |
In the evening, at the pond, where the fish is found, a tashlik is held - the custom of symbolically dropping one's sins into the water.
European New Year in Israel
Despite the fact that Rosh Hashanah is a traditional New Year in the country, numerous immigrants from the countries of the former Soviet Union still melancholy meet its offensive on the Gregorian calendar, that is, from December 31 to January 1. Moreover, local entrepreneurs are quite favorable to the wishes of returnees and go to a meeting.
Specifically, by this time, analogues of fir-trees are grown - the plants of araucaria . And that the New Year in Israel was boring, in many restaurants and cafes on New Year's night entertainment programs are arranged.
Many supermarkets are reserved for the holiday with traditional products and delicacies. In all shopping centers there are New Year discounts and sales. So it turns out almost such a New Year's favorite, but with the Israeli fleur.
Tourists from the post-Soviet space are also attracted by the weather for the New Year in Israel. Is it not wonderful, instead of frosty days, to find yourself in a resort with an air temperature of about + 22 + 25 ° in the daytime? And the seawater warms up to quite comfortable for swimming + 20 + 25 °.
Sometimes this time of year is very windy, which, most likely, will exclude swimming, but it does not hurt to take part in exciting excursions. As for the weather conditions in Israel for the New Year 2015, it is difficult to predict. The main thing is to book a tour in advance, since there are a lot of people wishing to spend this bright holiday, and so the prices are high. We recommend you to plan a vacation in those cities where there are many Russian restaurants: Tel Aviv, Eilat, Netanya, Haifa. If your tour lasts until 8-10 January, you can take part in the Christmas liturgy in Bethlehem, Jerusalem or Nazareth.
