PCMA Capital Chapter September Pulse Article

By: Bianca DeStout

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are two of the most significant holidays in the Jewish faith, marking the beginning of the Jewish New Year and the Day of Atonement, respectively. These holidays also mark the beginning of the ten holiest days in Jewish New Year, which hold great importance for Jewish individuals and families. Understanding and respecting these traditions is essential, especially in the hospitality industry.

In the United States, there are approximately 6.7 million Jewish people. Even with such a significant number, there is still so little known about the community and its holidays and customs.

Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Jewish New Year, is a time for reflection, prayer, and renewal. It is customary for Jewish people to attend synagogue services, share festive meals with family and friends, and participate in rituals such as sounding the shofar (a ram’s horn) and eating symbolic foods like apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year. Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a solemn day of fasting, prayer, and repentance. Jewish individuals typically spend this day in synagogue, reflecting on their actions from the past year and seeking forgiveness from others and from G-d.

Here are some things to consider about the upcoming holidays.

• The Jewish Calendar follows a lunar calendar and Jewish days begin at sundown
• Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur shift between September and October every year.
• This year Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Oct. 2 and ends at sundown on Oct. 4 which goes right into the Sabbath. This will be year 5785.
• Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Oct. 11 and ends after sundown on Oct. 12. The fast which consists of no eating or drinking water, usually lasts for 25-26 hours (barring any health conditions).
• While not widely known or fully celebrated outside the observant communities; Sukkot begins at sundown on Oct. 16 and ends on Oct. 24 with Simchat Torah. Sukkot being a holiday where one eats outside under the stars commemorating the 40-years the Jewish people roamed the desert leaving Egypt before entering the land of Israel and Simchat Torah the holiday commemorating when the Jewish people received their Torah, marking the fully new year.

In an effort to be inclusive, it is best practice to not hold meetings or events on these holidays, especially Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This helps in supporting the Jewish community, whether or not one is observant. It also helps our Jewish friends feel considered and included.  If you are unsure about a best practice surrounding any cultural or religious holiday, all you have to do is ask. We are striving to build a more inclusive world, so why not start within our industry?

L’Shanah Tovah U’Metukah! Happy, Healthy and a Sweet New Year!