The Jewish concept of the New Year and tradition of celebrating it are highly unusual. In a sense, it is organically connected to life and the rhythms of Nature.
The Jewish New Year, known as Rosh Hashanah, celebrated for ten days, falls in autumn. The first ten days of the new year are set apart for internal cleansing, seeking divine forgiveness for the wrongs committed in the past and spiritual strength to face the challenges of the days ahead. The “Days of Awe,” as they are called, including Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
As the new year falls after the harvest, the farmers take rest for these ten days after the grains have been gathered and stocked. It is also the time when the farmers turn to material stock-taking, to make a list of their gains and losses, and then to plan for the next season. In much the same way and during this period, the Jews are enjoined to take stock of their spiritual gains and losses, feel grateful for the blessings received, repent for their sins, rededicate themselves to the will of the Lord, seek His guidance for the next year and start afresh with hope and determination.