In the Talmud tractate on Rosh Hashanah, it is said that on Rosh Hashanah, three books of account are opened, where the fate of the wicked, the righteous, and people of an intermediate class are recorded. While the names of the righteous are inscribed in the book of life and they are sealed to live, the people of the intermediate class are allowed a respite of ten days to reflect, repent and become righteous.

Wicked is instantly blotted out of the book of the living forever. Thus, in the preceding month of Elul, Jews are supposed to self-examine and begin repentance, a process that will culminate in the ten days before Rosh Hashanah. In the entire month of Elul, the traditional shofar is blown every morning. It is believed to help in awakening the listeners from their “slumbers” and alert them to the coming judgment.

Happy New Year in Hebrew – שנה טובה

A new year provides the opportunity to let go of the past and mark the beginning of the new year on a clean slate. Whether it’s following rituals or dancing under the stars, promising not to repeat your mistakes or taking corrective actions for the same, New Year’s Eve marks the acknowledgement of an important transition in everyone’s life.