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Rosh Hashanah and Tashlikh

Tashlikh means [will*] "cast away" or "casting off." It is a custom usually performed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah when we symbolically cast off our sins into a body of water.  It is based on a quote by Micah, 7:19, “*God will send/[cast] out/forth our sins into the depth of the waters.”  Ezekiel 18:31 tells us, “Cast away from yourselves all your transgressions, and create within yourselves a new heart and new spirit.”

Because tashlikh is a minhag and not mandated by halacha, it can be performed on Shabbat as Sephardim and as many liberal Jews do.  If Rosh Hashanah falls on a Shabbat, Orthodox, Conservative and other Jews postpone it, usually, to the second day of Rosh Hashanah

The first recording of tashlikh occurs by Maharil of Mainz (Rabbi Ya’akov Levi Moelin, c. 1365-1427).  The custom at that time was growing among European Jews, and  spread south and eastward to the Sephardim and Mazrachim.  There are hints of tashlikh's existence in ancient times. The early first-century Jewish philosopher, Philo described the reciting of prayers by the sea on the last day of Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabba, the day of Great Judgment or Supplication.

Tashlikh is performed near a flowing body of water that symbolically carries our sins away and expresses our ability to change.  The presence of fish is desirable for various reasons.  They can represent our sins, and our vulnerability to be caught or entangled in difficult situations. Their open eyes signify that God is all seeing and whose presence is sought for by the banks of water.

As we review our past year’s behaviour, the ones we are proud of and those we wish to change, we look around us and enjoy the beauty of the water and its natural surroundings. We think about its transformations though the seasons and over the years. Trees mature, while others die. Some flowers predominate one year and not the next year. We feel a part of nature.  For 5784 yet to be written, we see there is possibility and hope for change in ourselves and in the world

As we cast off our sins, we ask forgiveness from Mother Nature, the Divinity of the universe, and ourselves.  We will ask forgiveness from our friends and family. We promise to make amends and do better, to live more compassionately, more justly, with a joyful generosity and love.  We think of Groucho Marx’s quote, “Blessed are the cracked, for they shall let in the light.”

Shomrei Adamah members wish you and your dear ones a year of good health, of caring with love and joy for each other and for our marvellous earth.  Don’t forget to sing, dance, and laugh!

A Sweet Recipe for the High Holidays
[More to come]
Bubbie Ruthie’s simple baked apples

Recipe provided by Gloria Boxen
My Mom, Bubbie Ruthie, very often made baked apples. She used McIntosh apples; I don't remember seeing any other kind in the house but you can use a baking apple like Golden Delicious or Ida Red.  They were served without cream, but sometimes with 2% milk.

Clean and core your apple of choice to create a seedless cavity for stuffing. Prepare one apple per serving.
Fill with the cavity with raisins, and a bit of brown sugar.
Other possible additions are cinnamon, chopped nuts and/or a pat of margarine or butter.
Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350 F until desired softness is reached.  Check at 30 minutes. Baking time will vary with the size of the apples and their filling.
Serve alone or with cream.