A prick and stitch pattern featuring an apple, a honey jar, a star and the words “Happy New Year” has been added to the Stitching Cards web site. This will make a beautiful card to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday commonly referred to as the “Jewish New Year.” Rosh Hashanah meals often include apples and honey, to symbolize a sweet new year.
In 2009 Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday September 18 and ends at nightfall on Sunday September 20. The pattern was designed in response to a request from Stitching Cards forum member Jan.
During the Rosh Hashanah celebrations Jews listen to the shofar, a ram’s horn, blown during lengthy prayer services. They eat holiday meals where symbolic foods are served and they do no work. In Jewish thought, Rosh Hashanah is the most important judgment day, on which all the inhabitants of the world pass for judgment before the Creator, as sheep pass for examination before the shepherd. It is a time for both asking forgiveness and giving forgiveness, resolving to do better, and praying for a healthy and happy year to come.