Happy Rosh Hashanah: Hope and peace for Reinickendorf!

Happy Rosh Hashanah: Hope and peace for Reinickendorf!

Today, October 9, 2025, Emine Demirbüken-Wegner, the district mayor of Reinickendorf, sends warm congratulations on the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. In her message she wishes people a good and sweet year characterized by health, hope and confidence. Rosh Hashanah, which is celebrated as a festival of reflection, new beginnings and inner contemplation, falls at a time marked by global crises and social tensions. In these difficult times, Demirbüken-Wegner expresses the longing for peace in hearts, the city and the world.

The district mayor particularly emphasizes the cohesion of the city's society and diversity as strengths. She describes Jewish life in Reinickendorf as an enrichment for the entire district and emphasizes the importance of interreligious dialogue. This dialogue creates spaces for listening and encounters. Thank you to the Jewish communities, organizations and individuals for their commitment to interreligious exchange. Demirbüken-Wegner wishes peace, understanding and shared responsibility for the year 5786 and looks forward to future meetings and discussions in order to promote an open and solidarity-based urban society.

Rosh Hashanah: Meaning and Customs

Rosh Hashanah, Hebrew רֹאֹשׁ הַשָּׁנָה, marks the beginning of the new year in rabbinic Judaism. The festival is not only a day of joy, but also marks the beginning of a ten-day penitential period until Yom Kippur, a time that invites self-reflection and reorientation. During Rosh Hashanah, symbolic practices such as blowing the shofar are performed, which is considered a central custom and reminds people to examine their actions of the past year and prepare for the new year.

A particularly popular custom is “Tashlich,” which is observed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah. The believers symbolically empty their pockets and throw small objects, such as breadcrumbs, into the water. This represents freedom from old burdens and sins and is reminiscent of the words of the prophet Micah: “And you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19). This action also has a psychological dimension in that it helps people let go of stressful things and gain inner clarity.

Traditions and holiday symbolism

The symbols of Rosh Hashanah are varied, ranging from shofars, pomegranates, wine and apples to honey, all of which portend a sweet new year. The traditional New Year greetings include “schana tova” – “a good year” and “schana tova u’metuka” – “a good and sweet year”. It should also be noted that three books are opened during the festival: the righteous are given the “seal of life,” while those considered evil are given the “seal of death.” Judgment on the so-called “mediocre” will be maintained and made final until the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.

Rosh Hashanah is not only a religious event, but also a sign of hope for a better year in a time often marked by challenges. In Reinickendorf and elsewhere, the Jewish New Year is seen as an opportunity to strengthen peace and diversity in society. Efforts towards intercultural understanding and the values ​​of mutual respect are crucial to promote harmonious coexistence.