Join Rabbi Micah and our wonderful community on September 23 at 4 pm for a joyful and meaningful Rosh Hashanah Tashlich celebration surrounded by the beauty of nature! Come gather with us by Lake Quannapowitt as we embark on this special afternoon, starting with an inspiring Shofar blast! Together, we can symbolically cast our prayers into the waters by tossing small pebbles and sticks, creating a beautiful moment of intention. Let’s lift our spirits as Rabbi Micah leads us in delightful songs that fill our hearts with joy. Another Shofar blast will call us back, and we’ll conclude our gathering to celebrate our community! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect and welcome new friends, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. We can’t wait to see you there!

**What is Tashlich?** 

Tashlich is a beautiful ritual typically observed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah. The term “Tashlich” derives from the Hebrew root **sha’lach**, which means “to cast out.” This reflective practice encourages us to release our transgressions and seek renewal for the year ahead.

The essence of Tashlich unfolds at a body of water such as a stream, lake, or ocean, where participants may cast seeds or small sticks into the water while singing uplifting songs. This symbolic act is inspired by the book of Micah 7:18-20 and the Thirteen Attributes which are recited during Rosh Hashanah, including the phrase “casting sins into the sea.” Though the exact origins of Tashlich are somewhat unclear, it was first mentioned by the Maharil (Jacob ben Moses Moellin), a prominent Talmudist from 15th-century Europe.

The tradition has evolved over time; for example, some communities in the U.S. used to feed breadcrumbs and such to birds and fish during Tashlich, but many have recognized that this can be detrimental to wildlife. To promote environmental awareness, many communities now participate in “reverse Tashlich,” where instead of adding items to the water, we clean up debris from the shores, ensuring our waterways are healthy for all living creatures.

May it inspire us as we embark on our new journey together, envisioning a brighter year ahead, growing community, and guided by the rich sounds of Jewish life.

**L’Shanah Tovah** – wishing you a truly wonderful and blessed New Year 5786!