Click here for the Scholar chat schedule.
Email us your question and we'll try to respond within 24 hours.
Type in your email address here:
Select a topic:
Type in your question here:
The Scholar is ready to answer your question. Click the button below to chat now.
A Scholar is currently unavailable at this time, so please check back again. In the meantime you can click here to email Moses your question or search our archives for related topics.
PRINT EMAIL COMMENT
(continued)
Tashlich is usually performed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah.1
The custom consists of reciting select verses next to a body of water, such as a sea, river, stream, lake or pond, preferably one that has fish (though when no such body of water was available, some Rabbis were known to do Tashlich next to a well, even one that dried up)2. Upon concluding the verses, the corners of one’s clothes are shaken out; for males, this is usually done with the corners of the Tallit katan (Tzitzit garment). For a link to the Tashlich prayers, click here.
Though Tashlich is not mentioned in the Talmud, its earliest reference appears to be in the book of the Prophet Nehemiah which states3, “All the Jews gathered as one in the street that is in front of the gate of water.” This gathering is known to have taken place on Rosh Hashanah.
Its earliest reference appears to be in the book of the Prophet Nehemiah which states, “All the Jews gathered as one in the street that is in front of the gate of water.”
- It is an allusion to the words of the Prophet4 "and You shall cast into the depths of the sea all their sins."
– Another reason for saying Tashlich next to a river is because Rosh Hashanah is the day when we coronate G-d as King of the Universe. Jewish kings are anointed next to rivers, and so it is appropriate that we crown G-d as our King next to a river, as well.
– Going to a river bank or sea shore is also awe inspiring as we contemplate G-d’s mercy in preventing the waters from flooding the dry land. The realization of G-d’s omnipotence inspires us to repent.
– Jewish mysticism teaches that water corresponds to the attribute of kindness. On Rosh Hashanah, we beseech G-d to treat us with kindness during the new year.
– Water with fish is optimal since fish are not subject to the “evil eye” and are also known to have many offspring. Fish do not have eyelids, so their eyes are always open. This is likened to G-d’s constant supervision over us, and we pray that He mercifully care for us. Also, just as fish may be caught in a fisherman’s net, so, too, we are caught in the net of judgment. This awareness helps awaken us to repent.
While there are different versions and verses of the Tashlich liturgy depending upon community, what are common to all are the verses from the book of Micah (7:18-19) “Who is a G-d like You... You shall cast into the depths of the sea all their sins.” These words correspond to G-d’s thirteen attributes of mercy which we seek to arouse on Rosh Hashanah as we are being judged; the allusion to these thirteen attributes is known to always be beneficial.
Though we do Tashlich aside an earthly river or sea, this watery entity actually represents its Heavenly counterpart.
Needless to say, the physical motions near the water and fish of Tashlich are not what grant us atonement. But if we pay attention to the symbolism and apply the sincere desire to heal our relationship with G-d as portrayed in the physical demonstrations of Tashlich, then it serves as a crucial part in the process of repenting and returning to G-d in purity.
May we all shake ourselves from sin and be signed and sealed in the Book of Life for a good and sweet new year!
Footnotes
ADD A COMMENT
