Sundown on Wednesday brings the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year.  In Hebrew, “rosh” means “head” and “hashanah” means “the year” – so literally it is the head of the year.  This is not all that different from taking the Latin word “ianua” meaning “door” to get “January” – the door to the year.  Why did the Jews use the word “head” and the Romans the word “door”?  Who knows.

It is a tradition on Rosh Hashanah to dip apples in honey.  This is to ensure a sweet new year.  In the United States it is customary to welcome in the new year with lots of alcohol.  I’m not sure what that is supposed to ensure.

Usually the apples are dipped in the honey by hand.  But the group in the short video below use a crossbow to shoot an apple through a balloon filled with honey.  It shows how Scripture is open to many differing interpretations, and this technique was, I believe, originally articulated by Maimonides, a 12th Century rabbi and commentator who also had an interest in science.  I found the video at JewishHumorCentral.com.  Enjoy!  L’Shanah Tovah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ym7Airptw4