rosh hashanah; jewish new year; how is it celebrated?

Answer 1

You will find almost everything you need to know here:
http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template.asp?AID=4644

It is also called Yom Truah (the Day of Blowing), Yom haShofar (Day of the Trumpet), etc.

As far as it being the "New Year", it is generally taught that this was the time of the creation of the world (or the creation of man, depending upon the sect of Judaism). However, at the time of the Exodus it was commanded that the month of Passover would now be considered to be the first of the year. And the Torah command of Yom Truah is that it be held on the first day of the 7th month. So there are really 2 New Years days that occur on the Jewish calendar.

Answer 2

Read .Acts chapter 15 of the Bible. This describes two major decisions made by those such as Paul and James (one of the 12 apostles who personally knew Jesus). One decision was that the followers of Christ (the first Christians) did not have to become Jews first before becoming Christians and second, they did not have to be circumsized like the Jews before becoming Christians. In other words, this was the beginning of the breaking away of the new Christian religion from Judaism. Christianity attracted a lot of non-Jewish peoples from other nations who knew little about being Jewish. As time went on, Christianity grew farther apart from Judaism into its own religion with its own practices. But these days, there are many Christians who choose to honor various Jewish holy days and it's OK. It's your choice.

Answer 3

Well, we listen to a shofar blow...we eat apples (representing fruitfulness) dipped in honey, representing a sweet year.
It's a joyful holiday

Answer 4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosh_hashanah