Israel's Chief Rabbi Issues Guidance for Rosh Hashanah Falling on Shabbat

Israel's Chief Rabbi, Kalman Bar, has released a halachic and practical guide for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday, which will fall on Shabbat this year. A key directive is that the traditional shofar blowing will not take place on the first day of Rosh Hashanah due to the sanctity of Shabbat. This ruling is based on rabbinic decrees designed to prevent the accidental violation of Shabbat laws, such as carrying the shofar in public.

Rabbi Bar explained that while the shofar's absence might seem like a loss, the sanctity of Shabbat itself will serve as a "defense attorney" for Israel. He referenced historical precedents where Rosh Hashanah falling on Shabbat coincided with significant positive events, suggesting that Shabbat's holiness compensates for the lack of shofar blasts. He urged the public to increase their observance of Shabbat's sanctity in both private and public life.

The guide also details modifications to prayer services, holiday meals, and preparations for the second day of Rosh Hashanah. For instance, the Tashlikh ceremony, traditionally performed on the first day, will be moved to the second day to avoid carrying items on Shabbat. Specific prayers will be altered, and the customary "Avinu Malkeinu" prayer will generally be omitted on Shabbat, though some communities may still recite it.

Regarding holiday meals, the guide advises singing Shabbat zemirot (songs) and eating the symbolic Rosh Hashanah foods after the "Motzi" blessing. It emphasizes checking these foods for insects beforehand. Preparations for the second day of Rosh Hashanah are forbidden until after Shabbat concludes.

On the second day of Rosh Hashanah, the shofar will be blown, and the "Shehecheyanu" blessing will be recited, even by those who don't typically say it on the second day in a regular year. The Chief Rabbi concluded by wishing the Jewish people a good and sweet year, praying that the merit of Shabbat will stand in their favor.