Tashlich

"And Thou wilt cast ("ve-tashlich") all their sins into the depths of the sea"
Michah, 7:19

Tashlich, from the root word which means "to cast away" is the practice by which Jews go to a flowing body of water and symbolically "throw away" their sins. This occurs in the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashana or the second day if the first falls on Shabbat (Saturday). This practice is based on the verse from the book of the Prophet Michah.

Another reason cited for the use of a "live" body of water is that there are usually fish present. Fish never close their eyes, and that is a reminder to us of the ever-watchful eyes of God who records and remembers everything, but who also constantly peers down on His creations with mercy.

Furthermore, there is the mystical belief that fish are immune to the "Evil Eye" (a type of curse) and by casting our sins away where there are fish, we are indirectly asking to also be protected from the evils of the world.

Once at a body of water, several prayers are recited. There is no special prayer for Tashlich. However, there are several Scriptural chapters relating to the idea of penitence and Divine forgiveness. Bread crumbs are tossed into the body of water as a symbolic "casting away of sins."

Upcoming Events

 Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Mitzvot ~ The Commandments & Their Rationale 6:00pm
“J-Vegas Socials” for Jewish singles 50+ 6:30pm
High Holidays 101 with Pam Poster 6:30pm
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Selichot Program and Service 6:00pm
Monday, September 6, 2010
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Erev Rosh HaShanah Family Service 6:00pm
Erev Rosh HaShanah Traditional Service 8:15pm

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