Rosh Hashanah 2024: A New Year, A New Start, New Grants

Rosh Hashanah 2024 begins on the evening of October 2nd and marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It’s one of the holiest days of the year in the Jewish faith; one of two “high holidays.” The holiday lasts for two days and the ceremonial foods and customs are meant to set the right tone for the rest of the year.

For many, Rosh Hashanah is a chance for a new start; an opportunity to connect with a higher power and the intentionality of life. It’s a great time to look at the former year and see what changes can be made. As Rosh Hashanah approaches, you have the perfect opportunity to talk about the best way to set intentions and increase your chances of making your goals a reality.

Now, let’s talk about the details of the day:

First Let’s Talk Tradition:

• Hearing the shofar: The shofar is blown on Rosh Hashanah during multiple prayer services throughout the holiday unless Rosh Hashanah falls on the Sabbath. If so, then it will only be blown afterward. The blowing of the Shofar is symbolic for many reasons: it’s a wake-up call for the rest of the year, a symbol of hope and redemption, and a memory of the binding of Isaac. There is also a biblical directive to blow the shofar: (Vayikra) 23:24-25.
• Traditional foods and holiday meals: It wouldn’t be a holiday without food! There is a lot of symbolism around food for Rosh Hashanah. Challah is baked into a round shape to symbolize the cycle of a new year. Apple slices dipped in honey and honey cake both symbolize a L’shanah Tovah u’Metukah or a sweet new year. New fruits celebrate fertility and new possibilities. Finally, fish heads symbolize merits abounding in the New Year.
• Prayer services: Prayer services for this holiday differ and include specific prayers. These include prayers to write our names in the Book of Life, and praying for God to bless us with a sweet new year.

Here are some steps to help you set meaningful intentions for the coming year:

• Self-Reflection:
  1. Begin by finding a quiet and contemplative space.
  2. Reflect on the past year, its successes, and areas where you fell short.
  3. Consider how your actions align with your values and beliefs.
  4. Think about your relationships, personal growth, and contributions to your community.
• Identify Key Areas:
  1. Determine the key areas of your life that you want to focus on in the upcoming year. These could include personal, professional, spiritual, or interpersonal aspects.
  2. Prioritize the areas that resonate most with your current life circumstances and goals.
• Setting Intentions:
  1. Write down specific intentions or goals for each area you’ve identified.
  2. Make your intentions actionable and measurable. Use clear and concise language.
  3. Ensure that your intentions align with Jewish values like kindness, justice, and compassion.
  4. Consider creating a vision board or visual representation of your intentions to reinforce your commitment.
• Accountability and Action:
  1. Finally, share your intentions with a trusted friend or family member who can provide support and encouragement throughout the year.
  2. Create an action plan for each intention, breaking it down into smaller, achievable steps.
  3. Regularly revisit your intentions, assess your progress, and make necessary adjustments.
  4. Use the ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur to work on self-improvement, seek forgiveness from others, and commit to making positive changes.

On a personal note: Rosh Hashanah 2024 is more than just the beginning of the new year, it’s more of an opportunity (according to tradition) to take a new charge of your life and your choices. This is an incredible moment both personally, and spiritually, to reframe what your life will look like in the upcoming year. After such a difficult year for so many, may we all be inscribed for a happy, healthy, new year.

Grants for Jewish organizations to celebrate Rosh Hashanah 2024:

Rosh Hashanah 2024 also seems like a great opportunity to share some faith-based grants. Here are some of my personal favorites for Jewish organizations, and individuals.

1. Instill Jewish Pride and Combat Discrimination

Grants to USA nonprofit organizations to strengthen the relationship between the USA and Israel, to instill pride in the Jewish people, and to combat anti-Israel relationships

2. Outstanding Leadership in Volunteer Service

 $36,000 to USA Jewish teenagers to recognize teens who have demonstrated initiative in the creation of new projects or the expansion of existing projects that embody the concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world).

3. Training and Professional Development Program

Fellowships to Pennsylvania Jewish education and engagement professionals in eligible locations to participate in a training and professional development program.

4. Jewish Women for Unpaid Maternity Leave

Grant funding for Jewish women in eligible regions who do not receive paid maternity leave to get a temporary monthly income following the birth of a child.

5.  Leadership in Jewish Philanthropy

$10,000 to a USA, Canada, or International young professional to recognize outstanding dedication to Jewish causes.

7. Subsidize Service Trips to Israel

Grants to USA and Canada Jewish Federations and nonprofit organizations to subsidize service trips to Israel.

8. Programs that Benefit the Local Jewish Community

Grants to Missouri nonprofit organizations and congregations in eligible locations for programs that benefit the local Jewish community.

9. Support Local Jewish Children and Seniors 

Grants to Florida nonprofit organizations in eligible regions for programs that support Jewish children and the elderly in local communities and to benefit needy children and youth in Israel.

10.  Faith-Based Organizations for Anti-Hunger

Up to $15,000 to USA and Israel nonprofit and faith-based organizations and state and local entities for anti-hunger advocacy activities.

About GrantWatch

With over 8,500 grants currently available, GrantWatch.com is the leading grant listing directory. Upgrade to a MemberPlus+ subscription to view the full grant details, including eligibility criteria and application information. For more information, you can also visit the GrantWatch FAQ page. To see the great value of all 20 of the top GrantWatch features, click here. Watch the latest episode of GrantTalk, powered by GrantWatch, with host Libby Hikind. You don’t want to miss this. Visit us on YouTube weekly. Get your copy of The Queen of Grants: From Teacher to Grant Writer to CEO, by Libby Hikind.