Tashlich

In addition to its sweetness, Rosh HaShanah commences the Ten Days of Awe, during which time people examine their lives for sin and have ten days to make peace with those to whom they have broken promises or hurt. It is the time to cast away sin, as symbolized by the traditional act of Tashlich (‘to cast’) – where people visit a body of moving water and cast bread crumbs into the water – which symbolically represents confessing and forsaking our sins.

This tradition originates from Mikhah (Micah) 7:19, “He will again have compassion on us, He will subdue our iniquities. You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea.”

Kefa (Peter) declared to his Jewish brothers in Jerusalem, Acts 13:38 – “Therefore, brothers, let it be known to you that through this man (Yeshua) is proclaimed forgiveness of sins!”

As we symbolically cast (Tashlich) the bread into the water, we remember that Yeshua has washed away our sins by becoming our kapparah (atonement).

Yom Teruah has traditionally been linked to the resurrection – perhaps Yeshua had this appointed time in mind when He spoke of Israel’s regathering – “He will send out His angels with a great shofar; and they will gather together His chosen people from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other” (Mattityahu/Matthew 24:31).

Traditionally it is believed that G-D records us into the “Book of Life” during the Ten Days of Awe, so you’ll want to greet others with, “May you be inscribed in the Book of Life!”

For a Tashlich Prayer Guide, click below for your language preference:

English | Spanish