Rosh haShanah - Tashlich

Tashlich Service - Kehilah Synagogue.pdf

Download PDF • 691KB

Tashlich - Both docs.pdf

Download PDF • 24KB

BULLETIN 240914.pdf

Download PDF • 176KB

The word "Tashlich" means "You will cast away." In this context, it refers to a custom dating from at least as early as the fourteenth century, but probably much earlier, based on the last verses of the Book of Michah (Micah) 7:18-20, shown below:

"Who is a G-d like You? You forgive sins and overlook transgressions For the survivors of Your People; He does not retain His anger forever, for He loves Kindness; He will return and show us mercy, and overcome our sins,

(Note: The Prophet has switched, grammatically, from addressing G-d in the "second person" (using "You") to addressing Him in the "third person" (using "He"). This may have to do with the difficulty finite man has when addressing his infinite Creator, and comes up again in connection with the topic of Blessings. Anyway, back to Michah:)

And You will cast into the depths of the sea all their sins; You will show kindness to Yaakov and mercy to Avraham, As You did promise to our fathers of old."

Consequently, Jewish communities have for many generations gathered on the First Day of Rosh HaShanah at bodies of water and recited the Tashlich Prayer, which consists of certain chapters of Tehillim (Psalms) and the verses shown above, to symbolize our wish to get rid of our sins, and to be forgiven by G-d.