E Pluribus Unum

Tonight begins the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah.

Judaism 101:

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American midnight drinking bash and daytime football game.

That said, there are similarities. This holiday begins perhaps the most solemn days of the Jewish year. Prior to this, Jews begin a period of self-examination and repentance, a process that culminates in The Ten Days of Repentance, beginning with Rosh Hashanah and ending with the holiday of Yom Kippur. So, just as many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making "resolutions," the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.