Tashlich: The Symbolic Casting Away of Sins on Rosh Hashanah

Tashlich (meaning 'You will cast') is a ceremony performed on Rosh Hashanah in which Jews symbolically cast their sins into a body of water. The name comes from Micah 7:19: 'You will cast (tashlich) all their sins into the depths of the sea.' Standing by water, we recite prayers and often shake out the corners of our garments, symbolizing the casting away of sin. It's a powerful visual representation of teshuvah (repentance).

Tashlich is traditionally performed on the first day of Rosh Hashanah afternoon, after Mincha. If the first day falls on Shabbat, it's postponed to the second day. If you can't do it on Rosh Hashanah, it may be done anytime until Yom Kippur, or according to some customs, until Hoshanah Rabbah. The ceremony is performed near a natural body of water - a river, lake, ocean, or stream. Ideally, the water should contain fish.

The preference for water with fish has several explanations: Fish have no eyelids and their eyes are always open, reminding us of God's ever-watchful providence. Fish can be caught in nets suddenly, reminding us that life is fragile and we should repent while we can. Fish multiply rapidly, symbolizing our hope for blessings and increase. The fish represent the blessings we hope to receive in the new year.

The Tashlich service includes the reading of Micah 7:18-20 ('Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity...'), followed by Psalms (usually Psalm 118 and/or 130), and additional prayers asking God to forgive our sins. The prayers emphasize God's mercy and His willingness to forgive those who truly repent. Different communities have varying customs regarding which additional prayers to include.

Many have the custom to shake out the corners or pockets of their garments over the water, symbolically shaking out sins. Some throw bread crumbs into the water, though this custom is discouraged by many rabbinical authorities as it may appear to be 'feeding' sins to the fish rather than casting them away. The focus should be on the internal act of repentance, not just the external ritual.

Tashlich is not magic - it doesn't automatically erase sins. Rather, it's a powerful meditation on teshuvah. Standing before flowing water reminds us that just as water flows and renews itself, we too can change and renew ourselves. The ceremony externalizes the internal process of recognizing our shortcomings and committing to do better. It's a physical act that helps make the abstract process of repentance feel real and concrete.