The Tashlich prayer is said on the first afternoon of Rosh Hashana by a natural source of water (i.e. lake, river, ocean) that preferably has fish in it. These prayers are symbolic of the casting away of our mistakes. It is sufficient to be able to see the source of water, or to stand by water whose flow is connected to a natural source.

If Rosh Hashana falls out on Shabbos, it is pushed off until the second day. If Tashlich was not said on Rosh Hasnana itself, it may be said anytime during the 10 Days.

Both the body of water and the fish are symbolic. In Talmudic literature Torah is represented as water. Just as fish can't live without water, so too a Jew can't live without Torah!

Also, the fact that fish's eyes never close serve to remind us that, so too, G-d's eyes (so to speak) never close; He knows of our every move.

This is the text of "Tashlich:"

"Who is like You, G-d, who removes iniquity and overlooks transgression of the remainder of His inheritance. He doesn't remain angry forever because he desires kindness. He will return and He will be merciful to us, and He will conquer our iniquities, and He will cast them into the depths of the seas.

"Give truth to Jacob, kindness to Abraham like that you swore to our ancestors from long ago.

"From the straits I called upon G-d, G-d answered me with expansiveness. G-d is with me, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me? G-d is with me to help me, and I will see my foes (annihilated). It is better to take refuge in G-d than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in G-d, that to rely on nobles."

Many people also read Psalms 33 and 130.

Mazor Guide to Rosh Hashanah brings you much more about the holiday, its meaning and its traditions... See the links below.

• Rosh Hashanah Home Page
• Rosh Hashanah for Jews Without a Prayer
• What Does Rosh Hashanah Celebrate?
• Rosh Hashanah Customs
• Symbolic Foods
• The Shofar Blasts!
• Candle Lighting & Blessing
• Special Prayers for a Special Holiday
• Torah Reading for Rosh Hashanah
• Tashlich
• Rosh Hashanah Shopping

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