Dear Rav Parry,

It has become a common custom to go to a river or lake on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and perform Tashlich. What are the origins of the custom of throwing bits of bread into water? What is the proper way to complete Tashlich? Is there a preferred body of water to use?

-Michelle

Dear Michelle,

All very good questions! Firstly, there is no legitimate source for tossing crumbs to the fish. in fact, it is generally forbidden to feed animals for which one has no obligation to sustain. Pets or livestock owned by a Jew, of course, should be fed on shabbos or yom tov, like any other day. As for the other questions, any body of water is technically acceptable to perform this custom, however, one that contains fish is preferred, as we consider fish to be a positive sign of fertility as well symbolic of increased prosperity.

One other point, which should help answer your final inquiry, is that one should try to fulfill this ritual on the first day of Rosh Hoshana during the period of mincha, as it is a most propitious time to supplicate the Almighty, who is "anxious" to see that we are acting with alacrity to distance ourselves from sin and trangressions, a central theme of the custom of Tashlich. wishing all readers a happy, holy and healthy 5771!

Aaron parry