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Jews pray as they perform Tashlich.

Tashlich, usually recited on the first day of Rosh Hashana, is a symbolic prayer that expresses one’s desire to rid oneself of past sins. Although the core of Tashlich is but a few verses from the book of Micha which extol G-d’s Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, a collection of additional prayers added over the years are recited as well. Ideally, Tashlich should take place at a flowing, natural body of water containing fish. It is also considered advantageous to perform Tashlich outside of the city, if possible.1 In Jerusalem, where there are no rivers, Tashlich is recited at a well or man-made pond.2 One is also permitted to recite Tashlich from a place where one can see a river or ocean, no matter how far away it might be.3

Among the reasons for reciting Tashlich alongside a body of water is to recall how Avraham Avinu readily took his son Yitzchak to the Akeida to offer him up on the altar as a sacrifice upon G-d’s command. We are told that as they were traveling to their destination, the Satan tried to foil their mission by causing a river to block their way. The rushing waters of the river quickly overtook Avraham and he was soon submerged up to his neck. As his end seemed near, Avraham turned to G-d in prayer, reminding Him of his loyalty by having readily obeyed the command to sacrifice Yitzchak on the altar. Avraham then convinced G-d how futile it would be to take his life under such circumstances when he would be able to sanctify God’s name for all time at the Akeida. G-d heard his prayers and ordered the Satan to leave them alone. Hence, reciting Tashlich at a body of water invokes G-d’s mercy in the merit of Avraham on the way to the Akeida.4

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It is also explained that performing Tashlich alongside a body of water is intended to recall that kings were historically inaugurated alongside a body of water.5 As the primary theme of Rosh Hashana is celebrating and renewing G-d’s role as king of the world, it is fitting for Tashlich to be recited there next to water as well.6 Reciting Tashlich by a body of water also recalls the verse: “And they drew water and poured it before G-d.”7 The commentators explain that this verse refers to those who pour out their hearts like water in repentance, also the theme of Tashlich.

It is preferable to recite Tashlich at a body of water that contains fish. This is based on the teaching that fish are immune from the ayin hara, which symbolizes our wish to be immune from it as well. Additionally, just as fish are always getting caught in the fisherman’s net, so we are “caught” in G-d’s “net” of judgment at this time of year. So too, the fact that fish have no eyelids, which means that their eyes are constantly open, symbolizes our hope that G-d will constantly keep His protective eyes open and upon us. Finally, just as fish multiply rapidly and abundantly, we pray that the Jewish people will multiply likewise.8

Most people perform Tashlich on the first day of Rosh Hashana in the afternoon following Mincha, though some have the custom of doing it before Mincha. It is noted that it was in the afternoon, around Mincha time, that Adam sinned in Gan Eden, making it an auspicious time to approach G-d in repentance. Moreover, the afternoon is considered to be a time of Divine favor. Additionally, since Tashlich is intended to recall the near sacrifice of Yitzchak, reciting Tashlich at Mincha time is especially appropriate, as the Mincha prayers were instituted by Yitzchak himself. There is also a custom to perform Tashlich immediately following services on Rosh Hashana morning, before beginning one’s meal.

It is best to complete the recitation of Tashlich before sunset, and certainly before nightfall.9 In some communities, Tashlich is deferred to the second day of Rosh Hashana when the first day of Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat.10 In other communities no such distinction is made, and Tashlich is recited on the first day of Rosh Hashana even when it is on Shabbat.11 Tashlich should ideally be recited before Yom Kippur, although it may be recited up until Hoshana Rabba if one was unable to do so earlier. Some have the custom to recite Tashlich specifically two days before Yom Kippur, the eighth of Tishrei, as that is the day when the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy are included in the Selichot prayers.12 The eighth of Tishrei is also said to be a day of Divine favor13 and it is also the day that the first Beit HaMikdash was dedicated.14

There is a widespread custom to throw breadcrumbs to the fish while reciting Tashlich. However, most authorities frown on this custom and some even forbid it outright.15 This is because one is not allowed to feed animals on Shabbat or Yom Tov that are not under one’s personal care. There is also the concern that carrying the breadcrumbs to the place where Tashlich is recited might inadvertently lead to a violation of Shabbat or Yom Tov.16

Nevertheless, a number of authorities justify the custom of feeding the fish at Tashlich, considering it to be a mitzvah-related activity.17 This is similar to the widespread custom of feeding the birds on Shabbat Shira. The reason for the custom of feeding birds on Shabbat Shira is to honor the birds that joined the Jewish people in singing G-d’s praises after the crossing of the Red Sea.18 Here too, although many authorities oppose the custom, others justify it by considering this too to be mitzvah-related.

Finally, a widespread custom is to shake the corners of one’s garments following Tashlich, further symbolizing our desire to shake away any sins that might remain on our slate. Some shake the corners of all their outer garments, though common custom is only to shake the corners of one’s tzitzit.19 There is also a custom to dance following the recitation of Tashlich.20

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  1. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:21; Mishna Berura 583:8.
  2. Kaf Hachaim, OC 583:30.
  3. Piskei Teshuvot 583 footnote 47.
  4. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:21.
  5. Horiyot 12a.
  6. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:21.
  7. Shmuel 1 7:6.
  8. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:21.
  9. Mishna Berura 583:8; Mateh Ephraim 598:4.
  10. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 129:21; Mishna Berura 583:8
  11. Mateh Ephraim 598:5. Kaf Hachaim, OC 583:31; Yabia Omer 4:47.
  12. Rivevot Ephraim 3:401, 6:310.
  13. Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 583:4.
  14. Piskei Teshuvot 583:9.
  15. Mateh Ephraim 598:4, 5.
  16. Maharil.
  17. Ketzeh Hamateh 598:11.
  18. Magen Avraham 324:7, See “The Book of Our Heritage” by Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov for more on this and Shabbat Shira.
  19. Piskei Teshuvot 583:8, Minhag Yisrael Torah, OC 583:5.
  20. Lu’ach Davar B’ito 1 Tishrei 5769.
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Rabbi Ari Enkin
Rabbi Ari Enkin, a resident of Ramat Beit Shemesh, is a researcher and writer of contemporary halachic issues. He teaches halacha, including semicha, one-on-one to people all over the world, online. He is also the author of the “Dalet Amot of Halacha” series (9 volumes), the rabbinic director of United with Israel, and a rebbe at a number of yeshivot and seminaries. Questions and feedback are welcomed: [email protected].