Minhagim for Erev Rosh Hashana 5778

-Some have a minhag to purchase a new knife on Erev Rosh hashana as a  segulah for parnassah. see below  החותך חיים לכל חי
-The minhag is for men to fast on erev Rosh Hashana up to chatzos.
-Some go to visit kivrei tzadikim on erev Rosh Hashana.
-Minhag is to go to the mikva on erev yom tov.
-The bracha on candle lighting for Rosh Hashana is lihadlik ner shol yom tov, without mention of Yom Hazikaron



Segulah for Parnassah- purchase a new Knife on Erev Rosh Hashana
                                                החותך חיים לכל חי
Though this is not a common custom, It is brought down in Seforim to sharpen the knives on erev Rosh Hashana and to buy a new knife as a segulah for Parnassah, There is a discussion among poskim if one may buy a sharp knife it as a gift.
One of the reasons given  is that hashem  in charge of everything, yet He does have a whole slew of ministering angels who carry out His orders."Chatach," (חתך), which means "cut," is the name of the angel in charge of livelihood.
Consider that the final letters of the Hebrew words, פותח את ידך, "You open up Your hand"  spell "chatach." Additionally, the word that follows in the verse, "u'masbe'a" – "and satisfy [the desire of every living being]" has the numerical value of 428 – the same value as the word "chatach."
For this reason, purchasing a new, sharp knife is a segulah (spiritually propitious), for livelihood, which we petition from G‑d for the upcoming year. May G‑d inscribe you and your family, and all the Jewish people, for a year abundant in livelihood—and everything good!"Chatach," (חתך), which means "cut," is the name of the angel in charge of livelihood.
For this reason, purchasing a new, sharp knife is a segulah (spiritually propitious), for livelihood, which we petition from G‑d for the upcoming year.