Rosh Hashanah 2016, the Jewish New Year, will officially begin Sunday night, Oct. 2.
The Jewish New Year is different from the customary New Year celebrated on Jan. 1. Instead of merriment and parties, it is a time of reflection and atonement culminating with the holiday of Yom Kippur- the Day of Atonement.
“Rosh Hashanah,” the words themselves, can be interpreted as the “Head of the Year.” Apples and honey symbolize the desire for a fruitful and sweet year.
The New Year is marked by the blowing of the ram’s horn much as it has been for thousands of years. In ancient Israel, the shofar, a biblical instrument made from Ram’s horns, was sounded loudly from the hills calling the people together and informing them of the holiday. Today, its resonating sound is heard at various times during the holiday and marks its ending as well as its beginning. The shofar is associated with the story of Abraham who sacrificed a ram in place of his son, Isaac.
The opening Rosh Hashanah services at Congregation B’nai Israel will begin Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Service continues Monday morning, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. and is followed by a luncheon.
Yom Kippur evening service, called Kol Nidre, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur day services continue on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.
Persons planning on attending any or all services are asked to contact the synagogue office at 678-817-7162 to obtain tickets.
Congregation B’nai Israel is located at 1633 Ga. Highway 54 just east of downtown Fayetteville, near the intersection of Corinth Road.
The synagogue has members in Clayton, Coweta, Fayette, Henry and Spalding counties as well as various other locals in south Atlanta Metro area.
Amanda Flug (L), 10, of Fayetteville, with an apple and honey, symbols of the Jewish desire for a fruitful and sweet year, and Jaron Rosenberg, 13, of Peachtree City, blowing the ram’s horn or shofar, which indicates the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Photos/Special.
