Jewish congregations start their High Holy Days season next weekend, with Rosh Hashana services and observances spanning a 10-day period culminating on the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
“On Rosh Hashanah, Jews globally give thanks for the creation of the world, and with the sound of the shofar (ram’s horn), begin the journey of a new year,” said Rabbi Ken Aronowitz of Temple Emanu-El.
“On Yom Kippur, we as a community admit to the ways we missed the mark over the past year,” Aronowitz said. “It is a tradition to fast, refraining from food and drink if medically able, to focus on our desire for atonement or ‘at-one-ment’ with ourselves and the Holy One.”
Here’s a listing of some Rosh Hashana events.
Temple Emanu-El
>> Oct. 2 — A Makapuu sunrise hike starts at 5:14 a.m. at the entrance gate. Bring shofar to blow, flashlights, water, apples and/or honey to share. For more information, send email to Barry Langlieb at brrynhaw@hawaiiantel.net.
The Erev Rosh Hashana service starts at 7:30 p.m. at the temple, 2550 Pali Highway. For more details, call 595-7521 or email executive director@shaloha.com. The sanctuary will be air-conditioned this year to offset the heat and humidity.
>> Oct. 3 — Morning service at 10 a.m.; Tashlich and family potluck at Magic Island at 4 p.m. More temple information is available at shaloha.com.
Oahu Jewish Ohana
Oahu Jewish Ohana events will be held at the Moiliili Hongwanji, 902 University Ave. Rabbi Miriam Cotzin Burg, director of Jewish Life for Capital Camps and Retreat Center will serve as guest rabbi. Debra S. Winter, a song-leader, musician and educator in the Jewish community, will serve as cantorial soloist. For more information, visit oahu jewishohana.org.
>> Oct. 2 — The Oahu Jewish Ohana is holding a new children-focused “Happy Birthday World” party for ages 3 to 10, with storytelling, songs and sweets. It starts at 5:30 p.m. Required RSVP to oahu jewishohana@gmail.com.
Congregation Sof Ma’arav
Services will be held at the Unitarian Church, 2500 Pali Highway. All potlucks are dairy-free/parve. Visit sofmaarav.org.
>> Oct. 2 — 8 to 9:30 p.m. (with dessert potluck after services)
>>Oct. 3 — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (apples and honey)
>> Oct. 4 — 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (apples and honey)
