An early shana tova to all!
This year, Rosh Hashanah comes early to Queens and all of its Jewish residents. The Jewish New Year, heralding the Hebrew Year 5771, began at sundown on Wednesday, September 8 and ends at sundown on Friday, September 10.
Thus begin the High Holy Days, which culminate with Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement, which begins at sundown on Friday, September 17 and ends at sundown on Saturday, September 18.
Rosh Hashanah is observed as a day of rest and characterized by the blowing of the shofar – a trumpet made from a ram’s horn. It is intended to awaken listeners from their “slumbers” and alert them to the coming judgment of Yom Kippur.
Worshippers can head to any of their own chabbads and synagogues for holiday events and services. The Chabad of Northeast Queens in Bayside lights Shabbat candles and offers a festive lunch on the first day of the celebration.
The Queens Courier extends its warmest Happy New Year to all of our Jewish friends and readers.
