"L'shanah tovah" ("good new year" in Hebrew) is the phrase to say as a new year begins this weekend. Rosh Hashanah, a celebration of the Judaic new year, starts at sundown today.
Although work is not permitted on Rosh Hashanah, this year, the holy celebration runs from sundown Friday through sundown Sunday, so students won't have to worry about getting excused from classes.
Amy Jackson, executive director of Hillel, said that when it does fall on a weekday, many Jewish students do take the day off from school for the holiday, and they usually do not have problems with OU getting the absence excused.
Rosh Hashanah is one of the holiest days of the year for Jewish people, and it does not involve binge drinking, partying and staying up all night like the secular new year.
The two new years' celebrations do have some things in common, however. Both days represent a time to plan for the coming year, get a fresh start on life and make resolutions.
Hillel Jewish Student Center will be hosting a student dinner and service to celebrate the holiday.
Many Jewish temples, including Hillel, have a special service for Rosh Hashanah that is done in two languages.
"The service usually consists of readings from the Torah and prayers, both in Hebrew, and a sermon in English," said Stephanie Singer, University College freshman. "The sermon has a moral message about the coming year."
Singer said she usually celebrates the holiday with her family but won't be able to this year because she came to college.
Jackson said the time of their celebration is interesting because it's not at a time when most people think of a new year.
"Different religions celebrate their new year at different times," Jackson said. "The Jewish calendar is based on the lunar calendar--not the solar calendar like the secular new year."
Although Rosh Hashanah is not an all-night party, Singer said it is an enjoyable holiday for her.
"The day is happy. We usually have a brunch after the service and have apples and honey," she said.
Hillel will have a student dinner at 7:30 tonight with a worship following, Jackson said. She said she expects 40 to 50 students to attend. The temple will also have a worship service at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Singer said feeling like a part of the community is important to her, and the people at Hillel make her feel at home.
"Amy Jackson has made it really easy to feel at home and have a community. I feel like it is a nice community to be in," Singer said.
hello there & you too