This article appeared in the Wausau Daily Herald, Stevens Point Journal, and other newspapers.
Tue, Oct 4, 2005
Jews Open High Holidays
Rosh Hashana marks faith’s New Year
By David Cohen
For the Wausau Daily Herald
A piercing, almost eerie sound welcomed in a new year for north central Wisconsin's Jewish community Monday at sundown. And for the next 10 days they will meditate and reflect on the past year.
Rosh Hashana, which is known as the Day of Judgment, marks the Jewish New Year and features the ritual of a rabbi blowing the shofar, which traditionally is made from a ram's horn.
"The blowing of the shofar is a biblical commandment for Rosh Hashana," said Rabbi Dan Danson, spiritual leader of Mt. Sinai Congregation in Wausau. "(The shofar) is a visceral symbol of awakening and examining your inner life."
The ritual has been practiced for at least 3,200 years. It is a commandment that is referenced in Leviticus 23 and marks the anniversary of creation, Danson said.
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are called the High Holidays and are the most revered holidays in the Jewish faith. The days in between them are called the Days of Awe.
"(What makes Rosh Hashana so important) is the whole philosophy of the holidays, which is about reflecting on your life," said Ralph Mirman, a lifelong member of the
Wausau Jewish community.
"The prayers and the whole atmosphere of the synagogue, being with the community and being with the rabbi causes you to face the wrongs you have done, and it gives you an opportunity to try to correct them."
The celebration will end with Yom Kippur, which begins at sundown Oct. 12. On that day, Jews ask for forgiveness and spiritual cleansing in preparation for entering the new year.
For Evie Rosen, a lifelong member of the
Wausau Jewish community, "(Rosh Hashana) represents a new beginning; a renewal."
