Ohev Sholom Congregation

5,770 and counting

The Jewish High Holiday season is a week away.

For Rabbi Shaul A. Rappeport, who took over the reins at Congregation Ohev Sholom, 1501 Cherry St., in mid-July, it is a time of celebration and busy preparation.

For Rabbi Shaul A. Rappeport, who took over the reins at Congregation Ohev Sholom, 1501 Cherry St., in mid-July, it is a time of celebration and busy preparation.

The congregation seats up to 250 people, but additional accommodations are being prepared, Rappeport said.

As the sun goes down this coming Friday, millions of Jewish people worldwide will gather in synagogues to usher in their New Year.

So begins the two-day observance of the Rosh Hashanah Holiday.

Rosh Hashanah, which is the first of the Jewish High Holidays, is celebrated with special prayers and services which include the sounding of the Shofar, a ram's horn.

The blowing of the instrument dates from Biblical times and has many symbolisms.

It has a regal resonance to it, like a coronation.

"As we pray to God and beseech Him that He bless all His children with a sweet and healthy new year, we start by reminding Him that Ee is our eternal king and we accept the yoke of kingship upon our shoulders with love," Rappeport said.

It also resembles the bitter cry of a broken-hearted individual.

"This too is how we approach the almighty, with a sincere cry from the depth of our hearts and souls."

Although Rosh Hashanah is usually considered a Jewish Holiday, it is truly relevant and meaningful to all of humanity, particular to those who share the Judeo-Christian Biblical tradition.

On this day (the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei) 5,770 years ago, it is written God created Adam and Eve.

"It is the anniversary of creation, the spiritual New Year," the rabbi said.

The tone of this New Year is, appropriately, one of introspection and retrospection.

Rappeport calls on all to join him in honoring God and celebrating the birthday of civilization.

"Take a minute to meditate and think about the past year and how well it went for you morally, ethically and spiritually," he said.

"Take another minute to think about the coming year and what you can do to improve even more in these areas.

"Now, just take one more minute and thank God for creating and sustaining such a beautiful world and granting us the opportunity to do so much good."

The purpose also is to work together toward building a better community, a better world and a better tomorrow.

"God Bless, and Shana Tova Ume'' Tuka - A happy and sweet New Year."

The congregation holds services on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:30 and Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 8.

Typically, Rappeport said, one might anticipate a fairly substantial crowd, and there will be an extended seating area.

The blowing of the Shofar will be on Sunday during the morning service.

Since arriving in July, Rappeport said he has been active and is grateful to be leading the congregation.

"Thank God it has been busy, especially with the holidays."