Bobcats and Athens residents have the opportunity to celebrate Rosh Hashanah this weekend in Baker Center.
Sunday will mark the beginning of a new year for the Jewish faith with the celebration of Rosh Hashanah. In observation of the holiday, Hillel at Ohio University will be hosting a dinner followed by prayer services in Baker Center.
Rosh Hashanah is one of the Jewish High Holy Days and is the celebration of the Jewish new year.
Rabbi Danielle Leshaw, executive director of Hillel, spoke fondly of this annual event, which is open to all students, faculty and Athens residents.
“It has become a tradition with our Hillel,” Leshaw said. “We see hundreds of people, it’s really festive. Students are excited and happy, and it’s become a really wonderful way to begin the school year along with the Jewish new year.”
While the celebrations are festive and enjoyable, Leshaw said Rosh Hashanah also serves as a time to reflect on sins, along with themes of forgiveness and personal growth. She said these themes can resonate with anyone, not only those of the Jewish faith.
Lauren Goldberg, Hillel’s assistant director, said she enjoys bringing in the new school year and Jewish new year at the same time. She said that one of her favorite things about celebrating Rosh Hashanah is seeing a “robust” community come together and celebrate at the beginning of another year on campus.
“We use this big holiday that brings together so many Jewish people on campus as an opportunity to meet some of the new Jewish faces on campus,” Goldberg said. “We welcome new Jewish students, new Jewish faculty, and we celebrate the holiday together.”
{{tncms-asset app="editorial" id="69231036-79b4-11e4-bcfe-a3d8e62db18e"}}
The Hillel festivities offer a chance for Jewish students to stay in touch with their faith while on campus. Mikel Zeidenstein, a junior studying economics, said he’s looking forward to attending the dinner and services, celebrating the holiday and spending time with others.
He added that eating apples and honey — a Rosh Hashanah tradition to symbolize a wish for a sweet new year — is one of his favorite parts of the holiday.
“It’s nice to stick with your traditions,” Zeidenstein said.
@Alleeexxiiss
