Seven people gathered at Hillel at Ohio University, the Jewish center on campus, Friday to listen in to a nationwide conference call with President Barack Obama during which he wished a happy Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to everyone listening in.
Although the conference call was between rabbis all over the country, it still felt like an intimate call, said Lauren Goldberg, the engagement professional for Hillel.
“It’s an important holiday to celebrate, and it feels good knowing we have the president’s support,” Goldberg said.
Rosh Hashanah has a deeper meaning than just the beginning of a new year, said Bri Adamson, a peer network intern for Hillel and a senior studying specialized studies.
“It symbolizes a fresh start, and it’s a period to reflect on the past year,” Adamson said.
Rosh Hashanah begins Wednesday at sundown with a dinner and service at Baker University Center Ballroom and will be followed by a morning service and tashlikh on Thursday. The holiday ends Friday at sundown.
“Tashlikh comes from the Hebrew word meaning ‘to cast,’” Adamson said. “So what we do is cast away our sins away before the next High Holy Day, which is Yom Kippur.”
Rabbi Danielle LeShaw, director of Hillel, said because Rosh Hashanah is a holy celebration, professors are encouraged to allow students to attend services despite classes.
“We are extremely thankful to Provost (Pam) Benoit who sent out a message encouraging faculty to accept students requesting an absence from class to celebrate holidays,” LeShaw said. “We want students to know they can celebrate and that they will be supported.”
During Rosh Hashanah, honey and apples are eaten to signify sweetness and to honor the season. Shofar, a ram’s horn, is also blown in celebration.
Celebrating Rosh Hashanah at the beginning of the school year creates a positive environment for reflection and looking towards the future, Goldberg said.
“It sets a beautiful tone for our community here to come together at the beginning of the year and see what we want this year to look like,” she said. “We can talk about the hopes and goals for the school year and make a plan.”
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