Jews preparing for Rosh Hashana
by Brian Wainstein, Editor In Chief

   The resonant blast of the shofar, an instrument with roots stretching back thousands of years, echoes off the walls and ceilings of synagogues throughout the month of Elul as a prelude to Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.
   The Jewish high holiday commonly known as Rosh Hashana actually has four names. The first, Rosh Hashana, literally means the head of the year; Yom Truah, the day of Shofar blowing; Yom Hazikkaron, the Day of Remembrance; and Yom Hadin, the Day of Judgment.
   Elul is the last month of the Jewish calendar, a time of special prayers and reflections including shofar blowing. During the last week of Elul, special prayers called Slichot, meaning forgiveness, are said.
   "The shofar is typically made from a ram's horn. We blow it to commemorate the binding of Isaac onto the altar. Isaac was about to be slaughtered as a sacrifice demanded by God, but an angel descended from heaven and stayed Abraham's hand. Isaac was ready to give up his life to serve God. Blowing the shofar symbolizes that we [the Jews] are ready to as well," Rabbi Epstein, executive director of the Dallas Area Torah Association, said.
   The beginning of the Jewish year, Rosh Hashana commemorates the creation of man.
   "On this day, the whole world is judged. God reviews what we have done with what He has given us," he said.
   The high holiday is not only a time of prayer though.
   "Rosh Hashana is a time of reflection, a time to look back at the past year and see how you can improve yourself, spiritually and toward your fellow man," Lori Pines, executive director of North Texas Hillel, the Jewish college-student organization, said. "It is also a time to spend with family and friends."
   Many traditions govern the dinner on the eve of Rosh Hashana.
   "Instead of the usual, plaited challah bread, we eat a round challah with raisins in it to symbolize a full, sweet year," she said.
   "We also try to eat a new fruit to symbolize the new year," she said.
   Although it is a Day of Judgment, the holiday is met with anticipation rather than trepidation.
   "God loves us and wants what is best for us. Rosh Hashana is not a day to be afraid of; it is a day to be happy," Epstein said.
   For more information about Hillel or seats in synagogue for students away from home, call Pines at 214-789-JEWS or visit the North Texas Hillel Web site at www.ntxhillel.org.