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High Holy Days bracket Sept. 11 anniversary
By TIM GRANT, Times Staff Writer CARROLLWOOD -- While the nation mourns the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks, Jewish people will observe a solemn religious holiday that requires them to reflect on the past year. The High Holy Days, which begin today at sundown and last through Sept. 16, have added significance this year because the 10 most sacred days on the Jewish calendar will bracket the Sept. 11 anniversary. Rosh Hashana is the Jewish new year, a time to eat sweet foods to usher in a sweet new year. The sound of the Shofar, a ram's horn, announces the new year and 10 days of inner reflection. The evening of Sept. 15 is the start of Yom Kippur, a day of atonement. During those 24 hours, Jewish adults refrain from eating as they beg forgiveness for wrongs they've committed the past year. "The High Holy Days make us reflect on the past year and ask ourselves what we'll do with another year of life," said Rabbi Brian Zimmerman, religious leader of Congregation Beth Am at 2030 W Fletcher Ave. "This year, everyone in America is asking the same question." Last year, both of the annual Jewish holidays -- set by a lunar calendar -- fell shortly after the attacks on New York and the Pentagon. Zimmerman said he is thankful Rosh Hashana did not fall on Sept. 11 this year. "I'm glad Jews will be able to reflect and pray with other Jews a few days earlier," Zimmerman said. "But on Sept. 11, I think they should grieve with other Americans." The days between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are often called the "Ten Days of Penitence." During this period, Jews pray to be inscribed in the "Book of Life." Rabbis say they are a time for self-exploration, for getting back on track, re-establishing priorities and goals and rededicating one's life to God. While some Jews might look back on last year's attacks and reflect on man's mortality, others will take special significance in the fact that the most devastating act of terrorism on U.S. soil was carried out by a group that dislikes Jews. The anniversary also marks a year of heightened violence in Israel. "As citizens of the United States we have to reflect on everything that happened this year, which includes Sept. 11," said Rabbi Yossie Dubrowski of Chabad Lubavitch at 14908 Pennington Road. Like many religious leaders, he is striving to deliver a message of healing. "We have to make sure that good triumphs over evil," he said. "What we will reflect on in our synagogue is reaching out to others and uniting as one in the spiritual battle of good vs. evil." The timing of the Sept. 11 anniversary and the High Holy Days is so poignant most synagogues will hold prayer services and special memorials for the thousands who perished that day. "My guess is, there will not be a synagogue in all of America that doesn't stop to reflect on the significance of Sept. 11 during the High Holy Days," said Rabbi Joel Wasser of Congregation Kol Ami at 3919 Moran Road. Kol Ami will hold a special memorial service on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. "For the people whose lives were lost and their families, there is a profound sacrifice (for the survivors) and for what their loved ones represented as targets of terrorism." The message Zimmerman said he wants to convey to his congregation during the High Holy Days is that the terrorist attacks may cause some people to grow as they reflect on and recover from the tragedy. "The question is not, will we live for another year?" Zimmerman said. "But what part of us will survive for another year? If we live through tragedy and become angry, cynical and callous then what's the point of surviving?" -- Tim Grant can be reached at 269-5311 or at grant@sptimes.com.
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From the Times Marlene Sokol |
