Jewish High Holy Days start on an altered note

By WAVENEY ANN MOORE

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 18, 2001

ST. PETERSBURG -- Rosh Hashana traditionally is a time for family gatherings and festive meals.

But last Tuesday's terrorist attacks ruined the travel plans of many who had planned to observe the Jewish New Year, which began at sundown Monday, with relatives and friends.

"We've had quite a number of those enforced separations," said Rabbi Gabriel Ben-Or of Beth Tefillah/Jewish Community Center of West Pasco.

"Very often, the elderly are very much looking forward to being with their children or relatives at this time, so it's an extra lonely time for them," he said.

Some families at Congregation B'nai Israel of St. Petersburg also will spend the holiday apart, Rabbi Jacob Luski said.

"I know that many congregants have shared with me that their plans for this holiday season have changed. Either their children or relatives are not able to make it to St. Petersburg," Luski said. "Or many have been calling to inform us that they will be with us, for they cannot travel at this time."

About 200 more people than normal attended services at the 500-family Rodeph Sholom in Hyde Park, a conservative congregation. Some estimated attendance at more than 500 for the service that typically draws about 300.

Sam Bobo, past president of the congregation, attributed the increase to last week's terrorist attacks.

"I'm seeing people I've never seen before," he said. "Lots of new people. They're coming to pray."

At Congregation B'nai Israel, about 600 people attended the 7:30 p.m. service, which Luski opened with a prayer for the healing of those hurt last Tuesday and blessings for rescue workers.

"All of America stands together," Luski told the congregation. "On TV, we've seen the photos over and over again. The images of the twin towers being attacked by giant aircraft and falling down and becoming rubble. The Pentagon, the symbol of our military might, in flames. ... Yes, today all of America stands together. ... The question, what went wrong in our world this week?"

Rosh Hashana marks the beginning of Judaism's solemn 10-day period, known as the High Holy Days. The holidays end with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which begins at sundown Sept. 26.

"We celebrate with an added dimension of sadness this year, both for America and the ongoing terrorist war in Israel," Luski said earlier Monday.

At Rodeph Sholom, Rabbi Marc Sack encouraged worshipers to go home and be with their family and friends. Celebrate life, he told them.

He encouraged them to weather the changes that could range from being patient when their bags are searched to possibly losing family members to war.

"This happened to all of us," he said. "We all must do our part."

Despite last week's massacre, rabbis in the Tampa Bay area are emphasizing new beginnings and reminding congregations of their obligation to improve the world.

"Judaism is a religion that believes in a second chance, a third chance," said Rabbi Arthur Baseman of Temple B'nai Israel in Clearwater.

"Rosh Hashana is the anniversary of the creation of mankind. ... We use this day to reflect what mankind is doing in this world," said Rabbi Shalom Adler of Young Israel-Chabad of Pinellas County. "Are we here to enrich and ennoble the world or, God forbid, the reverse?

"And what we've seen in the last week is how a few people with hatred and destruction on their minds have wreaked havoc on the lives of so many," he added. "If a few human beings can have such a negative effect on the world, imagine what could happen if we all put our minds and hearts into doing good?"

The High Holy Days, it is believed, is the time when God judges his people and writes their fate for the new year in the Book of Life or Book of Death. That fate is sealed on Yom Kippur.

"The theme of the holidays is choose life and ... this year it has more meaning for Jews around the world than ever before," said Rabbi Richard Birnholz of Congregation Schaarai Zedek in Tampa.

Repentance and forgiveness also are important themes of the High Holy Days, though forgiveness does not necessarily apply to terrorists.

"We don't identify with a spirit that suggests forgiveness is something that we must do," Baseman said.

Most people agree that these holidays will be unlike any other.

"I feel that," said Lisa Robbins, 26, a member of Rodeph Sholom in Tampa, who drove to St. Petersburg on Monday to be with her family.

"I think there will be a different vibe in the area, different than other holidays. ... I think that this is a time when Jews need to come together and celebrate the new year as a community and hope that times will be better."

- Staff writer Melanie Ave contributed to this report.

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