Amid Middle East war, Jewish community observes Rosh Hashanah

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Wednesday at sundown marks the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. 

Members of the Jewish community said the holiday is typically filled with happiness, but this year, they say every prayer and tradition will be filled with a touch of sadness because of the war and loss experienced in the last year in the Jewish community and the Middle East. 

Rabbi Hillel Skolnik with Congregation Tifereth Israel said security is always something the synagogue takes seriously, but particularly during the high holy days because they are known to be the busiest days of the year. 

He said he is looking forward to seeing familiar faces and said this year comes with hope. 

Watch: Amid Middle East war, Jewish community observes Rosh Hashanah

“One of the things that we say at this time of year is to say ‘Shana Tova,’ which means a good year,” Skolnik said. “This year, a lot of people have been saying ‘Shana Tova Yoter,’ which means it should be a year of more goodness than we experienced last year.” 

Skolnik said this year marks the year 5785 on the Jewish calendar. He said the challenge in this year's services will be balancing the delight with the sadness. 

“The events of the past year will have an effect on every moment of the entire service, in the same way that it has had an effect on every moment of our lives since then,” he said. 

Skolnik said this year's Rosh Hashanah is also marking nearly one year since the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel. 

The congregation is honoring hostages still being held in Gaza with a table at the building’s front entrance. There are also signs in front of the building. 

“Everyone in the congregation either knows someone or knows someone who knows someone who was in that way even more directly affected by the attacks of Oct. 7 and also in the war that has followed,” Skolnik said. 

The rabbi said this week's most recent attack on Israel by Iran takes a toll as well. 

Skolnick said they will have security guards on site out of precaution and only people with the proper passes will be allowed to enter. There is also surveillance video around the property. 

He said he hopes this year brings good health, happiness and peace. 

“I hope the hostages are able to be returned to the loving embrace of their families speedily and in as much goodness as can be, and that all those who desire to live in peace with their neighbors should be given the opportunity to do so,” Skolnik said. 

The rabbi said the new year also marks the start of the ten days of repentance, which goes until the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur – the day of atonement. 

He said those days are all about asking for forgiveness and thinking about how you can be better this year.