Jewish locals bring in the new year

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY-TV) - It's that time of year when Jews from across the world and even some right here in Yuma are bringing in the new year.

Sunday evening through Tuesday at sundown, the Jewish people celebrate Rosh Hashanah, also known as the Jewish new year.

Which marks the beginning of the Jewish high holy days.

This is the year 5783 in the Jewish calendar.

The Jewish community in Yuma County, observing Rosh Hashanah.

“It means literally head of the year, Rosh is the Jewish word for head and Hashanah is the year so it’s the head of the year,” said Congregation Beth Hamidbar member, Howard Blitz.

Rabbi Steven Einstein leads high holy day services in Yuma, and said it’s a time to look back on mistakes from the previous year and plan for changes in the coming year.

“It is thinking about how our life is going, what have we been doing, what do we want to do, where have we fallen short, and where can we improve?” said Rabbi Einstein.

Many Jews across the world and even here in yuma spend most of the day in the synagogue.

One holiday tradition is hearing the sound of the rams horn, also known as the shofar.

“The blowing of the ram’s horn is not easy, the person who does it has to learn how to do it and practice it, but there is a traditional tune and it just sends chills up my spine to hear it,” said Congregation Beth Hamidbar Trustee, Burton Schapiro.

And Jewish families will also share traditional meals together in the evenings of the holiday, with food like challah bread, apples and honey, brisket and honey cake.

Rosh Hashanah ends Tuesday night at sundown.

And L’shana Tovah means “for a good year” in Hebrew.

So to any local Jews tuning in this holiday, L’shanah Tova.

Individuals interested in attending high holiday services can call (928) 210-8368 or email the congregation at yuma.synagogue@gmail.com to learn more.