Rosh Hashanah Services in Newton - 2013

Written by Rashmi Raman

Rosh Hashanah, which literally means “head of the year,” signals the beginning of the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, marks the end, and together they are two of the holiest days for Jews.

Like most New Year celebrations, Rosh Hashanah is a time of introspection and a time to bring about changes in the coming year. The traditional blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn, during services on Rosh Hashanah marks a time to contemplate past mistakes and find ways to make things right.

On this day, as on Sabbath, Jews avoid work and spend the day with family. And where there’s a family gathering, can food be far behind? It’s no surprise that after services Jewish families tuck into an elaborate spread of traditional dishes.

The day begins with eating apples dipped in honey, in hopes that the new year will also be sweet. Another tradition is to bake challah, a round-shaped bread that is a symbol of the circle of life.

Find out when Rosh Hashanah services will be held at temples around Newton. Click on the name to go see the schedule.

Congregation Beth El - 561 Ward St., Newton Centre

Temple Beth Avodah - 45 Puddingstone Lane, Newton Centre

Temple Emanuel - 385 Ward St., Newton

Congregation Dorshei Tzedek – Services at Gann Academy, 333 Forest St. in Waltham

Temple Reyim - 1860 Washington St., Auburndale

Temple Shalom - 175 Temple St., West Newton

Adams Street Shul - 168 Adams St., Newton

Congregation Mishkan Tefila - 300 Hammond Pond Parkway, Chestnut Hill

Did we miss any services? Please let us know by adding them in the comments section below!