Rosh Hashanah services planned to celebrate the Jewish New Year

The Shofar, or ram’s horn, was sounded when Moses went up the mountain for his meeting with God. For the month preceding Rosh Hashanah — this year on Sept. 28 — the Shofar is heard during daily services at synagogues to mark this time of transition and the re-evaluation of priorities.

While the secular world awaits its new year and festivities on Jan. 1, Jews will observe Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year, from sundown Sunday until sundown Tuesday.

It will be the Jewish year 5753, the anniversary of the creation of the world according to biblical reckoning. In addition to services, Rosh Hashanah includes Tashlich, a rite of reflection in which Jews consider where they need to make amends and ask pardon from God.

Home customs also have a place in the observance of Rosh Hashanah. Like the Sabbath table, the table for this holiday has the Kiddush cup, candles and candlesticks, hallah and hallah cloths. A dish of honey is prominently displayed.

One the eve of Rosh Hashanah, after the Kiddush, the sanctification prayer, a piece of apple is dipped in honey. The person dipping the apple says, “May it be God’s will to grand us a good and sweet year.”

Services for Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, will be held Oct. 7 this year. The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as Aseret Y’mai Teshuvah, or 10 Days of Repentance. The penitential days culminate in Yom Kippur.

In Bangor, Congregation Beth El, the area’s Reform synagogue, holds services at the corner of Union and Main streets, with Rabbi Shoshana Perry. Erev Rosh Hashanah will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27. On Monday, Sept. 28, Rosh Hashanah will begin at 10 a.m., and children’s services at 1:30 p.m. Tashlich will begin at 2:45 p.m., with location to be announced. For information, call the office at 945-4578.

Congregation Beth Israel holds services in the synagogue at 144 York St., Bangor, with Rabbi Joseph Schonberger. Rosh Hashanah services will be held at 6:15 p.m. Sunday and Monday, Sept. 27-28, and 7:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 28-29. Tuesday evening services will begin at 6:40 p.m. Tashlich will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28. Shabbat Shuvah will be held at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. A limited number of seats are still available, and information can be obtained by calling 945-3433 or 947-5558.

Rosh Hashanah candles are lit at 6:06 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, and 7:04 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28.

In Presque Isle, Rosh Hashanah services will be held at the Aroostook Hebrew Community Center on Maple Street. Raphael Gribetz will officiate. Services will be held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, and 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28.