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Jews in the Mahoning Valley join millions worldwide to mark Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashanah
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The shofar or ram's horn is sounded as part of Rosh Hashanah at Congregation Rodef Shalom in Youngstown
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William D Lewis The Vindicator Annie Hendricks , 14, plays , sounds or blows the shofar which is a ram's horm used in hte observence of Rosh Hashanah.
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William Lewisthe Vindicator Sisters Elle, 12, left, and Annie Hendricks, 14 light candles for Rosh Hashanah at the Liberty home.
By LINDA M. LINONIS
LIBERTY
There’s a feast in the making in Amy Hendricks’ kitchen as she prepares for the eve of Rosh Hashana dinner today.
“Tradition is very important to me. It’s something handed down from my parents and grandparents,” she said. It’s a priority for Hendricks to “make memories” for her daughters, Annie, 14, and Elle, 12.
After dinner, the family will attend a service at Congregation Rodef Sholom in Youngstown. Hendricks was born into the Jewish faith, and her husband, Robert, converted.
Annie will make a special memory this year as she sounds the shofar (ram’s horn) during services at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Thursday, the first full day of Rosh Hashana, and at the conclusion of evening services on Yom Kippur, Sept. 18.
The sounding of the ram’s horn is an integral part of the High Holiday services. It recalls in Genesis 22 when a ram was sacrificed in place of Isaac, explained Rabbi Franklin Muller of Rodef Sholom. The sound of the shofar reminds people of the blessings and hardships in life, the rabbi said.
Hendricks said Rabbi Muller searched for the right shofar for Annie, and found it in New York.
“Annie has been working with rabbi so she’s prepared,” Hendricks said.
Hendricks described Annie’s participation in services as a “big deal,” along with an honor and responsibility. Annie said she was “very excited” about her role. She has played the trumpet in children’s temple services.
In Judaism, this Rosh Hashana marks 5,771 years since creation.
Services at area synagogues are typically well attended. It begins a time of repentance, reflection and resolutions to be a better person. It leads up to the holiest of days, Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, and includes services, study and music.
Today’s feast and fellowship is for family and friends. Hendricks said her parents, Jean and Ken Fibus, live nearby and she and her mom go back and forth with food.
“My mom and I cook up a storm,” she said.
Recipes, passed from one generation to the next, make the meal. There will be brisket (braised beef) with seasonings fine-tuned over the years, matzah ball soup, twice-baked potatoes, kugel, tzimmus (white and sweet potatoes with onions, carrots and apricots) and sweet wine. Homemade applesauce made by Jean Fibus also is a family favorite. Challah, a braided, round bread, completes the meal.
Also served are apples to be dipped in honey, symbolizing the hope for a “sweet new year,” Hendricks said.
Enhancing tradition are family treasures that play a role at dinner. “I use our wedding china and silver,” Hendricks said. Her grandmother’s challah plate holds the braided bread. “This is really special to us,” Hendricks said of the heirloom. A knife that her parents bought on a trip to Israel some 35 years ago also is used.
The meal, Hendricks said, wouldn’t be complete without lighting of candles and saying a blessing.
Annie and Elle said the best part of the holiday is the food and being with family.
The girls also appreciate the significance of Rosh Hashana. “It’s a time when you think about what you could do better,” Annie said. She added that it’s a time of being forgiven and starting over.
Elle said “being with family” is the best part for her. She will celebrate bat mitzvah in Israel next year with family and Rabbi Muller and his wife, Darlene.