Amy Gubman
Jewish people from around the world will celebrate the High Holy Days, which according to Rabbi Yakov Vann of the Calabasas Shul, is a time of reflection in all of our relationships from the evening of Oct. 3 to sundown Oct. 13.
The two holidays the High Holy Days are centered around are Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) and Yom Kippur (the day of atonement). Rosh Hashanah is a time to begin introspection of mistakes made in the past year.
“There are some traditions that are biblical and others that are tradition by man,” Vann said.
During Rosh Hashanah, there is a service called Tashlich, which consists of people going to a flowing body of water and emptying their pockets to ceremoniously throw sins away and repent. “You can empty your pockets all you want, but you must repent because that’s the only way to get forgiveness,” Vann said.
One of the most important observances during Rosh Hashanah is the sounding of the shofar, a ram’s horn that resembles the sound of a trumpet when blown. According to Vann the shofar symbolizes the cry from the heart of man to God.
Another symbol of Rosh Hashanah is dipping apples in honey to awaken ourselves and to ask to be blessed with a “sweet” year.
The more observant Jews will fast on Yom Kippur. These traditions are all symbols of asking for forgiveness, said Vann. Some people will wear white at Yom Kippur services, which symbolizes purity.
This year the Calabasas Shul hopes to attract 200 people for their High Holy Day services at the Hilton in Wookland Hills.
“A handful of college students usually attend,” he said. Adding, “College students have a special place in my heart.”
Students not going to services with their families can contact Vann and he will generally let them attend by purchasing a ticket for half price or without purchasing a ticket at all.
A “learner’s service” will be taking place for those who do not feel comfortable with a longer service. It is for a more English-centered group so they can feel a part of the prayers. Hillel, a group that aims to share diversity of the Jewish heritage to the campus, according to Director Nomi Gordon, will be holding activities for the High Holy Days for students as well.
Their 7th Annual Feed Your Sins to the Ducks Tashlich Service will take place at Lake Balboa Park in Encino on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m. Students who attend should bring their own lunch and Hillel will provide the drinks and dessert.
“The purpose of Hillel is to promote the positive Jewish identification; to promote the appreciation of and participation in Jewish life on campus through cultural, educational and social programs and to be of service to the school,” said Gordon,
“All students are warmly invited to join.”
Because Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of Oct. 3 and Yom Kippur starts the evening of Oct. 12, students and teachers involved in night classes may be absent to attend synagogue. In addition, students and teachers may be absent to attend services on Oct. 4 and Oct. 13.
Dorothy Rupert, vice president of academic affairs, said that faculty have been asked to, “show sensitivity for people out of class for the holidays,” and to not schedule any exams for students on those days.
Rupert also said that any faculty or staff member that takes the time off for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are allowed to take vacation days for their absence.
For more information on Calabasas Shul, visit www.calabasasshul.org To find out more information about Hillel, visit www.hillelatpv.com.