Celebrating Rosh Hashanah days before the dark memory of October 7

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — As the Jewish community prepares to welcome the New Year, this celebration carries a somber tone, coming just days before the dark memory of the October 7, 2023 attack.

Rabbi Yaacov Rapoport of the Chabad-Lubavitch of Central New York started his day by calling his children who live in Israel, sending them wishes for a sweet New Year.

“My son was on the side of the road in Tel Aviv yesterday when the bombings happened,” Rabbi Rapoport recalled. “He was on his way home, but thank God, unfortunately not everybody is okay, but I hope that it will be kept to a minimum and possibly no one gets hurt.”

Rabbi Rapoport also expressed his hopes for the coming year:

“We hope for this year to be a year of sweetness for everyone, especially for anyone in captivity wherever they’re being held.”

He mentioned that he prays for the safety of everyone in Israel every night and emphasized his desire for peace:

“There’s nothing more I want to see than peace. I don’t want to see anyone killed,” Rabbi Rapoport said.

People are celebrating Rosh Hashanah with hope and solidarity. Honey, a tradition for Rosh Hashanah, plays a symbolic role, with people dipping apples and bread in honey and eating honey cake. Rabbi Rapoport encouraged honoring those in captivity by sharing the holiday with others:

“Instead of having an empty seat at your table, invite someone who is not celebrating to your table for Rosh Hashana,” Rabbi Rapoport said.

A sweet New Year, tempered by a bitter reality.