Rabbi Moshe Elbaz reads from a prayer book at Temple Israel in Valdosta as he prepares for the first day of Rosh Ha'shanah.

Temple Israel, Valdosta, ushers in the Jewish New Year or Rosh Ha’shanah 2010 this evening.

The Jewish High Holiday season is marked by the concepts of rebirth, of renewal, life, hope, and peace. And with the concluding day of Yom Kippur — Day of Atonement centered around the self-examination and repentance of the entire community. The 2010 season begins on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., and continues on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 9 and 10 from 9:30 a.m. Rabbi Moshe Elbaz) and Susan Rupright will officiate throughout the season.

Special greetings from the community at-large will be brought by Judy Hathcock, owner of Fresh Beginning, and Dean Poling of The Valdosta Daily Times. The ladies of the congregation will sponsor a special reception at the conclusion of the evening service.

Numbers 29:1 states: “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe a sacred occasion … You shall observe it as a day when the horn is sounded.”

This period is a respite enabling the Jewish community to retreat, rethink, reevaluate and reconfirm individual and communal-life and commitment. It is a time of great celebration and subtle trepidation. We celebrate the completion of one year and the beginning of the next — the reassuring, endless cycle of time.

On Rosh Ha’shanah, a unique opportunity is provided for family gathering in their homes for the Festival Meal, followed by the synagogue gathering for religious services.

A round Challa or breaded bread with raisins added to the festive meal. Apples are dipped in honey, and sweet wine served to usher in the New Year. Ladies of Temple Israel meet a couple of weeks prior to bake these Challahs and make them available to the community. The synagogue is adorned with flowers, and the Holy Scrolls are cover in white mantles or covers, symbolizing humility before God. Upon entering the synagogue, members are greeted with ‘L’shanah Tovah Tikatevu’ — May God inscribe you in the Book of Life. A Mahazor — prayer-book with Hebrew prayers and commentaries is used expressing thanksgiving and celebration of God’s creation.

On Rosh Ha’shanah, Jews recall the ‘Brit’ — the Covenant made between God and Abraham. One of the famous liturgies of the season known as ‘Avinu Mal’keynu’ Our Father, Our King … The sounding of the Shofar — the Ram’s Horn (because of its association with the binding of Isaac) is sounded on Tuesday, Sept. 30, and Wednesday, Oct. 1, on the first and second day of Rosh Ha’shanah by Sidney Morris in a special manner signifying God calls us for judgment. A total of 100 notes are sounded. Sharon Morris will be reading the special readings assigned to these days from the Torah scroll.

The High Holy Days culminating with Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement, is the holiest and most solemn day of the year and the most prominent fast day. It will be observed beginning Friday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. and throughout the following day on Saturday, Sept. 18. This sacred day is observed through fasting and prayer worship. Focusing on the desire and true intent to atone for past wrong as a community.

The 25-hour observance begins with the famous prayer of ‘Kol Nidrei’ — ‘All vows and promises made since last year are now released and forgiven’ recited in a moving voice.

Yom Kippur day services are held to remember the departed members of the congregation ‘Yizkor’ — ‘Memorial Service’ remembering all deceased relatives. At the afternoon, a study session of the Prophet Jonah is held, recalling God’s forgiveness of the people of Nineve, thus, forgiving Israel at this hour of the day. The final and closing sound of the Shofar is set for 7:50 p.m. as the closing of the day nears. Finally, a special break-the-fast meal is served following services.

Immediately after the conclusion of Yom Kippur, preparations begin for the Festival of Sukkot by beginning the construction of the Sukkah. Sukkot means “booths” or temporary huts. In celebrating Sukkot, we remember the dwellings used by our ancestors as they traveled in the desert following the exodus from Egypt.

For additional information about and the High Holy Days schedule, please visit the website www. valdostatempleisrael.org; or call Temple Israel,  Rabbi Moshe Elbaz, (229) 244-1813.