Rosh Hashanah Celebrations Kick into High Gear

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah at JAA

Even as we enter a High Holiday season like no other, JAA is excited about a slate of activities we’re offering our residents, families, and staff to celebrate and mark the occasion. After all, Rosh Hashanah – running from tomorrow night, September 18, through this Sunday, September 20 – marks the start of a new year, and reminds all of us to look forward with optimism and hope for better times ahead.

First, in lieu of an in-person service, Rabbi Seidman recorded a special Rosh Hashanah service that our residents can watch on Channel 2 throughout the weekend. He is also conducting socially distanced visits at Charles Morris on Saturday. And on Sunday, he is holding brief shofar services at Charles Morris, AHAVA, and Weinberg Village in the morning and Weinberg Terrace in the afternoon. In keeping with all of our current COVID-related precautions, the Rabbi won’t simply be socially distanced, but will even have a surgical mask on the shofar horn! 

On that note (pun intended), we’re excited that Eli Wilansky has also prepared a half-hour video airing on Channel 2 chronicling last year’s “Shofar Factory” event, where Eli explains the craftsmanship of shofar horns and tells more about the history of this Rosh Hashanah hallmark. You can also watch Eli’s video on the JAA website here.  

JAA will be also be airing a full lineup of Rosh Hashanah services on Channel 2 throughout the holiday weekend. 

Meanwhile, our head of food services and nutrition, Michael Kohanbash, will be pulling out all the stops to serve a special Rosh Hashanah meal of brisket, soup, potatoes, star fruit, dessert, and more!  

Read all about it in The Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle.