How a Jewish community in Pennsylvania is celebrating—and reflecting on—this Rosh Hashanah

On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Beth Kalisch of Beth David Reform Congregation in Gladwyne led her congregation in reciting a prayer broadcast from a synagogue in Haifa, Israel

Unimpressed by Iran Rocket attacks the day before and the Expansion of the war in the Middle EastJewish New Year celebrations on Wednesday evening.

In Lower Merion Township, a sense of security was found in togetherness.

“We cannot allow fear to prevent our parishioners from coming together,” said Lauren Goodlev, cantor at Beth David Reform Congregation.

“On the one hand, it is so hard to start the new year with the weight of everything that has happened in the past year and what everyone is enduring right now. On the other hand, I'm glad to have a reason to come together. “To sing the music that touches our hearts. “That gives us hope,” said Kalisch.

Community members sat on blankets and lawn chairs and enjoyed the sweet sound of live music while enjoying traditional holiday snacks Challah with honey.

“We could all use some sweetness right now,” Goodlev said.

For most, this New Year is a time of reflection.

“I think it makes me a lot more aware of being Jewish and what that means and how other people perceive me,” said Phyllis Elick of Philadelphia. “I also feel sorrow for all the people who are suffering.”