PHILADELPHIA – The fighting and the upcoming one-year anniversary of Oct. 7 have many in the Jewish community on edge ahead of the start of Rosh Hashanah tonight.
Five days before October 7, 360 days since the worst terror attack in Israel’s history, Wednesday marks the start of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
This is a time filled with more reminders of the state of the world for Jewish people.
As security guards with portable metal detectors screen those who come to celebrate together on North Broad Street, it is faith that has brought them together, and they are not letting fear hold them back.
Jonathan Broder of Congregation Rodeph Shalom reflects on the meaning of the holiday.
“We always look back on the past year on this holiday, but you especially look back because this year we have to commemorate and commemorate what happened and it is heavier and of course the things that happen there even today are even more frightening.”
Philadelphia police are on hand, hoping to allay community fears at gatherings like this.
Despite the tense times, the audience is getting bigger instead of smaller.
Broder says engagement has increased since October 7 last year, with existing congregants wanting to be more involved and be with other members of the community.
“There’s been a lot of difficult conversations about this. There’s a very wide diversity of views, not just within the general community, but even within our own community, about exactly how people feel about what’s going on,” Broder said.
Being together on Rosh Hashanah gives many a sense of solidarity, a feeling that they are not alone in this.
