Jews in Reston and around the world will mark Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year, beginning at sundown on Wednesday.
Rosh Hashanah - translated, the head of the year - marks the start of the year 5772 on the Jewish calendar as well as the start of several weeks of Jewish holidays, including Yom Kippur on Oct. 7-8; Sukkot Oct. 12-19; and Simchat Torah Oct. 12-21.
In Reston, Jewish families worship at and nearby at Congregation Beth Emeth and Chabad of Reston-Herndon in Herndon. Reston is also home to Shoreshim, a congregation without walls.
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Rosh Hashanah is welcomed in with the blowing of the shofar, a ceremonial ram's horn, at religious services, as well as a celebratory meal.
Most services are for congregants and advance-purchase tickets only, but if you want a seat at services, contact the congregations above for more information.
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Other Rosh Hashanah traditions include eating a special round challah bread; dipping apples in honey to celebrate a sweet new year; and taslich, which involves throwing bread into bodies of water to cast away the year's sins.
With several lakes in Reston, there is plenty of opportunity if you want to do that.
To read more about Rosh Hashanah, click here. For a collection of excellent Jewish New Year recipes, check out The New York Times.
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