JFSLA Brings Community Together to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, JFSLA welcomed approximately 100 Jewish and non-Jewish members of the Los Angeles community to celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The event, held in the Fairfax District at JFSLA’s Gunther-Hirsh Family Center, encouraged community members to reflect on the past year and join in the rich traditions of the Jewish New Year.

Rabbi Shlomo Einhorn, former Dean and Rabbi of Yeshivat Yavneh in Los Angeles, delivered heartfelt words about the significance of Rosh Hashanah, including universal themes of hope and renewal. Guests enjoyed a full meal and festive music, with Cantor Nati Baram’s beautiful renditions of Rosh Hashanah prayers.

“At Jewish Family Service LA, we come together at our annual Rosh Hashanah community event to reflect on the previous year and discuss how to improve our future lives,” said Susan Belgrade, LCSW, Senior Director of Multipurpose and Senior Centers at JFSLA. “We celebrate customs such as blowing the shofar and eating symbolic foods, such as dipping apples in honey to pray for a sweet new year. We gather strength and joy from each other and pray for better days ahead.”

JFSLA serves thousands of clients, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. The celebration was a warm and inclusive opportunity for attendees of all faiths to participate in Rosh Hashanah traditions. 

“Jewish Family Service LA’s Senior & Multipurpose Centers are a reflection of the vibrant diversity in our community,” said Kimiko Kelly, Director of the Arts, Wellness & Engagement Program (AWE) at JFSLA. “While Rosh Hashanah is a Jewish holiday, JFSLA celebrates the holiday in an open and welcoming manner so all our members can learn about its traditions. At our centers, community members of all backgrounds mix and mingle, form friendships, and learn about each other’s cultures and practices. We are proud to create spaces where communities can bridge cultural differences and build understanding and respect.”

JFSLA will host another Rosh Hashanah celebration on October 1, 2024, at Café Europa, the agency’s social program for Holocaust survivors. This upcoming event will feature live entertainment and remarks by Rabbi Nolan Lebovitz of Valley Beth Shalom, who will officiate the ceremony and blow the shofar, followed by a festive lunch.