ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Just a day before the start of Rosh Hashanah, Tuesday, Iran fired around 2,000 ballistic missiles in retaliation for the killings of the Hezbollah leader and Hamas political chief. The Israeli prime minister has now vowed that Iran “will pay” for the attacks.
In St. Charles, Rabbi Landa opened his home for a special Rosh Hashanah celebration, focusing on the holiday’s traditions and symbolism.
Landa started the Jewish New Year Celebration with prayers, a cup of wine, and apples and honey to symbolize hopes for a good year. He anticipated over 150 people to gather throughout the holiday weekend, despite the somber news from Israel.
“People have leaned in. If you’re going to hate us, we’re going to be proud. We’re going to stand tall,” Rabbi Chaim Landa, Chabad Jewish Center of St. Charles County, said.
The blowing of the shofar, a key observance of Rosh Hashanah, will take place across parks and synagogues in St. Louis. Landa’s home was filled with meaning and reflection, even though this hits home for the Jewish community.
“We’re not reading about this or watching, but we’re getting text messages and WhatsApp’s from real people we know,” Landa added.
The celebration will continue through Sunday. Despite the attacks that are occurring, Landa has a message for the community.
“We have a responsibility to be positive, to be proud. If there ever was a time important, that’s now,” he said.
As families and congregations around the world unite to celebrate the Jewish New Year, their hearts remain resilient, with the upcoming one year remembrance of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel weighing heavily on minds.
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