‘Days of Awe’ begin

Stamford synagogue prepares for the start of Jewish High Holy Days

STAMFORD — Rabbi Daniel Cohen of Agudath Sholom synagogue, like many other rabbis, has spent the past few weeks prepping for the holiest season of Judaism — the High Holidays, which this year start sundown Monday and end sundown Sept. 16.

Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, is celebrated for two days and begins the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Traditionally, Jews eat apples dipped in honey in hopes of having a sweet new year.

Rosh Hashana is the beginning of the 10 days of Awe, when Jews are supposed to spend their time reflecting, repenting and becoming righteous.

Yom Kippur, the day of atonement, is a day of fasting and prayer as Jews ask forgiveness of their sins against God and man.

The holidays are noted for the blowing of the shofar — a hollowed ram’s horn — which is blown throughout Rosh Hashana and at the end of the Yom Kippur service.

Rabbi Daniel Cohen prepares the Torah, covered in white in honor of the High Holy Days, at Temple Agudath Sholom in Stamford on Sunday.

Tyler Sizemore / Hearst Connecticut Media Rabbi Daniel Cohen blows the shofar at Temple Agudath Sholom in Stamford on Sunday. Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, begins at sundown on Monday, marking the start of the High Holy Days.