Local Jewish Community Welcomes New Year With Rosh Hashanah Celebrations

Pasadena’s Jewish community ushered in Rosh Hashanah on Wednesday evening, marking the start of the year 5785 on the Hebrew calendar and starting a period of reflection and renewal.

The two-day holiday, running through October 4, features traditional observances and a message of unity that resonates beyond the Jewish faith, according to local religious leaders.

“Rosh Hashanah inculcates the fact that there’s one God for the entire world, not just for the Jewish people,” said Rabbi Chaim Hanoka, executive director of Chabad Pasadena. “God wants the same thing from all of us, and ultimately it’s a message that we all have to take to heart.”

Services will be held Thursday and Friday at Chabad of Pasadena (1090 E. Walnut Street) and Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center (1434 N. Altadena Dr.), offering both in-person and virtual options. Central to these gatherings is the blowing of the shofar, a ram’s horn that serves as a spiritual wake-up call.

Rabbi Hanoka explained that the shofar blowing is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. on October 3rd and 4th.

Rosh Hashanah customs include eating symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey, representing hopes for a sweet new year. The holiday also marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of repentance culminating in Yom Kippur. During this time, Jewish tradition holds that God records each person’s fate for the coming year in the Book of Life.

While deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, this year’s celebrations in Pasadena emphasize themes of personal growth and community harmony applicable to all residents. Considered the birthday of the universe in Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah offers an opportunity for reflection beyond the Jewish community.

Rabbi Hanoka stressed the importance of Jewish pride and resilience, stating, “No matter what’s going on in the world, no matter where they are, there’s nothing to apologize to anyone for being Jewish and the blessings that God has given us.”