WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — It was a joyous celebration in West Hartford's Elizabeth Park as the Jewish community celebrated Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. According to the Jewish calendar, they welcomed in the year 5785. The holiday marks the beginning of the high holy days.
But the holiday comes as tension is growing in the Middle East.
The Rosh Hashanah Family Service brought together families and loved ones from Congregation Beth Israel to celebrate the new year.
"Rosh Hashanah is a holiday that reminds us of where we have been and dreams of where we are going," Rabbi Michael Pincus explained.
But as children ran and played together with prayers and songs, the growing escalations in the Middle East weighed heavy on the community's hearts and minds.
"Sometimes you feel helpless," Pincus said. "What do you do in a world that is so torn? Sometimes just being together and praying makes a difference, I think."
There were prayers for peace Wednesday evening for those in Israel and Palestine. Tuesday, Iran's government fired missiles into Israel after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. It was a signifier of the ever-growing tensions in the area since the Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
Israeli officials confirmed Tuesday that eight combat deaths had occurred after a ground incursion into Lebanon by the Israeli Defense Force.
The Congregation Beth Israel community, despite feeling helpless, prayed for the safe return of the hostages, the safe return of all those who have been displaced due to the war, and prayed for the end of the war.
West Hartford police were also present at the celebration Wednesday evening out of an abundance of caution.
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
Alexa Farrell is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at AFarrell@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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