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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
Southern California

Ringing in the Jewish New Year

Many USC Jewish students will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah on and around campus.

At sundown Wednesday night, Jewish Trojans will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Around campus, you might hear USC students say the Hebrew phrase "L'Shanah Tovah," which is translated to "For a Good Year" or "May you have a good year." Students might hear the sound of the shofar, a ram's horn, reminding people of the importance of reflection during this important holiday. Apple slices will dipped in honey to represent hope for a sweet new year.

According to the Jewish calendar, Wednesday night will mark the first day of the month Tishrei, beginning the year 5772.

Traditionally, the New Year celebration is celebrated two days. However, some Reform Jews will only celebrate Rosh Hashanah for one day.

At USC, students can go to services and enjoy meals at two Jewish centers, USC Hillel and Chabad at USC.

Here are events each center is inviting students to:

Wednesday, September 28

  • Hillel will begin services at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner* to follow at 7:45 p.m.
  • Chabad candle lighting service will begin at 6:24 p.m., services at 6:30 p.m. and a free dinner for USC students.

Thursday, September 29

  • Hillel will be hosting services at 9:30 a.m. with lunch* afterwards.
  • Chabad morning services begin at 10:00 a.m. The shofar will be blown at 12:30 p.m. and lunch will follow. 
  • Rabbi Dov Wagner of Chabad will sound the shofar at Tommy Trojan at 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
  • Tashlich (symbolically casting off the sins of the previous year by tossing pieces of bread into a body of flowing water) will be held at the Chabad House at 6:00 p.m.
  • Chabad's evening service will begin after lighting the candles at 7:18 p.m. The Kiddush, new fruit and apples in honey, will be served at 8:00 p.m. Dinner will follow at 8:30 p.m.

Friday, September 30

  • Hillel services begin at 10:00 am. Lunch will be served at 12:15 p.m.
  • Chabad will have morning services at 10:00 a.m. The shofar sounding will occur at 12:30 p.m. After services, lunch will follow.
  • Rabbi Dov Wagner will sound the shofar at Tommy Trojan at 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
  • Shabbat Candles will be lit at 6:22 p.m. at Chabad. Evening services will be begin at 6:30 p.m. Shabbat dinner will follow at 7:30 p.m. 
  • Hillel will have two Shabbat services beginning at 6:30 p.m. "Sweet Shabbat" dinner is free will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Hillel.

*Hillel will be charging students $10 for Rosh Hashanah meals. Chabad meals are free.

USC Hillel is located at the corner of Jefferson and Hoover at 3300 S. Hoover Street. The Chabad House is located on 2700 Severance Street.

At Hillel, services will be led by Rabbi Ethan Bair and two students, Josh Goldberg and Jessica Youseffi. Chabad services will be led by Rabbi Dov Wagner.

 

RELATED:

Annenberg Radio News: Jewish Congregation Celebrates High Holidays Online 

 



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