JERUSALEM (RNS) — Iran’s massive missile attack on Israel Tuesday night (Oct. 1) put a further damper on Rosh Hashana, the start of the Jewish new year, when many families come together for what is traditionally a joyous holiday.
“Ordinarily, there is a feeling of anticipation that the house will be full,” said Paul Mirbach, who lives on a kibbutz in the Galilee, in northern Israel. As in years past, Mirbach’s entire family was expected to gather at his house Wednesday evening, when Rosh Hashana observance begins, with the addition of his son’s new fiancé. Instead, his son has been called up for military reserve duty.
“How can we get excited for Rosh Hashana when he won’t be home and we are worrying about where he is and what he’s doing, and his fiancé is, too?” Mirbach told RNS.
Like every other year, Jews around the world are preparing for the Rosh Hashana holiday, but the days leading up to the holiday have been far less festive this year, especially in Israel, as the country is still mourning the 1,200 people killed by Hamas last Oct. 7 and yearning for the return of the 101 hostages, both alive and …