Jewish time of change

Rabbi Mark S. Miller’s favorite part of Rosh Hashanah is blowing the shofar, a traditional instrument typically made from a ram’s horn.

“It’s like the Jewish alarm clock that says ‘Wake up, time is going by; if you are going to do it, it’s time to do it,’ ” said Miller, who is presiding over Rosh Hashanah services at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach.

Rosh Hashanah, which will mark the beginning of the Jewish year 5770, began at sunset Friday.

The two-day holiday ushers in the beginning of the Jewish High Holidays, a 10-day period of reflection and repentance.

The word “shana” can mean “year,” “change” or “repeat,” Miller said.

“During this coming year, we can either resolve to repeat the sins of a past year or change,” Miller said. “Just because we tear off a page in the calendar doesn’t mean anything has changed.

“It’s up to us to make it a year of change by our actions.”

Children at Temple Bat Yahm will blow homemade shofars with Miller as part of children’s Rosh Hashanah services this weekend.

Miller will also give children at the temple jars of honey for the holiday.

Many Jews mark Rosh Hashanah by eating dishes made with apples and honey to symbolize a sweet new year.

— Brianna Bailey