Orlando Residents, Students and Tourists Prepare for Rosh Hashanah 2010

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and begins this evening, Sept. 8, 2010, at sunset. Many synagogues and prayer centers around Orlando are preparing for the Rosh Hashanah candle-lighting ceremony this evening, and some are serving a traditional Rosh Hashanah meal that includes apples with honey, fish, pomegranates and sweet carrots.

Rosh Hashanah events are scheduled through Friday, Sept. 10, which marks the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year, begins a week later, on the evening of Sept. 17.

Rosh Hashanah Events in Orlando

The Chabad Jewish Center at the University of Central Florida is hosting a complete meal and holiday services funded by the UCF Student Government Association. Event organizers are expecting more than 200 students to attend the services this evening, and the Rosh Hashanah celebration is open to all guests, regardless of religious background and affiliations. The Rosh Hashanah meals will be served free of charge, and the services will take place at the Chabad Jewish Center located at 600 Oak Circle in Oviedo, Florida, 32765. Guests can call (407) 949-8838 for more information.

Those celebrating Rosh Hashanah near the theme parks can head to the Chabad of South Orlando located at 7508 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, Florida, 32819. The Chabad of South Orlando reports that candles must be lit at 7:22 p.m. in celebration of the eve of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and at 8:14 p.m. in celebration of the eve of the second day of Rosh Hashanah. The Chabad of South Orlando is also hosting inspirational High Holiday Services on Thursday, Sept. 9, with a Shofar Blowing event at 11:15 a.m. The services include a luncheon after prayers, and Taschlich Service will take place at the lake across the street after Kiddush. Guests can call (407) 354-3660 for more information.

The Congregation Ohev Shalom, one of the larger Conservative Judaism spiritual centers in the city, will be hosting Rosh Hashanah services at 8 p.m. on Sept. 8, and Rosh Hashanah morning services at 8:45 a.m. on Sept. 9. An alternative morning service will be held at the Orlando Worship Center at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and this will include a learning session with the opportunity to ask questions, and will be interpreted in American Sign Language. The Congregation Ohev Shalom is located at 5015 Goddard Avenue, Orlando, Florida, 32804. Guests can call (407) 298-4650 for more information.

Orlando Kosher Restaurants and Delis Serving Rosh Hashanah Foods

Several kosher restaurants and delis around Orlando will be serving food for the Kiddush luncheon and other Rosh Hashanah celebrations this week. Breads, rolls and other kosher bakery items can be purchased at Whole Foods Market and Publix grocery stores around Orlando. Kosher Culinary Orlando carries several baked goods, snacks and entrée items, as well as Shabbat meal packages that contain fish, soups, halva, challah bread and wine.

The Kosher Orlando & Prime Grill serves kosher breakfast, lunch and dinner items, and many items can be purchased to go for those who want to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their home or hotel room. This venue also maintains a synagogue on premises. The restaurant is located at 9301 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida, 32837. Call (407) 855-0308 for more information.

Sources:
http://www.chabadorlando.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/4830/jewish/How-is-Rosh-Hashanah-Observed.htm
http://kosherculinaryorlando.com/en/grocery/
http://knightnews.com/2010/09/rosh-hashana-jewish-chabad-ucf/