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<\/a><\/p>\nSundown on September 4 marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah. Maryland Defense Force Chaplain (Capt.) Chesky Tenenbaum, the first bearded defense force chaplain of any state, held a pre-Rosh Hashanah service for Maryland Guard Service members at the Fifth Regiment Armory on Sept. 3, 2013.<\/p>\n
Translated from Hebrew as \u201cHead of the Year,\u201d Rosh Hashanah celebrates the anniversary of mankind\u2019s creation.<\/p>\n
\u201cI became a chaplain in 2007 and met many Soldiers and Jewish Soldiers that were part of the National Guard and state guard (Defense Force,)\u201d said Tenenbaum who is also an associate rabbi at the Chabad of Park Heights in Baltimore. \u201cThere is definitely a need for Jewish services in the state guard and National Guard.\u201d<\/p>\n
Soldiers present for the service learned more about Jewish customs, prayers, and religious symbols. Tenenbaum blew the shofar, a ram\u2019s horn, which is blown 100 times and shared honey cake. The festive meal includes a fruit, the first night is an apple dipped in honey symbolic of asking for a sweet new year.<\/p>\n
Tenenbaum started the Jewish Uniformed Service Association of Maryland, which outreaches to Jewish men and women in law enforcement, fire rescue and military.<\/p>\n
\u201cServing those who serve us,\u201d he mentioned is the organization\u2019s motto.<\/p>\n
The New Year begins a series of holidays, the next of which is the holiest day of the year Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.\u00a0 The eve of Yom Kippur is Friday, Sept. 13. It includes an early morning service, festive meals and generous charity. The day of Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast from sundown to the following nightfall with religious service throughout the day.<\/p>\n