Best Ways To Celebrate Rosh Hashanah In Minnesota

Rosh Hashanah is a time for happiness and humility when synagogues and temples open their doors to all, and families practice special rituals over a festive meal at home. Since the Jewish day always begins at sunset, it is fitting to start with an evening celebration in a synagogue or a meal at home. Foods are light and sweet such as fruits, honey and challah breads.

"We will be hosting a family supper on Saturday and Sunday evenings and sounding the Ram's horn before the evening meal," says Wayzata-based executive recruiter David Magy about his family's tradition. "We sometimes follow the Tashlich on the afternoon of the second day." It all begins on sunset Sunday, Sept. 13 and ends on nightfall of Tuesday, Sept. 15. Here are a few ideas and traditions followed by Jewish families in Minnesota celebrating the Jewish High Holiday.

Temple Of Aaron Synagogue
616 S. Mississippi River Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55116
(651) 698-8874
www.templeofaaron.org

College students and newcomers between ages 22 and 30 can call in advance for tickets at no charge. The Temple offers exciting and creative services to all who attend. Sunday's Rosh Hashanah is a participatory family service. At Monday evening's Rosh Hashanah, Temple of Aaron explores Judaism through different avenues of visual arts and sports featuring speed painter D. Westry. Temple of Aaron is affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. It is located north of the Ford Parkway and convenient to the University of Minnesota and several St Paul college campuses.

Mount Zion Temple
1300 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55105
(651) 698-3881
www.mzion.org

Non-members can obtain complimentary tickets by calling the Temple office. The Temple also invites prospective members to meet on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 10:30 a.m. to receive complimentary High Holy Day tickets. Mount Zion schedules its Rosh Hashanah evening service at 7:30 p.m. to allow for a dinner at home in the late afternoon before the celebratory music and prayers of the season. The Temple is a Reform Jewish congregation dedicated to "life-long learning, worship and acts of loving kindness."

Cecil's
651 Cleveland Ave. S.
Saint Paul, MN 55116
(651) 698-0334
www.cecilsdeli.com

Cecil's has been serving Minnesota customers since 1949, touting itself as one of the "last of the true established delis in Minnesota." The fragrance of fresh breads baked every morning greets you as you walk into this New York-style deli. Owner David Leventhal says he will have a lot of the usual braided breads, round breads and honey cakes especially for the holiday. Choose from a fine selection of kosher meats shipped in from Chicago perfect for your Rosh Hashanah family supper. The restaurant in the back has something on the menu to please every patron.

Related: Best Of Minnesota: Delis

Mort's Delicatessen
525 Winnetka Ave. N.
Golden Valley, MN 55427
(763) 544-2900
www.morts-deli.com

While Mort's Delicatessen is a newer restaurant and deli, opening its doors in 2008, it strives to continue a tradition of providing a meeting place for families to celebrate special events, or for any other occasion. This family-owned restaurant serves the most delicious of selections, made from their own secret recipes passed down from generations. Manager Beth Rubin says briskets, matzo balls and potato knishes are the most popular for Rosh Hashanah. Patrons can eat in or take out for the holiday.

Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
4801 South Minnehaha Park Drive
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 230-6400
www.minneapolisparks.org

"Minnehaha Falls is a great destination for Tashlich," says Magy. Participants follow Tashlich by gathering along the bank of a river or stream, such as the Minnehaha, to symbolically cast off their sins or recite prayers of repentance. Some cast breadcrumbs, rocks or sticks into the currents.

Related: Good Question: What's The Story Behind Rosh Hashanah?

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.