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Rosh Hashanah Starts Sundown Sunday; NYC Rabbi Says It's Time For Reflection

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - At sundown this Sunday, Jews will begin celebrating Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

WCBS 880's Peter Haskell On The Story

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The High Holidays are about taking a cleansing breath and looking within.

"This time of year really is an opportunity for reflection, both personally and as a citizen of the United States and of the world," Rabbi Peter Rubinstein of the Central Synagogue in Manhattan told WCBS 880 reporter Peter Haskell.

That includes taking down our natural defenses.

"Defenses which would restrain us from being honest about ourselves," he said.

EXTRA: CBSNewYork Guide To Rosh Hashanah In NYC

Despite all that's happening in the world, Rubinstein says he will not be speaking about the tension between Israel and Iran or the presidential race in his sermon.

But he does say they're both fair game.

"Rabbis have a right to talk about anything, any matter that is in the public square," he said.

He said he will focus on issues closer to home.

His sermon will address changes within synagogue life.

"To be open to the generation that does not have the same level of ethnic tribal cultural connection," he said, referring to young adults specifically.

If you're wondering, the new year on the Jewish calendar will be 5773.

How will you celebrate Rosh Hashanah? Share your plan in the comments section below.

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