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Rosh Hashanah Begins At Sunset, Marking Start Of Jewish High Holidays

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Sundown on Sunday marked the start of the Jewish High Holidays.

The holy time begins with Rosh Hashanah, which marks the new year. The holiday is traditionally celebrated by blowing the shofar, eating apples and honey and spending time with family and friends.

WCBS 880's Peter Haskell reports

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It is also a holiday for reflection and cleansing.

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

Rubinstein said the holiday is also a time to take down natural defenses and look within.

"The defenses which would restrain us from being honest about ourselves," Rubinstein told Haskell.

The NYPD has announced additional resources for synagogues and Jewish communities over the high holidays. The NYPD said there is no specific threat to Jews in New York City, but the stepped-up patrols are done out of an abundance of caution.

The high holidays end with the day of atonement. Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

How do you mark the high holidays? Share your comments below...

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