A SPECIAL REPORT: HIGH HOLY DAYS

Rosh Hashana

The Jewish New Year began Sunday at sundown with Rosh Hashana services. Rabbi Donald Goor of Temple Judea in Tarzana, below, sounded the shofar, or ram’s horn, last week in preparation for the 10-day introspective period that ends with Yom Kippur at sundown Sept. 30.

Wise Words

Jews across the Valley will listen to sermons today encouraging them to reflect on the past year and the one to come. “It’s one day when all Jewish people . . . reconnect with their traditions, faith, one another and the community,” said Rabbi Ed Feinstein of Encino’s Valley Beth Shalom.

Sacred Chants

“The High Holy Days contain the most moving and meaningful prayers that we have as well as some of the most ancient melodies,” said Rabbi Stewart Vogel of Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills. Cantors will “inspire people to feel the awesomeness of the day,” Vogel said.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, which begins at sundown Sept. 29, is the most sacred holy day on the Jewish calendar. Worshipers plan to spend the day thinking about their sins, repenting and asking forgiveness. “We ask God to pardon us for all the things we pledged to do . . . but were unable to fulfill as imperfect human beings,” Vogel said.