Celebrating Rosh Hashanah on Haven Plaza

On Tuesday, September 20, the CUIMC Jewish Employee Resource Group (JERG) hosted a community wide giveaway in preparation for the Jewish New Year- Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah celebrations typically include challah bread with raisins, apples dipped in honey, as well as other foods that signify hopes for a sweet year. While the holiday begins officially on Sunday, September 25th, the JERG celebrated a little early so as to coincide with the weekly GrowNYC Greenmarket. As the market is well known and attended by the community, this offered the opportunity to share new year’s greetings and say Shana Tovah to all. In addition to providing information about the holiday, JERG gave away nearly 500 bottles of local honey from Ballard Honey (a vendor at the greenmarket) at no cost to the public. The Hebrew Tabernacle congregation, Columbia Barnard Hillel and Chabad of Washington Heights co-hosted the event.

 Giving out honey to students, faculty, and staff as well as the Washington Heights community was a great way to welcome the new year. It brought us together and allowed us meet new people while reconnecting with others. May everyone have a happy and a healthy, sweet new year. - Rivka Shoulson, Associate Director, CUIMC Institute of Comparative Medicine

Shana Tovah, Happy New Year to one and all.