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Israelis usher in Jewish New Year with uncertainty

By WTOP Staff

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israelis have ushered in the year 5775, celebrating the Jewish New Year.

Rosh Hashanah, starting Wednesday at sundown, is celebrated not with fireworks and champagne but with family meals and introspection.

On the Jewish calendar, it will be 5,775 years since the creation of the world, according to tradition.

The devout believe one’s destiny is set for the coming year during the two-day holiday, and that in the 10 days of soul-searching that follow — leading up to the fast day of Yom Kippur — prayer, charity and repentance can ensure a good year.

Some Israelis remain shaken from this summer’s 50-day war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, are distressed by turmoil along their borders, and are anticipating a difficult year ahead.

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