Clinton Hill synagogue reopens to the public just in time for Rosh Hashanah
For one Brooklyn synagogue, the day is extra special as they reopen their doors in a brand-new location.
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Jewish New Yorkers are celebrating the beginning of Rosh Hashanah and the reopening of a Brooklyn synagogue.
Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Friday. It's a time for the Jewish faith to celebrate the creation of the world as well as the new year. For one Brooklyn synagogue, the day is extra special as they reopen their doors in a brand-new location.
The Chabad of Clinton Hill and Pratt has been serving the community for 10 years and has acted as a staple for many. Rabbi Yossi Eliav joined the synagogue three years ago and says he quickly realized they needed a larger space. They spent years searching for a new home followed by months of construction.
"This is where it's all happening. It's such a beautiful, diverse community and there's a need really here to have a space for more people to accommodate the community and to accommodate the students. And that is what inspired us to start working on this new space and we're grateful to have it ready for the holidays," said Eliav.
The new space is located on Emerson Place off Myrtle Avenue. Eliav, his wife and their team designed it from start to finish. As they prepare for their first Rosh Hashanah, he says they have hired a professional cantor and are planning a large communal dinner. They'll also partake in rituals such as blowing the shofar. Eliav says they're looking forward to celebrating the holy holiday with their neighbors.
"Rosh Hashanah is a time of renewal. It's when the last year, no matter what it is, is in the past. Now we start again, and you're invited to join this journey," said Eliav.
Members of the congregation spent Friday speaking with residents out on the streets and inviting them to their celebration. They are expecting dozens to attend.
