DeKALB | Apples, bread dipped in honey and sweet treats are just the beginning of the holiday season for those practicing Judaism.

Robert Rubinson, a junior finance major, will go home to be with his family at the synagogue for the holidays.

“It is part of my religion,” Rubinson said. “It is what I believe.”

Rosh Hashanah will begin Friday at sunset and last until nightfall Sunday. It is a celebration of the Jewish New Year and many Jewish people enjoy spending the time with family, praying and enjoying family meals. Traditionally, no work is permitted on the holiday and much of the time is spent at the synagogue. Another part of the celebration is the blowing of a ram’s horn, known as the shofar.

The ten days following Rosh Hashanah are a time for Jews to repent sins and apologize directly to people they have hurt. This must be done before Yom Kippur, on Oct. 1. In addition, this also is the time to begin praying for a good year.

Since these holidays are often spent with family, many Jewish students are heading home for the two holidays.

“I will be at my uncle’s house where my whole family is getting together for dinner on Friday night and we will spend the night together, and we are going to blow the ram’s horn, which sort of ushers in the New Year,” said Alex Tovstanovsky, a sophomore accountancy major who will go home for both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

From sunset, Oct. 1 until nightfall Oct. 2, Jews observe Yom Kippur. During this period, Jews are required to fast, not even drinking water.

Yom Kippur, meaning Day of Atonement, is a time for Jews to atone for sins between themselves and God. No work or schooling can be performed on Yom Kippur and almost the entire day is spent in a synagogue praying and hoping for the best new year possible.

For those students not going home for the holidays, NIU Hillel, as well as Congregation Beth Shalom, will host services for both holidays.

Stephanie Kohl is the diversity beat reporter for the Northern Star.