Getzville synagogue police will have a presence on Rosh Hashanah

GETZVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) – These attacks come just days before followers of the Jewish faith celebrate the new year.

For many, it’s a somber time to celebrate right now.

I bring my voice to the Jewish community as leaders here in Western New York share the importance of finding joy with loved ones and faith in these dark times.

“It’s a scary time and I certainly understand that feeling. I feel it too,” said Temple Beth Tzedek Rabbi Sara Rich.

Rosh Hashanah will be observed in synagogues around the world, including at Temple Beth Tzedek in Getzville.

“We all have friends and family in Israel that we know now who are in safe rooms while the rockets are falling. This is a terrible time. I truly believe that coming together gives us a sense of strength,” said Rabbi Sara.

Although it was founded in 2008, Rabbi Sara Rich said the Conservative synagogue is a combined congregation of two existing synagogues, Temple Beth El and Temple Shaarey Zedek, whose collective has more than 150 years of Jewish history.

A history leaders hope to protect as they celebrate the new year with police present.

“It’s really important that everyone can feel really important by coming together because that’s when we need to be together more than ever and that will make us feel safer. Everyone who comes to the service must have a ticket so that we know who is expected,” said Rabbi Sara.

Temple Beth Tzedek member Armand Morrison said: “The situation in Israel is not unique to this week or last year. This is an ongoing situation that we are dealing with and dealing with.”

Almost a year ago, on October 7, Hamas committed the murders and kidnappings of countless innocent civilians, including American citizens.

Just Tuesday morning, a terrorist attack took place in Tel Aviv, Israel, killing at least seven people and wounding several others with a gun and a knife.

Morrison said that despite this, Jews will try to continue to focus on the spirit of the Jewish New Year.

Morrison added: “Typically, most Jewish households prepare by cooking traditional Jewish dishes such as brisket and chicken soup with matzah balls, potato kugel and things like that.”

“It just increases the need that we need to do this together,” Rabbi Sara added.