Rosh Hashanah
FILE - In this Nov. 28, 2015, file photo, Tommy Lawson looks out into rows of Christmas trees as his family browses for their tree at the John T Nieman Nursery in Hamilton, Ohio. For many people, it's hard not to think about the upcoming holidays already. Some folks are holding early Christmas celebrations so they can be with elderly parents outdoors while the weather still allows it. As the holidays approach, the pandemic is forcing people to come up with creative ways to celebrate. Experts say rituals have always been with us and there has always been room for improvisation. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)
Rethinking the holidays: Traditions, change are on the table

By Melissa Rayworth Oct. 15, 2020 02:27 PM EDT

Jewish pilgrims gather on the Belarus-Ukraine border, in Belarus, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020. About 700 Jewish pilgrims are stuck on Belarus' border due to coroavirus restrictions that bar them from entering Ukraine. Thousands of pilgrims visit the city each September for Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year. However, Ukraine closed its borders in late August amid a surge in COVID-19 infections. (TUT.by via AP)
Ukraine urges Jewish pilgrims stuck at border to turn back

By Yuras Karmanau Sep. 17, 2020 10:13 AM EDT

An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man prays ahead of the Jewish new year at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020. A raging coronavirus outbreak is casting a shadow over the normally festive Jewish New Year. With health officials recommending a nationwide lockdown, traditional family gatherings will be muted, synagogue prayers will be limited to small groups and roads will be empty. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Under lockdown, Israel faces bitter start of Jewish New Year

By Ilan Ben Zion Sep. 17, 2020 02:17 AM EDT