City celebrating Jewish New Year

The Belfast Hebrew Congregation is beginning festivities for the biggest event in the Jewish calendar.

Rosh Hashanah, meaning 'Head of the Year', marks the first and second days of the Jewish New Year. It runs from Monday evening to Wednesday evening.

The synagogue in Fortwilliam Gardens will host a series of prayer services throughout the festival and Rabbi Brackman said that all were welcome.

"This is a celebration of the birth of the world and is open to everyone."

The morning prayers on Tuesday and Wednesday are particularly unusual as the Shofar horn is blown for the only time during the year.

The small Hebrew Congregation of about 30 people will be coming together on Tuesday for a lunch.

"Rosh Hashanah is a time for family, and for rededication of ourselves," Rabbi Brackman said.