Isaac Pinto, a merchant and teacher, published "Prayers for Shabbath, Rosh Hashana and Kippur" in 1766 as a reminder to younger generations of their Jewish heritage.
University students celebrating Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year celebration that began yesterday and ends Tuesday night, can read the original copy of the works at the University's Clements Library.
Library director John Dann estimates its worth at about $25,000.
"It is an extremely scarce and rare book," Dann said. "There are only three or five copies in the world."
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| ANDI MAIO/Daily A group of University students greet each other at Hillel after last night's service to observe the Jewish new year, Rosh Hashana. Of the holiday, Rabbi Rich Kirschen says, "It is a time for introspection, a time to ask who you were, what you have done, who you want to be." |
"The Jewish new year is the diametric opposite," Kirschen said. "It is a time for introspection, a time to ask who you were, what you have done, who you want to be. It is a giant spiritual stop sign."
In order to allow students that time to pause and reflect, the University enacted a policy two years ago that ensures students will not receive any penalties for observing holidays such as Rosh Hashana.
Daniel Sharphorn, an attorney for the University, said the policy is the University's way to accommodate students' religious obligations.
"It is part of the community's efforts to be understanding of a diverse student body," Sharphorn said.
Last night, hundreds of students attended services at Hillel.
LSA junior Jen Lessens said she attended services because it has been something she has done as long as she can remember.
"I've been doing it for the last 20 years," Lessens said.
Although Lessens said it felt strange not being with her family on this holiday, she still wanted to celebrate the new year.
"It feels good to be here with a Jewish family for a reflection period," Lessens said.
Lessens said she will not attend classes today because of the importance of the holiday.
"I use it as a time to think what I've done the past year, what I want to keep doing and what I want to change," she said.
Services and activities will also continue today at Hillel.
At 4:30 p.m. today, Hillel will host a walk to the Arboretum to observe the custom Tashlich, in which bread is thrown into water as a way to symbolize repentance.
"It represents tossing away sin and regret," Kirschen said.
Other Rosh Hashana traditions include dipping apples into honey to begin the new year sweetly.
Orthodox services will begin at 7:15 p.m. at Hillel. At 7:30 p.m., Conservative Jewish services will be held.
Tomorrow there will be a Conservative service at 9 a.m. at Hillel and an Orthodox service at 9 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. at Hillel.
09-21-98
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