Rosh Hashanah begins today

Rosh Hashanah, the first day of the Jewish calendar, started at sunset Wednesday. It will continue through Friday evening.

The holiday always falls in September or October, while Ramadan comes 10 days earlier each year. For both holidays to fall on the same day is rare -- perhaps twice every 30 years or so.

Senior Rabbi Steven Bob of Etz Chaim in Lombard said Rosh Hashanah is "a time of renewal and reflection."

Rosh Hashanah marks the start of the High Holy Days. Yom Kippur, which starts Sept. 21 and ends at sunset Sept. 22, ends the period.

During the 10 days of repentance, Jews examine their lives.

Bob said he often thinks about who he has been and who he wants to be. He says he also remembers people who have left and entered the world in the past year.

"It's a time of new possibilities," he said.