Thousands Attend Rosh Hashanah Under The Stars

Once again, thousands of area Jews descended upon Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville for the 11th annual Rosh Hashanah Under The Stars event on Sept. 20.

Sponsored by Baltimore Hebrew Congregation in Pikesville, the popular outdoor service gathering has become a local tradition and a nationally recognized event, arguably the largest of its kind. BHC officials estimate between 6,000-6,500 people attended RHUS this year.

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Despite the heat, casually-dressed attendees enjoyed relaxing on the hillside, catching up with friends and family, schmoozing and noshing on picnic fare, tossing footballs and Frisbees, listening to sacred music and taking in the festive atmosphere while welcoming in 5778.

BHC’s Rabbi Elissa Sachs-Kohen, who has led the Family Friendly New Year’s Service at RHUS since the event’s inception, officiated with Cantor Sharon Kohn. A Jumbotron screen projected the service for all attendees to see.

RHUS is sponsored in part by the John J. Leidy Foundation and the Herbert Bearman Foundation. Representatives of PJ Library read books with young families prior to the service.

In addition, the GEDCO Cares Food Pantry was stationed in the Oregon Ridge parking lot to accept non-perishable food items from RHUS attendees.

Photos by Harry Bosk

Also see: High Holidays 2017: Recipes, Memories, Tips and More