Rosh Hashanah 5786: Marek Halter Brings Together Guests of All Faiths to Celebrate Peace

On the eve of the Jewish New Year, writer and humanist Marek Halter opened the doors of his home to welcome personalities from various religious, cultural, and political backgrounds. A powerful gesture, symbolizing dialogue and unity, at a time when the Jewish calendar is about to turn a new page.

In 2025, Rosh Hashanah begins on Monday, September 22 at sunset and ends on Wednesday, September 24 at sunset. This holiday marks the beginning of the year 5786 in the Hebrew calendar, based on the biblical account of the Creation of the world. Unlike the transition of December 31, Rosh Hashanah carries a deeply spiritual dimension: it invites introspection, repentance, and preparation for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

A universal celebration with powerful symbols

Rosh Hashanah, literally the “head of the year,” is a sacred time of reflection and renewal. Traditional rituals and symbols emphasize the importance of hope: apples dipped in honey to wish for a sweet year, the pomegranate as a symbol of abundance, and fish as a sign of prosperity. According to tradition, God opens three books of judgment, where every person hopes to see their name inscribed in the “Book of Life.”

But beyond Jewish tradition, this New Year conveys a universal message: each year that begins is an opportunity to renew oneself, to bring more peace and harmony to the world.

Guests from all faiths

The reception organized by Marek Halter brought together a mosaic of personalities illustrating this message of fraternity: religious leaders such as Rabbis Moshe Lewin and Haim Korsia, Imam Hassen Chalghoumi, Imam Mohamed Mehdizadeh, and Catholic priests, as well as figures from the political, cultural, and social worlds.

Among those present were: Elie Korchia, president of the Consistoire Israélite of France, Joshua L. Zarka, Israel’s ambassador to France, Roselyne Bachelot, Olivier Benkemoun, Maurice Kassouri, David Donadei, president of the association CitéStars, Richard Malka, lawyer, Omo Bello, opera singer, Evelyne Dress, actress, Nitsa Benchetrit, Roy Cavus, Katia Tchenko, Habib Meyer, and Ashraf Abdelkader, among others.

All gathered around the traditional dishes of Rosh Hashanah, sharing the wish for a new year marked by sweetness, prosperity, and above all, peace.

©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN

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Gabriel MIHAI

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