VOA标准英语2008年-Israelis Observe Rosh Hashanah Under Tight Secu

Jews in Israel and around the world are observing Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Robert Berger reports from the VOA bureau in Jerusalem.
　
An Ultra-Orthodox Jew prays at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, before start the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, 29 Sept. 2008

Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the High Holy Days and marks the Jewish New Year 5769. For many Israelis, it is a time of repentance¹ and prayer, leading up to the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement.

A holiday poll shows that only 32 percent of Israelis expect peace this year, despite nearly 10 months of negotiations² with the Palestinians.

But Leora Eldad, a Jerusalem resident, says the holidays are a time of hope.

"I am praying that we can have peace to the extent that it is possible in these days," she said.

Security is tight: Fearing terrorist attacks, Israel has sealed off the West Bank and Gaza Strip, barring Palestinians from entering the country.

But there is also a festive³ side to Rosh Hashanah, and Israeli women are cooking up a storm.

Some prefer European-Jewish traditions like matzo ball soup and gefilte fish, but not the native-born Israelis.

"Traditional is boring, we are in the 21st century," says high school student Alona Chen.

Chen says that means a "hip⁴" holiday dinner.

"I am making roasted cauliflower, chicken, beef, lettuce⁵ wraps, sourdough bread," she said.

But one tradition is universal - apples dipped in honey for a sweet new year.

 

1 repentance   

n.懊悔

参考例句：

• He shows no repentance for what he has done.他对他的所作所为一点也不懊悔。
• Christ is inviting sinners to repentance.基督正在敦请有罪的人悔悟。

2 negotiations   

协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过

参考例句：

• negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
• Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。

3 festive   

adj.欢宴的，节日的

参考例句：

• It was Christmas and everyone was in festive mood.当时是圣诞节，每个人都沉浸在节日的欢乐中。
• We all wore festive costumes to the ball.我们都穿着节日的盛装前去参加舞会。

4 hip   

n.臀部，髋；屋脊

参考例句：

• The thigh bone is connected to the hip bone.股骨连着髋骨。
• The new coats blouse gracefully above the hip line.新外套在臀围线上优美地打着褶皱。

5 lettuce   

n.莴苣；生菜

参考例句：

• Get some lettuce and tomatoes so I can make a salad.买些莴苣和西红柿，我好做色拉。
• The lettuce is crisp and cold.莴苣松脆爽口。