For the first time in history, Jewish soldiers will perform the rite of Tashlich on the banks of the Suez Canal tomorrow when Israeli army units participate in the customary High Holy Day practices in Israeli-held Arab territories. The Tashlich ceremony, in which Jews symbolically throw their sins into the sea, usually takes place on the second day of Rosh Hashana.
The Army Chief Rabbinate issued special instructions on High Holy Day observances by troops on duty on the cease-fire lines and in bases. Special Shofar blowers have been dispatched to larger units and to remote defense posts so that the shofar blowing tradition will be maintained for as many of the troops as possible.
Lydda airport had its busiest pre-season day yesterday when 25 plane loads of High Holy Day visitors arrived. The influx of tourists began last week and reached a peak yesterday when more than 3,000 visitors arrived by air alone. Hotels throughout Israel were reported fully booked for overseas and domestic tourists.
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