For many Jewish students at MSU, their Friday evening snack won't be pizza and pop but apples and honey.
Apples and honey are traditionally eaten by Jews on Rosh Hashana, the Jewish new year, which begins on Friday at sunset.
"It symbolizes the sweetness of life and the hope for a sweet new year," said Kirsten Fermaglich, an Integrative Arts and Humanities professor. "It's sort of the opposite of Christian Lent - you have this happy holiday that celebrates the new year, and then you're very prayerful and reconsidering your year."
Rosh Hashana marks the beginning of the Jewish high holy days. It's a day of reflection on the past year.
"Students generally take time off of school and go to synagogue and services like Christians would on Christmas or Easter," said Cindy Hughey, executive director of Hillel Student Jewish Center.
The shofar, a traditional Jewish horn, is blown to celebrate the new year. It was originally used by Jews as a call to God.
A week and a half after Rosh Hashana, Jews observe Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and fasting.
"It's the last day to get your name written in the Book of Life," Spanish junior Mitch Wagner said.
But the number of people eating apples and honey this year is smaller than it was ten years ago.
The Jewish population has dropped by five percent nationally in the past decade, according to a study released last month by the National Jewish Population Survey.
But at MSU, the number of Jewish students is actually increasing. About 3,000 Jewish students are at MSU, Hughey said.
Traditionally, the University of Michigan was the No. 1 school of choice for Jewish students, but recently more Jewish students are looking to come to MSU.
The influx means resources for Jews are increasing with the population.
"We are not only offering more programs, but our participation has tripled, quadrupled over the past two years," Hughey said.
Although the center is increasing in activity, many students still go home for the holiday. They will spend the day in prayer and with their families.
"It's very much a family holiday," Wagner said.
But the students who stay at school still have a family, he said.
"Here, you're with the Jewish community, which is like your extended family."
A special Rosh Hashana dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the center, 360 Charles St. It is free and services follow at 7 p.m. Rosh Hashana services will also being at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
For more information, call (517) 322-1916 or visit msuhillel.org
