A WEEKEND of celebrations to mark the Jewish New Year was heralded by the sounding of a ram’s horn in Oxford city centre.

About 100 people are expected to gather for a traditional dinner at the David Slager Jewish Centre, in George Street, tonight before two days of festivities at the centre and at the synagogue in Jericho. Rabbi Eli Brackman, from the Jewish centre, said: “Blowing the ram’s horn is a call for introspection and repentance.

“It symbolises the ram that was offered up to God by Abraham instead of Isaac in the Bible. It’s a symbol of commitment and dedication.

“There will be about 100 people having dinner, including students and the local community. Traditional foods will include pomegranate and honey, which symbolises sweetness.

“The Jewish New Year is symbolic for the whole community. It is a time of reflection in today’s society and offers a time for rethinking morals and ethics in society.

“The celebrations will go on until sundown on Sunday.”