Rotary Club of Sedona

What those who attended New Years events had to say:

Rosh Hashanah

"Enjoyed learning about the traditions -- along with food made a delightful afternoon."

"Awesome -- building goodwill and better friendships."

"Joyous, delicious!"

"Rabbi Alicia is tops!"

Seollal

"Delightful evening!"

"Charming presenters! Beautiful costumes!"

"It was really cool to learn about all the different things Koreans do. The food was amazing!"

"Wonderful hospitality, educational and fun!"

New Years All Year Around!

Join The Rotary Club of Sedona
in celebration of the many ethnic new years traditions
available right here in our community.

To most of us New Years means waiting up until midnight to toast the New Year in, preferably with friends, dancing, funny hats and noisemakers. But January 1 is not the only new years on the calendar! There are many other new years and many ways to celebrate. Here is a calendar of new years for 2008/2009.

The Rotary Club of Sedona started the New Years celebrations in 2008 to recognize the international nature of Rotary and the desire of Rotary to promote world-wide peace and understanding. By celebrating and calling attention to the various cultures that make up the fabric of our community, Sedona Rotary hopes to promote understanding locally.

2008/2009 New Years Celebrations

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish "Head of the Year"

On September 14, 2008, the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley (JCSVV) hosted a Rosh Hashanah Celebration. Those who attended were introduced to the wonderful foods and customs of "The Head of the Year" Jewish High Holy Days.

Rabbi Alicia Magal and husband, Ike, demonstrate and explain the sounding of the shofar

Attendees dip apple slices in honey and wish each other a "sweet New Year."

Videos from the Rosh Hashanah event can be seen at:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=altt1zmMNdM

Korean New Years

Sunday, January 25, 2009 at the Mago Café in Uptown Sedona, the Rotary Club of Sedona and Sedona's Korean-American Association co-sponsored the Korean New Year event.

Schedule of Events

Greetings - Guests were greeted with Korean tea and many had their fortunes told for the new year.

Ancestor Ceremony - it is traditional to begin New Years festivities with a ceremony to honor the ancestors and ask their blessings. Because of the time zone difference the ceremony in Sedona was performed at the same time that families would be performing it in Korea.

Buffet - Traditional home-style New Year favorite foods were served buffet style including steamed vegetable dumplings, sweet potato noodles, sliced beef, roasted chicken and much more. For dessert there is sweet rice cake with rice punch, fresh fruit and cinnamon-ginger tea.

Entertainment - Presenters demonstrated a game, some Korean yoga and sang "Arirang" (Joy of Finding Your True Self), the only ancient song still popular in both North and South Korea.

Grandfather Gifts - Finally, "grandfather" gave out "Saibae," envelopes of surprise gifts to all of the guests.