Jewish people are celebrating Rosh Hashanah at synagogues across Hudson Valley. 

The two-day celebration, which began Sunday at sundown, marks the beginning of the New Year and the start of the High Holy Days, according to the Jewish calendar.

Several hundred people attended a service in Clarkstown. The sounding of the shofar, an instrument made from the horns of kosher animals, is meant to symbolize the spiritual awakening of the faithful and their awakening to the possibility of change in their lives.

The service was led by Rabbi Brian Leiken, of Temple Beth Shalom in New City.

The rabbi said the meaning of the High Holy Days is to foster introspection and an evaluation of one's life.

Rosh Hashanah continues until sundown on Tuesday, but the High Holy Days continue until Yom Kippur next week.

Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Sept. 22, and concludes at sundown Sept. 23.