Around the world the sound of the shofar, or ram's horn, ushered in Rosh Hashanah and the year 5775 on the Jewish calendar. It's been a tough year for Israel and the Jewish people, but millions of Jews worldwide looked to the future with some hope along with trepidation.

No fireworks or dancing in the streets for this holy day that begins the 10 days of soul-searching leading up to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

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Rosh Hashanah began at sundown Wednesday and continued Thursday with trips to synagogues followed by family meals and contemplation. Believers say prayer, repentance and Tzedakah, or charity, can pave the way for a good year to follow. They say God makes his final decisions during the next 10 days about who lives and dies.

War and peace were larger than life and elusive issues during 5774. A poll of Israeli Jews conducted by the New Wave Research Polling Institute found 60 percent of Israelis believed peace negotiations with Arabs wouldn't go well, while 70 percent believed 5775 would bring renewed fighting in the region.

Yet, hope springs eternal. Many Israelis and Jews everywhere also held hope for the future during the day's reflections on the past. Observant Jews placed notes at the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, or Kotel, in Jerusalem. These notes at Judaism's holiest site, believed to be the remnants of King Solomon's Temple, bring prayers closer to God, observants say.

While many Jews spend morning and early afternoon in prayer at temple, the holiday has a significant social component as well. Large holiday family meals feature Rosh Hashanah staples like apples dipped in honey to signify a sweet new year, and challah bread made in circular form to emphasize the circle of life. Gefilte fish and chreime cooked in hot red sauce also may grace many celebrant tables.

TagsRosh Hashanah, Judaism, Jews, Religion, western wall, wailing wall, yom kippur, temple