High Holy Days 2020
As much as ever, we need the High Holy Day season this year.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur -- and Elul, the month of reflection right before,
and Sukkot, the festival of rebuilding that comes right after.
We need this season to rediscover hope and joy.
And to rediscover each other, because we’re in this together.
We’ll start the Jewish New Year differently this fall.
We will start together, even if together is different. There's something
for everyone. No matter what your relationship is to God.
Or to Zoom!
We are offering online, in-person, and do-it-yourself choices.
We are offering traditional services, alternative services,
child-and-family services, and afternoon experiences that
aren't like regular services at all.
Don't worry about making the perfect schedule.
There is no wrong path here. Find some ways to renew and reflect,
and to feel part of the large Jewish community.
Service and Program Descriptions
Traditional Service
Traditional prayers and melodies, led by Rabbi Jon, Chazzan Stan Juda, and David Sacks. Interspersed with short explanations and music prerecorded by our Zimria choir. Participation online open to all, or we can accommodate some people in our synagogue parking lot and Sanctuary.
Click here for more description, schedule/outline of morning services, and melodies
ReNewYEAR Service
Led by nationally-known musician-educator Eliana Light. Shorter, upbeat service for seekers or those looking for a change of pace. Prayers in new versions and styles, and new ways of looking at old rituals and words. With Eliana’s beautiful voice and guitar accompaniment.
Click here for more information and melodies and to download a copy of Eliana's prayerbook
Family Services
With Eliana Light
Join Eliana for real conversations with our family members and connect with community around the country. Let's focus on what we need right now: love, comfort, justice, and hope for a brighter future. Short (but sweet!) services designed for kids of all ages and their adults!
Afternoon Services
Outdoors or Online
On Yom Kippur we will gather in an open space for conservation and some informal prayer based on the "Avodah of the High Priest", the celebration of Yom Kippur from the time of the Second Temple.
Shofar Together
On Sunday, the second day
of Rosh Hashanah, come
to a big parking area for 15 minutes to hear the shofar
in person and get that sense
of large community we’re
missing this year.
Members and registered guests will receive the location information.
Shofar To You
We want to make sure every congregant can hear the
shofar in person, live.
Sign up here and someone will come to your yard or to a public place near you so you can hear the 100 traditional blasts.
Private Sanctuary Time
If you want to be in our sacred space but not with other people, reserve 15 minutes during the weeks of Elul or the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Stand in front of the ark, and if you wish hear the shofar and receive a blessing.
Click here to view available times and sign up
Do It Yourself Resources
We will be adding readings and recordings here between now and the holy days, if you want to create your own spiritual time during the holy days.
Download or Read: Rabbi Jon's Guide to the High Holy Concepts, Prayers, and Torah Readings
Glossary of Jewish terms and ideas related to the High Holy Days
Recommended books:
- Judaism's 10 Best Ideas, by Rabbi Arthur Green
- Preparing Your Heart for the High Holy Days: A Guided Journal, by Rabbis Kerry Olitzky and Rachel Sabath
- This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation, by Rabbi Alan Lew
Rabbi Jon's High Holy Day sermons from this year and past years
Prompts for introspections and teshuvah (rediscovery, review, renew, redirect, rebuild)
Rosh Hashanah evening Seder guide -- long version
Tashlich/short outdoor service guide
Download or view a copy of this year's ReNewYEAR machzor (prayerbook) from Eliana Light
Wed, November 25 2020
9 Kislev 5781
