High Holidays Event Descriptions
In addition to our main services on Rosh haShanah Eve, Day, and Yom Kippur Eve - Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur Day, we will have the following offerings:
S’LICHOT SERVICE (7:30PM)
On one of the last Shabbatot before Rosh haShanah, we gather together with the Community Chorale to begin the Days of Awe with S'lichot, a special service of penitential prayers and the ritual of dressing our Torah scrolls in their white mantles.
NEW PARENT SESSION for High Holidays (8:00PM) (Zoom) - Postponed to Sept 20, 8:00pm
Birth and (in)fertility are central to the texts of the holidays, but parental support and Jewish context for the perinatal experience is often overlooked. Join the Director of Lifelong Learning for a virtual circle dedicated to expecting and recent parents, steeped in the themes and texts of the Jewish High Holidays. RSVP HERE. Non members are invited.
FAMILY EXPERIENCES on Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur (9:15AM)
We welcome families for a casual, age-appropriate Rosh haShanah and Yom Kippur experiences! These events are geared towards school children and their grownups; all ages are welcome.
SHOFAR SOUNDING & TASHLICH on Rosh haShanah (1:30PM)
Join us in Jackson Park on Rosh haShanah as we blow the shofar and symbolically cast off the sins of 5783 by tossing breadcrumbs into the water. Cantor Berger will lead us in a brief reflection and blow the shofar. Please bring your own bread.
WRITING AND MEDITATION on Rosh haShanah* (11:00AM)
Together we explore the Middah (virtue) of Sh'miat Haozen - A listening ear, through writing and meditation. From hearing the blast of the shofar, to acknowledging the still, small voice within, we are called to pay attention. Listen to what needs to be heard. A two part series led by the Director of Lifelong Learning, with the second gathering and focus on Sukkot. Come to one or both!
ROSH HASHANAH SECOND DAY MORNING SERVICE (10:00AM)
We join together for a spiritual celebration of the 2nd day of Rosh haShanah in the casual style of our regular Shabbat services. Led by our clergy with extra participation from members of the congregation, we will focus on experiential pieces of the Rosh haShanah liturgy, bringing new spirit to your observance of the new year.
STUDY SESSION: "ASK RABBI YOUNG" on Yom Kippur (12:30PM)
We all have questions about Judaism and Jewish life, no matter our experiences and credentials. Join Rabbi Young for an open mike, ask-him-anything session on Yom Kippur, whether you are a seasoned student of Torah or you have never heard of a machzor.
STRENGTH AFTER LOSS: Transitions through a Jewish Wellness Lens (3:00PM)
Chazak, Chazak, V'nitchazek: From Strength to Strength May We Be Strengthened. What are the transitions that have impacted us this year? We come together to design new ways to support one another through a Jewish wellness lens. Join us in a one hour discussion, led by fellow congregants, Shelley Firestone, a psychotherapist and psychiatrist, and Debbie Green, who will help facilitate.
MINCHAH AND AVODAH (4:00PM)
Minchah of Yom Kippur offers a unique opportunity for personal reflection, musical inspiration, prayerful confession, a dramatic reading of the story of Jonah and the whale, and for a contemporary retelling of the thousands of years old Yom Kippur rituals of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
LIGHT BREAK THE FAST on Yom Kippur (6:30 PM)
Following our concluding service, we will send everyone off with enough nosh or snack to tide them over until they get to their own Break the Fast meals. Join us outside on our Greenwood Plaza (weather permitting) for fruit, veggies, pastries and good company.