I am looking forward to gathering for the High Holidays this year to connect to one another, to a deeper sense of ourselves, and to God. For one of the core spiritual values that guides both our congregation and our tradition is kehillah, community. The sage Hillel stated: “Do not separate yourself from the community” (Pirkei Avot 2:14). Community means that we show up for one another; that we value the contributions, ideas, and questions of all members; that we form something more sacred and enduring together than apart. I invite you to let community be an animating force for your High Holiday experience and for your life in the year 5785.
I am grateful to be a part of such an inspiring community and team this High Holidays with Eitan Kantor, Rabbi Bruce Dollin, Rabbi Dave Yedid, Michael Harlow, our choirs and davening team, our dedicated staff, and robust security team. With so many players involved, you might be wondering, who is going to sermonize in each service? Or how are things going to work this year?
To help you prepare for the Holidays, I wanted to share a road map of how the High Holidays will flow at HEA this year:
SERMONS & CLERGY PRESENCE
Unlike in past years when we have had just one rabbi in each service for the entirety of the service, this year we will benefit from many clergy in our services and from hearing unique sermons on each day of the holiday. Eitan and I will be moving from service to service on several days of the holiday to support and connect with the full community.
Rosh Hashanah Day 1:
- Rabbi Shulman will speak in both Traditional and Shir Hadash services
- Rabbi Dollin will lead the Torah service and give several kavanot (spiritual intentions) in Shir Hadash
- Rabbi Dave Yedid, a local Conservative Rabbi who leads the thriving young adult Base community, will share kavanot in Shir Hadash
- Eitan Kantor will begin in Shir Hadash and finish the day by leading Musaf in the Traditional service
Rosh Hashanah Day 2:
- Rabbi Dollin will speak in the Traditional service and teach a class in Shir Hadash during Musaf
- Rabbi Dave Yedid will speak in conversation with Rabbi Shulman during Shir Hadash
- Eitan Kantor will speak before the Torah service in Shir Hadash about musical leadership in addition to his prayer leadership in all services
Kol Nidre:
- Rabbi Shulman will share a vision for the future of HEA and set a tone for our Yom Kippur prayers
Yom Kippur:
- Rabbi Shulman will speak in both Traditional and Shir Hadash services before Yizkor
- Rabbi Dollin will lead the Torah service and give kavanot in Shir Hadash
- Shlicha Nelly Ben Tal, our Israeli Emissary will participate in both Yizkor services
Throughout the holidays we will also have the opportunity to hear short reflections from several congregants on their recent powerful experiences in Israel and personal reflections for 5785.
FAMILY & YOUTH PROGRAMS
We are thrilled to offer a robust slate of family and youth programs and even babysitting this year. Your kiddos are always welcome in our main services. In addition, we offer the following specific youth and family experiences (note some are family experiences and some are drop off, as specified below):
Erev Rosh Hashanah:
- 4:30 p.m., Apples and Honey Service led by Rabbi Shulman, Michael Harlow, and Eitan Kantor for Families with kids 0-10 years old at HEA
Rosh Hashanah Day 1:
- For Preschool aged kids: 10:00 a.m., Early Childhood Family Service (bring an adult); followed by drop off babysitting 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., (pre-registration required)
- For Kids Grades K-8: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., drop off youth programs and service with Michael Harlow and HEA staff at Bethany Church
- For Teens: Sign up to be a madrich (counselor) for our youth programs at Bethany Church
Rosh Hashanah Day 2:
- 10:00 a.m., Family Service (bring an adult) at the GYC
Kol Nidre:
- 4:30 p.m., Kol Nidre Family Service led by Rabbi Shulman, Michael Harlow, and Eitan Kantor for Families with kids 0-10 years old at HEA
Yom Kippur:
- For Preschool aged kids: 10:00 a.m., Early Childhood Family Service (bring an adult); followed by drop off babysitting 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (pre-registration required)
- For Kids Grades K-8: 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., drop off youth programs and service with Michael Harlow and HEA staff at Bethany Church
- For Teens: Sign up to be a madrich (counselor) for our youth programs at Bethany Church and join our Teen Hang at 3:00 p.m., at the GYC
- 6:45 p.m., Neilah Song Session under the stars, followed by Havdallah & Final Tekiah (BYOShofar)
> Register for Family & Youth Programs
As you can see, it’s going to be a full and joyful High Holidays! As the moon wanes, we approach a season of renewal and reconnection. I encourage you to join us this weekend for Azamra, Saturday services, and an uplifting concert with Rabbi Josh Warshawsky on Saturday night as we reactivate that sense of spiritual community in our lives for the journey of teshuvah, of return. I want to thank you for being an important part of our Hebrew Educational Alliance family for 5785. If you have any remaining questions about High Holidays this year, or need tickets, please reach out to our office. We’re here to help and to hold you; that’s what community does!
Wishing you and your family a Shana Tova – may it be a healthy, sweet, and community-filled New Year,
Shabbat Shalom!
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