As the kids head back to school and summer wanes, the season of teshuvah, of repentance and return, is upon us. I’ve always appreciated this phase in our Jewish year as an opportunity to reset spiritually and interpersonally before we dive into the high holiday experience together. The rabbis of the Talmud point out that this month of Elul, which precedes Rosh Hashanah, can be read as an acronym for the line ‘Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li‘ – “I am my beloved and my beloved in mine” from Song of Songs. Like two lovers, who may have become distanced, we yearn to reconnect in relationship with one another and with the Divine.
Relationship building is at the heart of HEA and of meaning-making in our lives. We are a community that shows up for one another, for our community, and for the Jewish people around the world in times of joy and in times of mourning. To emphasize this intention, we’ve chosen B’YACHAD, ALL TOGETHER, as our theme for this year’s high holidays.
This year, we are looking forward to being ALL TOGETHER for both days of Rosh Hashanah in one building with many vibrant choices for prayer, learning, connection, and renewal. We are looking forward to being ALL TOGETHER to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year to come. And we are looking forward to being ALL TOGETHER as we feel the energy and the comfort of one another’s voices and those of our incredible 5786 high holiday leadership team, including Eitan Kantor, Rabbi Dollin, our new Student Rabbi Dan Yolles, Michael Harlow, our Davening Team, Choirs, and so many others to uplift our high holiday services this year.
Shana Tova U’Metukah – May this be a healthy, sweet, and interconnected year for you and your family!
