This is Shabbat Shuva, the Sabbath of returning. In the Jewish communities of yesteryear, this was one of two Shabbatot a year when the town’s rabbi would deliver a sermon to encourage repentance. In our community that is the work of the past month (Elul) and of the high holidays themselves. That said, this Shabbat is also a time to deepen our thoughts about repentance. Here are some questions to consider during these days before Yom Kippur:
What is one habit you want to leave behind in 5782?
What is one habit you would like to nurture during the ahead?
What are you most grateful for from this past year?
How can B’nai Tikvah provide you with support during 5782?
How can you support others in our congregational family?
In my teaching I will share a reflection by Tom Hanks on something to consider doing differently during the year ahead.
Join us for candle lighting, blessing one another, kiddush, motzei and invoking an angel to bless us during the YEAR ahead.
Our Friday night services are on Zoom and begin at 6:00 PM. Zoom Link Meeting Id: 978 470 037 Passcode: 183618
Shabbat Morning: Preparing the Holidays
Services will be on ZOOM and begin at 10:00 a.m.. Rabbinic Intern Lisa Feld and Sam Evans will lead the davening and Torah reading. We begin with checking in around 9:50 and services end around 11:30 with kiddush and motzei and a chance to wish each other a Happy New Year!
In thinking about Teshuvah (turning, pivoting, being resilient), I was struck by the example this past week of the head of the ADL who apologized for something ADL did over 10 years ago. His act of pre-High Holiday self-reflection models the steps in the Teshuvah process: acknowledgement, promise to change, concrete steps to make amends. I look forward to sharing this story and its implications for each of us.
If you want to follow the service in the siddur from home, please arrange with the office to borrow a prayer book and humash, purchase a set on line, or download the siddur PDFs, availabe by clicking here.
Zoom Link Meeting Id: 865 3190 1552 Passcode: 183618
Yom Kippur
Services begin on Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. and then continue Thursday morning at 8:45 a.m. During the break between Musaf and Minhah, Cantor Grossman and Rabbinic Intern Lisa Feld will lead study sessions (the Cantor’s will be in person, Lisa Feld’s will be hybrid). Yom Kippur ends at 7:35 p.m. I wish everyone an easy fast and a meaning experience of starting the New Year thoughtfully and together. Cantor Grossman and I look forward to joining with you in person and on line.
www.bnaitikvahma.org/high-holidays Shabbat shalom and best wishes from me and my family to each of you for a G’mar Hatimah Tovah – may we be written in the book of life for a year of health, safety, enjoyment and many opportunities to celebrate together. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Leonard Gordon
