Rabbi Widzer's Library

Before a big test, students will review their notes. Before a big game, athletes will warm-up and practice. Before an important presentation at work, adults will prepare. Before a difficult conversation, many of us may rehearse and anticipate what we will say.

Well, we have a big test, a big game, a big presentation, and big discussion coming soon! We have entered the Hebrew month of Elul, the month leading up to the High Holy Days. We will be tested on who we were and who we hope to become. We will be challenged to play fairly and do our best. We will be called to present to ourselves and to God our goals and our shortcomings. We will be engaged in conversation with our innermost selves, with each other, and with God. So we need to prepare!

I’ll highlight three opportunities to help your High Holy Day preparation:

1. On Sunday, September 7, at 9am, our Founding Rabbi Emerita Amy Perlin will offer “Sharing our Jewish Joy: A Workshop for Parents and Grandparents of Young Children on How to Make Rosh HaShanah Extra Special This Year.” As savta (grandmother) to seven grandchildren, Rabbi Perlin knows how to shape meaningful experiences for little ones. If you have young children in your life, nearby or faraway, come learn with Rabbi Perlin how to make this holiday season so meaningful for them and for you! (See below for RSVP)

2. Once again this year, our lobby will host a public “I’m sorry” interactive exhibit. Our Selichot (“forgive me”) Board offers the chance to be part of a community confession of our misdeeds. When you enter the lobby, fill out one (or more) of the Selichot cards anonymously, listing something for which you’d like to be forgiven, something for which you are sorry. Then put your card in the drop box and it will become part of the public display. This anonymous communal confession is a powerful way to prepare for the High Holy Days.

3. On Saturday, September 13, please join in our special Selichot evening program and service. At 7:30pm, Rabbi Perlin will lead “Beyond Apples and Honey: Preparing to Get the Most Out of Your High Holy Day Experience.” This interactive session will help us bring a heightened sense of awareness to the fullness of the High Holy Day season. We will also install and dedicate Rabbi Perlin’s museum portrait. Then, at 9:00pm, we’ll join in the beautiful Selichot service, led by Rabbi Widzer, Rabbi Perlin, and Cantor Lindsay, when we change the Torah mantles to their holiday colors and engage in soulful preparation for the coming holidays. (See below for RSVP)

We cannot “cram” the night before Rosh HaShanah for the High Holy Day season and expect to be successful. Take advantage of these, and other, opportunities to prepare yourself. Then we’ll be ready to have a sweet, happy, and healthy New Year!