Friends,
Our great sages were practical as well as pious. Aware of human nature and tolerances,
they developed our practices and rituals in ways that people would be able to and want to
observe. Realizing that we cannot jump right into the High Holidays without preparation,
they designated the month of Elul as a time for spiritual introspection, a time to begin the
process of granting and asking for forgiveness .
There are a number of special rituals added to our minyan services during Elul. These
include the blowing of the shofar at the conclusion of the morning service (we do it
following our evening minyan),the recitation of Psalm 27 (morning and evening)
followed by an extra Mourner’s Kaddish, and special penitential prayers called Slichot
(varies according to Ashkenazic and Sephardic tradition). It is also a time to “brush up”
on your prayer skills, not only reading and singing the text, but comprehending the
meaning as well. Attending weekday and Shabbat services is a great way to get ready for
the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe). An athlete would not run a race or even work out
without warming up. It’s really the same with prayer.
This year the first of Elul was August 14. You have a month to prepare yourselves
spiritually for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. I guarantee your experience on the
holidays will be enhanced by even a little bit of preparation. To make this easier for you
I’ve posted selections from the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur liturgy on our website
( templewb.org) – selections designed to help you learn some of the melodies for the
holiday season. If you’d like additional help, I’m available to get together with you, one
on one, to improve your prayer skills.
High Holiday worship this year will be a mix of traditional and creative elements,
involving wonderful instrumentalists and participation from our members, both young
and old. I’m very excited for you to experience our services!
Make this the year you become more comfortable with Jewish liturgy. It will strengthen
your Jewish identity and nourish your soul!
Carole and I wish you a Shanah Tovah Umetukah, a Good and Sweet New Year!
Cantor
