Message From The Clergy

High Holidays Learning and Fellowship Opportunities

As we start our journey to the High Holidays, the month of Elul (August-September) is an opportune time to consider our relationships - with our selves, with our families, with God. Each Wednesday, for the four weeks leading up to Rosh Hashanah, join us for this exploration. Come for one or come for all and watch the weekly email for details.

Elul Programs: The Spirituality of Relationships (all on Wednesdays @ 5:30 pm)

August 23, 5:30-7:00 PM: This Is Real: As we count down toward Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Awe, we will explore the spirituality of taking an accounting of our lives (cheshbon haNefesh) and set our spiritual goals for the Days of Awe.

August 30, 5:30-7:00 PM: Families of Origin: The Akedat Yitzchak—Together we will look at our spiritual ancestors the matriarchs and patriarchs, especially the relationship between Abraham, Sarah and Isaac and explore our values and the idea of Family Systems.

September 6, 5:30-7:00 PM: Does God Need to Atone? An Exploration of Psalm 44. As we approach the Days of Awe, we reflect on our own need for T’shuvah (atonement). But what happens when we feel God has let us down? We’ll explore Psalm 44 and our feelings in this arena.

September 13, 5:30-7:00 PM: The Various Identities of God in the High Holy Day Liturgy. What images of God resonate with you? Is it different at this time of year?

Prayer Book Resources

This year’s High Holiday services will be held in the sanctuary and will also be live streamed. You may follow along at home with a copy of Mishkan HaNefesh! Kindle versions may be purchased here:

Click here for Mishkan HaNefesh for Rosh Hashanah

Click here for Mishkan HaNefesh for Yom Kippur

Hard copies of Mishkan HaNefesh may be ordered from CCAR Press here: https://www.ccarpress.org/shopping_product_detail.asp?pid=50288

Selichot, Rosh Hashanah

Saturday evening, September 9, beginning at 7:00 pm, we prepare ourselves for the holidays with Selichot. This year, it will also be a time to prepare ourselves for using Mishkan HaNefesh, our new High Holy Day Prayerbook. Join us for a service and Havdallah, and an exploration and dedication of Mishkan HaNefesh.

Sunday, September 17, beginning at 12:00 pm, we'll observe the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah with breakfast and A Deep Dive on Jonah. As we look forward to Yom Kippur we will explore this text and especially its view on God’s graciousness.

High Holidays Service Schedule

Please note that each service is available via YouTube

Rosh Hashanah

Erev Rosh Hashanah Friday, September 15

Evening Service 8:00 PM

Rosh Hashanah Saturday, September 16

Tot Service 8:30 AM

Traditional Service 9:30 AM

Contemporary Service 1:30 PM

Tashlich 3:15 PM

Join us for a Taschlich Service and shofar blowing, following the afternoon Rosh Hashanah service on Saturday, September 16 at 3:15. We will gather in the parking lot to hear the shofar and continue down to the creek to cast away our misdeeds of 5783 and start fresh in 5784.

Below is a link for a Personal Tashlich Service if you prefer.

Yom Kippur

Erev Yom Kippur Sunday, September 24

Kol Nidre 8:00 PM

Yom Kippur Monday, September 25

Tot Service 8:30 AM

Traditional Service 9:30 AM

Contemporary Service 1:30 PM

Afternoon, Yizkor and Neilah Service 3:00 PM

 

Community Break Fast:

Join us in breaking the fast immediately following Neilah (approximately 6:30 PM) on Monday, September 25. The cost is $12.50 per adult; $8.00 for children 6-12. Children under 5 are free. If you need financial assistance to attend, please contact Executive Director Jon Yulish at jyulish@bethemethde.org.

Register here to attend: https://congregationbethemeth.shulcloud.com/event/community-break-the-fast.html

Operation Isaiah

…Offer your bread to the hungry and satisfy the famished - Isaiah 58

Congregation Beth Emeth will once again conduct Operation Isaiah, our annual High Holiday food drive, to benefit Joseph’s Pantry, CBE’s food pantry which distributes food and personal items to food insecure individuals and families in our community. The need continues to grow, so your generosity is much appreciated.

Empty bags will be distributed at Rosh Hashanah. Please return filled bags when you come to Yom Kippur services. Bags may also be dropped off any weekday between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

While all donations are welcome, our ongoing needs include:

 

  • Baby Formula
  • Baby Diapers
  • Baby Wipes
  • Hygiene Products
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Cleaning Products
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Ethnic Hair Care
  • Baking Products
  • Hearty Soups
  • Tomato Products

Sukkot and Simchat Torah Programming

Sukkot brings three opportunities for study and community:

Friday evening, September 29, beginning at 5:30 pm, We explore our relationship with lox. No, that's not a misprint. We have dinner and guest speaker, Rabbi Lance Sussman, speaking on How Did Lox Become Jewish? Register for the dinner here: https://congregationbethemeth.shulcloud.com/event/sukkot-service-program-and-dinner.html

Saturday morning, September 30, beginning at 9:30 am brings an in-person Shabbat and Sukkot morning service, with study and Pizza in the Sukkah. No reservations necessary.

Friday evening, October 6, beginning at 5:30 pm, we conclude Sukkot with a Simchat Torah dinner and service, and a fabulous song session with Ben Pagliaro. Many will remember when Ben was the youth music director here; it will be great to welcome him back! Register for the dinner here: https://congregationbethemeth.shulcloud.com/event/simchat-torah-service-progarm-and-dinner.html

Songs for the High Holidays