High Holy Days 5781/2020
The Jewish New Year is a time for renewal, and in this spirit, this different year is an opportunity to think creatively, to see our homes as mikdash me'at - mini sanctuaries, to renew our souls and to commit even more deeply to our Temple community. Here are two resources, Rabbi Karen Citrin's most recent Shofar article and a ReformJudaism.org article, about creating sacred space at home.
All are welcome! Join us!
Our full schedule can be found here. This year we will draw strength from the beautiful memories of holidays in our sanctuary, as we create new memories and connections from home. Familiar melodies will offer comfort and uplift our spirits. Together, we will pray for health, healing, and a more just and peaceful world.
For our congregants: Looking for links? Please see your High Holy Day email for a link to the member High Holy Day page or login to your member portal and click on High Holy Day Information.
You will automatically receive everything that you need to participate fully in our High Holy Days. Please invite your friends and family to join you and register as guests. No additional action is needed by you at this time, but do watch for email announcements in the coming weeks.
Temple members will have priority access to our outdoor services. Advance sign-up is required so we can prepare accordingly and create safe, physically-distanced gatherings.
For our guests: Register in advance so we can send you all the important information and links that you will need to fully participate with us.
We appreciate your decision to join our community during the High Holy Days this year. Your support enables us continue to be a vibrant center of Jewish life, learning, and culture. While there is no cost to participate, we encourage you to make a donation as you are able.
HIGH HOLY DAY PRAYERBOOKS
For those who do not have copies of Mishkan Hanefesh at home there are several options:
1. A free digital version is available online. To use this during our holiday worship, it will be helpful to have a second device such as an iPad.
2. Kindle editions of both the Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur volumes are available for a cost of 9.99 each.
3. We will check out our own copies of Mishkan HaNefesh to those who would like to borrow them for the holidays. Watch your email for more information. Available for members only.
4. A free digital version of Mishkan Hanefesh for Youth will be used during our Yeladim services.
INTERFAITH MINI-WALK FOR HUNGER/FOOD DRIVE
The mitzvah of tzedakah, righteous giving, is a core value of our tradition and culture at Temple Beth David. The prophet Isaiah, read on Yom Kippur, spoke of fasting as a reminder to do good and share our bread with the hungry. In lieu of our NAWDTY Food Drive, please join or support the Interfaith Mini-Walk for Hunger (40 Days for Food) or consider making a tzedakah contribution to the following organizations:
Jewish Family & Children’s Services Support Family Table (please put Temple Beth David, Westwood in the gift message box)
INCLUSION RESOURCES
Gateways: Access to Jewish Education offers resources to help children understand what the High Holidays may look like during a pandemic. They include craft projects, social stories and videos (Going to High Holiday Services on the Computer and Going to High Holiday Services Outside.)
Members will be able to sign up in advance for personal time in the Sanctuary and to light a candle in memory of a loved one before Yizkor.
You will have the opportunity to pick up a machzor (special holiday prayer book) from the temple if you do not have one at home.
