Many mornings my husband hits the snooze button – several times – leaving himself a narrow window of time before he has to hit the front door. Many of those mornings as his eyes pass over his beloved aquarium near the door he says, “Honey, could you feed my fish?” Of course I can. Now if you’ve been noticing that the High Holidays are approaching in much the way my husband sees his aquarium, they’re out there and you plan to get back to them…soon…let me suggest you take these five steps.

1. Decide whether you are in fact going to go to one or more services.

2. Decide whether you are going alone or with your partner. I am saying this to the Jews and the non-Jews. If you want to go, that’s fine. If he/she doesn’t, so be it. Just go on your own. You can take them along next year with a bit more planning.

3. PLEASE, I beg of the Jews, don’t make the High Holidays your non-Jewish partner’s first Jewish service. YES, I’ve had people call and/or email me saying, I should have taken your advice because now my partner thinks they hate services.

4. Decide how much time you have for services. Do you want to go to one service only, say the evening of Yom Kippur? Then make plans just for that.

5. Ask yourself if you need help figuring out where to go. Call or email me soon. We’ll talk about: What would suit you and whomever you want to take along. Maybe you need to decide the level of Hebrew or the length of the services or you want to go somewhere that you won’t feel awkward if you need to leave early. Let’s talk.

If you’re comfortable finding the service you want, great! Do it today and be done with it.

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My friends, please don’t make the High Holiday services the ones you use to introduce your non-Jewish loved one to a Jewish service. The liturgy of the High Holidays has developed for hundreds of years to be intense. It is not a light hearted experience. There is lots of Hebrew and many dark messages. The goal is to review your soul. If your spouse, partner, loved one is familiar with Jewish teachings and some less formidable services, then fine, take them.

There are free services around the bay.

Sephardic Kol Nidre Services
Offered by the Center for Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union
Friday, Sept. 17
6pm
Denniston Commons, Le Conte Ave., Berkeley
With Rabbi Tsipi Gabai with musical accompanist, Katja Cooper
Free & Open to the public
Space is limited
RSVP is required: cjs@gtu.edu

Free High Holy Days Tix in Alameda at Temple Israel
Temple Israel in Alameda is offering free High Holiday tickets. Get the details by calling or e-mailing them at 510-522-9355 or office@templeisraelalameda.org

Jewish Gateways High Holiday Services
No experience necessary, free and open to the public. Services are primarily in English. We look forward to welcoming you, your family, and your friends.

Date: Rosh Hashanah/New Year Services are on the evening of Wed., Sept. 8, and morning of Th., Sept. 9. Family Services on Sept. 9.
Yom Kippur/Day of Atonement Services are on the evening of Fri., Sept. 17, and day of Sat., Sept. 18. Family Services on Sept. 18.
Place: Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley
Services are free and RSVP is requested. Donations are welcome.
For information and to RSVP, or contact Rabbi Bridget at 510-559-8140 or rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org for more info.

High Holidays Services in Los Altos
Rabbi Marder says, “Our High Holy Day services are open to the community.”

There is no cost for the Young Family services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur (1:30 p.m.) – these are for parents with young children; and no cost for the Yizkor and Concluding services on Yom Kippur (5:00 p.m.).

There is a cost for our tickets for other services, but if there is financial need we are happy to provide tickets for whatever people can afford (or for free, if they cannot afford to pay). People can be in touch with the Executive Director, Debbie Coutant, or with Rabbi Janet Marder.

www.betham.org

High Holidays with Canfei Nefesh – Soul Wings
Joyous, Spiritual, Musical, Mystical and Deeply Felt
Rabbi Sara Shendelman and Rabbi Steven Fisdel
South Berkeley Community Church 1802 Fairview Berkeley 94702

Rosh Hashana Sept 8th at 7 pm
Sept 9th at 10 am

Yom Kippur Sept 17th at 7 pm
Sept 18th at 10 am

Pot luck lunch after RH Morning Services. Break Fast after Yom Kippur
Tashlich following Rosh Hashana Morning Services.
Services are free of charge.
Donations to cover expenses, very much appreciated.
email: canfeinefesh@gmail.com please rsvp
mail checks to: 1743 Oregon Berkeley, CA 94703 made out to JACS
please visit our website http://canfeinefesh.bravehost.com
Childcare will be provided–please reserve
Volunteers needed
Wheelchair accessible

Free Family Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Services
We encourage you to take your children to the excellent family services led by Rabbis Aron and Levenberg, Cantor Felder-Levy, and Early Childhood Center Director, Robin Adelman, on Rosh HaShanah.
Both Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur family services will be held at 3:30 pm and will be at Congregation Shir Hadash.
These services, geared to children ages 2-6 and their families, are free and open to the public, so please feel welcome to bring your friends.

Rosh Hashanah
Date: Thursday, September 9

Yom Kippur
Date: Sat. Sept. 18

Time: 3:30pm for both services
Place: Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Ln., Los Gatos
www.shirhadash.org

Not going to make it for HH services? Check this out:
Greatest Hits of the High Holy Days
If you simply won’t be able to make it to a service, but you wish you could, Beth Jacob in Oakland will again offer the Greatest Hits of the High Holy Days! On Rosh Hashanah at 6:45pm Rabbi Dardik will give a one hour talk on the top five elements of Rosh Hashanah; he’ll blow the shofar and give you apples & honey. You’re out of there by 7:45pm.

On Yom Kippur at 8am Rabbi Dardik will do the Big Five of Yom Kippur from 8am to 9am. He said, “Come as you are.” Jewish or not. Doesn’t matter if you’re fasting or just dropping in before you go out for breakfast, the idea is to get a quick hit of the holiday.
Beth Jacob is at 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland. If you need more details call Kathy at 510-482-2374.

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I’m quite fond of Rabbi Raffi Asher of B’nai Tikvah in Walnut Creek.  I have known him a long time.  He is very tall and always seems to bend slightly forward to come closer to short people like me.  I like what he wrote about the High Holiday experience – I’m a fan of the film Groundhog Day so I knew just what he was referring to.  Read this and see if you can inject some newness into your experience of the holidays this year.  If you can’t, then consider doing something completely different.  Go to the beach and gaze out over the water.  Stare at a tree.  Consider yourself in relationship to the rest of the planet.  Ask yourself the question a nine year old girl asked her dad, standing at my booth on Sunday, “Why do we exist?”

From Rabbi Asher:

As in the movie “Groundhog Day,” in a few weeks we will wake up and once again we will replay the same revolving tape for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.  There’s much the same music, the same shofar calls, the apples and honey, and some of those same cheery people wishing us a Shana Tova.  And, like Bill Murray’s character, it’s easy to feel cynical about all the prayers, all the smiling faces, and the reputed power and joy of the Holydays.

There’s a little of Bill Murray in all of us.  We’re a little too sophisticated to recite the scripted prayers with any passion or tenderness.  We are a little too jaded to take the ideas of soul-searching and repentance seriously.  And perhaps we’re a little too inhibited to show any enthusiasm  for the promise of starting a clean slate for the New Year.

B’nai Tikvah is now repeating this cycle for the 29th year, and many of us “elders” can remember many more repetitions observed in different settings since we were children.  There is the part of us which enters the season reluctantly kicking and screaming.  Once in the door, there’s the part of us, like the Murray character, that wants to manipulate the hours together for our own benefit.  But maybe this year we will examine the fears and miscues of the past and resolve to apply our energies to better purpose.

There are some who bemoan the many repetitions of the Yontov prayers, and there are some who silently bemoan the cumbersome repetition of our rituals from year to year.  This year may we greet the New Year with fresh eyes, a deeper appreciation for those with whom we share the bonds of community, and with an impulse to infuse ancient words with new insights and renewed energy.

 L’shana tova tikateivu—May you be inscribed for a good, sweet year.

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I love the Jewish month of Elul; we are in Elul now.  Much as I hate to see the summer fade I love the renewal of communal life that comes with the fall.  Now the synagogues rev up, there is the bustle to prepare for the holidays, the round up of volunteers who help with the Break-the-Fast (I’m already signed up to make a cake and do clean up).  I love S’lichot, the mystical late night gathering on the last Shabbat before Rosh Hashanah.  The evening falls, we have Havdalah, the cantor leads the songs that close Shabbat and then we pray, study and discuss.  The Torah covers are changed to the white High Holiday covers.  The night is charged with a warm soft feeling of community.  I know that soon I will see many faces that don’t come to temple much.  Older couples that don’t get out much.  Teens who have grown taller.  Toddlers who are now talking up a storm.  But I think I love seeing the seniors most of all.  I love Rosh Hashanah evening, walking down the aisle, kissing face after face.  Have you even noticed how people’s cheeks get so very soft as they age?  If you miss your grandparents or parents, you can sort of hug them once again when you hold an elder.  Why are older people so kind?  What do they know?  Help me Holy One to grow this kindness and wisdom.

 

Every congregation will be having S’lichot.  Go to one near you.

 

If you need help finding a place to go for services, just email or call me.

Shana tova/Happy New Year!

Dawn

 

 

More High Holiday information

About a month ago I was at Shabbat services and two women were discussing High Holiday services.  One of them said, “I’ve never gone to services and I want to.  But I’m nervous and I don’t know where to go.”  The other replied, “Last year I went to Jewish Gateways for Rabbi Bridget’s Rosh Hashanah seder; I loved it.  Why don’t you come with me this year?”

 

If you are not quite ready to go to High Holiday services consider going to Jewish Gateways.

 

No-Experience-Necessary Rosh Hashanah Seder
Want to learn about the New Year holidays in a homey environment?
Celebrate informally with food, song, and interactive learning!
Share a festive meal and explore how the holiday can speak to you personally.
All are welcome.

Date:    Fri., Sept. 18 OR Sat., Sept. 19

Time:    6 pm

Place:   Jewish Gateways’ cozy home, near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station just north of Berkeley

Childcare: free by reservation
Feel free to invite friends who might enjoy this event.
For more info or to RSVP call 510-559-8140 or email rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org

 

Gathering for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement:
Return / Reflect / Remember
On Yom Kippur, Jewish tradition invites us to reflect. Where are our lives going? How are we spending our precious time?
We will explore these questions through learning, discussion, song, and time for introspection, and take time to remember those we have lost.
No experience with Jewish ritual is necessary.
All are welcome!

Date:    Sun., Sept. 27

Time:    noon-3 pm

Place:   Jewish Gateways’ cozy home, near El Cerrito Plaza and BART station just north of Berkeley

Childcare: free by reservation
Feel free to invite friends who might enjoy this event.
For more info or to RSVP call 510-559-8140 or email rabbibridget@jewishgateways.org

 

 

 

Here are some other options:

 

Too Hurried for the Holidays?

Come for the Greatest Hits Mini-service.  A one-hour discussion & sampling of High Holy Day prayers.

Dates/Times:

Rosh Hashanah – 6:30 PM on Sunday, Sept 20

I will be with Rabbi Dardik to hand out apples and honey for this brief discussion.  We’ll be coming from the Oakland community observance to Tashlich in Diamond Park in Oakland.  You are welcome to join us all at the creek. 

Yom Kippur – 8:00 AM on Monday, Sept 28

Bring you bag lunch, no one will take it!  If you have to go on to work, just drop by for a quick Yom Kippur moment. I won’t see you this morning as I’ll be in services at my own congregation.  But you’ll have a lovely time with Rabbi D.

Place:   Beth Jacob, 3778 Park Blvd., Oakland

www.bethjacoboakland.org

 

High Holidays on the Peninsula

Are you looking for a place to go for services?  Look at this website if you live around Redwood City, Foster City, San Mateo or Burlingame.  There are some free options there too.

http://www.pjcc.org/jewishlife/holidays/meet-rabbis.html

 

 

High Holidays in Berkeley

The four Berkeley congregations got together and created the High Holiday Passport.  You can go to any of the shuls with the one “pass.”  Go to www.berkeleysp.org to sign up or learn more.  They really, REALLY want you to give them a try.  So don’t sit home if you would rather be at services.

 

 

Free Sephardic Service for Kol Nidre

Rabbi Tsipi Gabai, a Sephardic Jew who teaches at Tehiyah and has more energy than there is sunshine will leave a free Sephardic Kol Nidre Service with musical accompanist, Katja Cooper.

 

Date:    Sunday, Sept. 27

Time:    6pm

Place:   PSR Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley

FREE and OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

Sponsored by Center for Jewish Studies, Graduate Theological Union

For more information call 510-649-2482

Please RSVP to cjs@gtu.edu

 

 

 

EVENTS

ONGOING

Do something nice for your relationship in the New Year.

Interfaith Couples Connect!

Join other interfaith couples to explore the complexities of interfaith relationships in a warm and supportive atmosphere.

4 sessions, $80/couple

Meets in Berkeley or Oakland.

 

Selichot Movie and Discussion (Los Altos)

Third Annual Back-to-School Night (Berkeley)

Introduction to Judaism (San Francisco)

Women in Interfaith Relationships (Oakland)

Young Family Shabbat (Walnut Creek)

Exploring Interfaith LGBTQ Relationships   (Oakland)

Workshop for Parents of School-age Children (Redwood City)

 

 

 

 

Selichot Movie and Discussion

Each year the Beth Am community enters the High Holy Day season on the night of Selichot (meaning “prayers for forgiveness”). This year we’ll be screening Crimes and Misdemeanors , Woody Allen’s perfectly pitched combination of comedy and tragedy. Following the film, Rabbi Marder will lead a discussion about how the film’s themes relate to the High Holy Days. Then we’ll join in a short Selichot service, featuring beautiful music and words of reflection on these Days of Awe. Please bring a dessert to share.

 

Date:    Saturday, September 12

Time:    7:30 p.m.

Place:   Beth Am Social Hall, 26790 Arastradero Road, Los Altos Hills

For more info call 650-493-4661

I’m sure you don’t have to bring a dessert if you are not a member; there will be plenty there.  Just go and met some nice people, watch the movie and enjoy the discussion.

 

 

 

Third Annual Back-to-School Night

at Lehrhaus Judaica

Come have some wine and hors d’oeuvres while schmoozing with students, faculty and staff.  Get a preview of some of our courses, chat with some teachers and kick off the school year in style!  Parking is available just half a block away.  It is a UC Berkeley lot that has public parking after 6pm.  Safe and convenient.

Teachers for the evening are: Jehon Grist, Rabbi Yehuda Ferris, Jerry Diller, Greg Newmark and YES! me, Dawn Kepler!  Come check us out – we look even better with a glass of wine in your hand.

ALL ATTENDEES WILL RECEIVE A COUPON GOOD FOR $10 OFF YOUR NEXT LEHRHAUS COURSE!

 

Date:    Thursday, Sept. 24

Time:    6:30pm

Place:   Lehrhaus Judaica, 2736 Bancroft Way, Berkeley

For more info or directions, please call Vernita at 510-845-6420 x11.

 

 

 

Introduction to Judaism

What do Jews believe? How do Jews pray? How do Jews acknowledge life-cycle events? And what does it mean to be Jewish? Explore these questions and many others. This class is for seekers, interfaith couples, Jews who feel like they don’t know enough, and anyone who just wants to learn about Judaism.

Enrollment is free and open to everyone.

Date:    Mondays, October 5 –December 14

Time:    6:30 – 8:30 pm

Place:   Sherith Israel, 2266 California Street, San Francisco

For info call: 415-346-1720

 

 

 

Women in Interfaith Relationships

A Discussion for Girlfriends, Wives, Mothers & Grandmothers

Are you are raising a child with a partner of a different (or no) religious tradition? How does gender impact interfaith relationships? Society places expectations on women, as girlfriends, wives, mothers, grandmothers, aunts and best friends. Even in the 21st century the home is the domain of the female parent, how does that play out with Judaism, a home based faith? What if you are a lesbian interfaith couple; are the religious responsibilities any different? Come explore the roles, expectations, pluses and minuses of being female in an interfaith relationship. Jewish or not, wife or grandmother, join us for a lively supportive discussion.

 

Date;   Oct. 11

Time:   noon to 2pm

Place:  Private home in Oakland

Co-sponsored with Temple Sinai, Oakland

Cost:   Free to members of Temple Sinai; $7 for non-members

 

 

 

Young Family Shabbat

Join Rabbi Sunshine for a fun and interactive service aimed at children six years of age and under.  All are welcome!

 

Dates:   Friday nights, Oct. 23, Nov. 13, Dec. 11, Jan. 22, Feb. 19, March 19, Apr. 9, & May 21

Time:    6 to 6:30pm

Place:   B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek

Info:     925-934-9446

www.bshalom.org

 

 

 

Exploring Interfaith LGBTQ Relationships

Join us for an exploration of key issues that come up for interfaith couples: clarifying values, good communication, relationships with family and friends, finding community, and joyfully sharing each other’s traditions, holidays and religious observances. This class will be a combination of discussion, readings, and guided activities. All genders welcome.

 

Date:   Four sessions beginning Monday, Oct. 26

Time:   7:30 to 9pm

Place: Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont
Cost: $80/couple, no one turned away for lack of funds.

 

 

 

Workshop for Parents of School-age Children

Because kids don’t come with instructions! 

Join us for a 10-week series to learn from and with each other about the Torah wisdom on parenting, based on the best-seller The Blessing Of A Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel.

We’ll cover the blessing of time, the blessing of food, honoring your parents, sibling rivalry, dealing with melt-downs, and concepts and tips in raising self-reliant, unspoiled, polite human beings.  Otherwise known as raising a mensch!  Topics will include chores, meal-time battles, coping with frustration, avoiding over-scheduling and overindulgence, helping your child develop independence and self -control.

 

Dates:   Ten Mondays starting October 26, November 9 and 23, December 7, January 11 and 25, February 8 and 22, March 1 and 15.

Time:    5 to 6pm

Place:   Beth Jacob, 1550 Alameda de las Pulgas, Redwood City

This course is free and no pre-registration is required.

Buy the book at: http://www.keplers.com/book/9780142196007

For questions please contact Masha Merkulova at 650 575 4224.

www.bethjacobrwc.org

 

 

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Yom Kippur begins Wednesday night

I hate fasting.  Let me count the ways.

1. I hate having to get off coffee and caffeine so that I won’t have a headache all day.

2. I hate feeling weak and lacking focus.

3. I hate being thirsty and that dry sound your mouth makes.

4. I hate feeling tired.

5. Oh, yes, I also hate being hungry.

 

I trust that right about now you’re thinking, hey, it’s a free country!  No one is forcing you; so don’t fast!

 

But I love fasting.  I love it for the same reasons that Rashid gave for fasting on Ramadan – it gives a framework, a practice, a ritual that defines one’s life.  A dear friend of mine, also Muslim, told me he doesn’t fast here in the USA but back home in Algeria he always did.  “The whole community is together.  And the break the fast is wonderful!  Of course you do it to be part of your community.”

 

I fast to be “together” with my fellow Jews.  If they can do it, so can I!  So I’m weaning myself from coffee – trust me, I’ll be back to it come Friday morning!  I’ll eat lightly the day before just to get my system ready.  I’ll drink plenty of water the day before.

 

I extend to all of you the traditional greeting – may you have an easy fast.

 

A friend who will be fasting for the first time emailed me to ask what to expect, what if he feels dizzy?  What if he thinks he is going to pass out?  What would everyone else be doing?

 

To tell you the truth, I have seen a young man pass out.  So don’t do anything foolish.  If you feel weak, overly exhausted, light headed, sick – go drink something and eat something.  You are forbidden to endanger your health.  If you have medicines that you take daily – take them.  If they must be taking with food, eat!

 

What do others do?  Some people go to services, go home & take a nap, come back later.  Some leave after the morning services and just go home and eat lunch.  Some people never leave the synagogue; they stay for the discussions or study sessions (many synagogues have things going on in the afternoon).

 

Remember that this year can also be a trial run.  There are definitely “do overs” in Judaism.  It’s called: next year.

 

 

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Shana Tova!  Happy New Year!

 

Do Rabbis have a Sense of Humor about the High Holidays?

Take a look at this video and you tell me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YE1Fxxv2cPc

That’s Rabbi Bloom of Temple Beth Abraham in Oakland. You can join him for Yom Kippur or all year long on Shabbat.  Call the synagogue for more information: 510-832-0936 .

 

Sukkot is coming!

This is one of my favorite holidays. You build a hut (sounds like a fort to me!); your parents actually help you do it. You eat in it and sleep in it (if it’s not too cold). You decorate it.

Sukkot has everything – food, place, construction, decorating, family gathering, friends invited in. One thing that makes it REAL is to actually have a sukkah. You can buy a pre-fab one online. They aren’t cheap, ours cost $200, but then neither are a lot of terrific things. If you’re handy with a hammer you can make your own. But the prefab ones breakdown and store till next year.

http://thesukkahproject.com/thetubularsukkah.aspx

 

 

Sunset Magazine makes a Sukkah?

Imagine my surprise when I opened an email from Sunset and saw – a sukkah! Well, that’s what it looked like to me. They say it is a “billowy retreat” in your garden, Balinese style. The site has a plan for how to build it. Take a look:

http://www.sunset.com/sunset/garden/article/0,20633,664105~708918,00.html

 

 

Ramadan

We are still in the month of Ramadan. I was talking to a Jewish woman on this list who told me that her Muslim husband has been fasting in observance of the holiday. I asked if he were tired or miserable. (We Jews only fast one day, Muslims fast for an entire lunar months worth of days, while breaking their fast each evening.) She said, no, he enjoys it. He feels that following the traditions of Islam help to keep him grounded. He is not a religious guy at all, but he feels that rituals create a framework for his life.

Many Jews will go to Rosh Hashanah and will fast on Yom Kippur for much the same reasons. The practices of our people are a culture that gives us a bedrock on which to build our lives, stories that give voice to our values. For Jews, the most important thing is what you do. Act. Therefore, it is natural that we “do” in order to lead us to good thoughts and more good deeds. The song says, “good deeds lead to good deeds; bad deeds lead to bad deeds.”

For this new year, 5679, let us join with Zubair and make an effort to find our own framework and work for a better world.

Here’s an easy thing – for one day, greet everyone you deal with as though they are a friend. Tell me how it went.

 

May the new year bring you increased contentment and peace,

Dawn

 

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My daughter calls me “Mama” when she’s feeling especially affectionate or especially upset.  So when I picked up the phone at 6am Sunday morning and heard, “Mama?”  I knew things were not OK.  Elly is in Israel on a Birthright* trip and her credit card had been frozen.  Despite my calls to the US bank they couldn’t do anything that I asked, nor could they take a call from a cell phone  - Catch 22.  It had been four days of trying and I was finished.  Time to call the big guns.  Tali Lipschitz runs the Let’s Go Israel trip** for bay area teens; she’s Israeli and knows how to travel with American kids.  I called her and explained the situation. 

 

“OK,” she said, “I’ll call you back.”  I waited.  Fifteen minutes later the phone rang.

 

“Hi, Dawn,” came her cheery voice, “you just needed a little Israeli chutzpah.”  She had contacted the trip organizer and arranged for them to receive money I would wire to Israel.  She walked me through my end of it.  DONE!

 

What does this have to do with interfaith?

 

My daughter is 22 years old.  Mothers of 45 year olds have told me, “Your kids grow up but they are still your children.  You will always care.  You will always worry.”

 

Mothers and fathers need a network, a community.  If you’re in an interfaith relationship you need a unique network, one that addresses the specific issues and events that will occur to you because you are in an interfaith relationship.  You need someone who “gets it.”  Someone who cuts through the verbiage, who sees the core issue – and “the issue” may have NOTHING to do with religion.  You need someone to help you sort that out.  Many of you have turned to me or one of my colleagues with your questions.  I’m here for you – always – but like Tali, I hope to help you made a connection. 

 

And what about making a connection?

It’s almost September, almost High Holidays, almost time to ask-

 

Will we go to services?

If we will, then where will we go?

Are we looking for a single event experience or an ongoing relationship?

Are we looking to be part of a community as a couple?

Will we have kids that we want to bring into a community?

 

Call me if you want to talk about any of this, or anything else that is on your mind. 

Dawn

510-663-8350

 

 

*Birthright Israel is a trip for young Jewish adults up to age 26.  It is free.  Must be your first trip to Israel.  Look at their website at www.birthright.org

 

**Let’s Go Israel is a bay area trip for teens.  About a hundred kids who are entering high school juniors go each year.  Families from the East bay, Sacramento and Silicon Valley should call Tali about next summer’s trip at 510-839-2900 x255.  Families from Sonoma, along the coast to Palo Alto should call Gabi at the Bureau of Jewish Education at 415-751-6983 x123. Teens from all over the bay area are accepted into the program.  www.letsgoisrael.org

 

 

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Here’s what Rabbi Roberto Graetz of Temple Isaiah in Lafayette sent to his congregation just before Yom Kippur.

We are reaching the holiest of all Jewish holy days. It is a day of fasting and prayer, of reflection and silence. Rabbi Larry Tabick in a light tone reminds us of the essential nature of the day:
I have been walking for miles
And there is a stone in my shoe
That’s been there for ages.
Why don’t I just
Sit down and take it out?
Though we are full of excuses,
I am too old, too young
Too tired, too lively,
Too ill, too well,
Too busy, too lazy,
Too strong, too weak,
Too good, too bad,
Too big, too small,
To repent.
We are not supposed to give up the effort
Rosh Hashanah is like having an eye examination:
Are we seeing the world and ourselves in the proper perspective?
Yom Kippur is like getting new glasses,
But will we wear them?
Will we allow ourselves to get used to them
Or let them sit in a drawer
Gathering dust
‘Till next year?
May you have a meaningful fast and you and your loved ones be sealed for a year of health, of plenty and of peace.
Rabbi Roberto D. Graetz

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The new year will begin next week. Every year at this time I reflect on the blessings that have been given to me. That I was born into the most prosperous country on earth. That I enjoy great freedoms, among them religious freedom. That my family is happy and healthy, that I live in a community of good people. At this time each year I must thank all of you. Thank you for being willing to open your thoughts and hearts to me, for sharing your joys and sorrows, your deeply felt convictions and truths. Thank you for stretching out of your comfort zones to make your relationships and families strong and safe places for each member. For the boundless source of love you pour into the world. You make my days, days of adventure and joy.

As I do each year, I am sending a note to my rabbi, thanking him for seeing into my heart many years ago and setting my feet on this path. This year I have decided to expand those letters to include a number of other community leaders who have helped me to create programs that welcome all of you, all of my own family, to a deeper engagement in Jewish life.

Thank you all.

Free High Holy Day Children’s Services – Alameda
Children Services for Rosh Hashanah are on Sept., the 13th at 9am.
Children’s Services for Yom Kippur are on Sept. the 22nd at 9am.
There is no cost, all are welcome.
Temple Israel, 3183 Mecartney Rd., Alameda
Call for more information 510-522-9355

Free High Holy Day Services in San Rafael
Join Rodef Sholom for the following services – free -
Rosh Hashanah Children’s Services
Thursday, Sept. 13 at 2pm
Second Day Rosh Hashanah Services
Friday, Sept. 14 at 9:30am
Yom Kippur Children’s Services
Saturday, Sept. 22 at 1pm
Yom Kippur Yizkor & concluding Services
Saturday, Sept. 11 at 3pm

All services are at Civic Center in San Rafael. Call Rodef Sholom for more information at 415-497-3441.

Selichot Services this Saturday night
At the end of the last sabbath before the High Holidays there is a special services called Selichot. It is late and has a mystical feeling to it for me. Summer is ending, the autumn brings a crispness to the night air. My congregation gathers in the courtyard of our synagogue and holds a havadalah service – ending of Shabbat. Then we go inside for study and then, as we get towards 11pm, comes Selichot. The Torah scrolls are dressed in white, symbolizing the beginning of the Days of Awe. The notes of the solemn tunes of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur rise in the golden light. Find a service at a synagogue near you and experience the night.

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August 27, 2007

Dear Interfaith Families and Friends,

Just wanted to send you a quick note with some FREE and LOW COST High Holiday options.

You can go online to look at the services schedule at synagogues near you. You’ll find information about buying High Holy Day tickets. Remember that Jewish Community Information and Referral has information about services around the bay area and you can speak to their friendly staff if you’re feeling uncertain about which congregation is near you or what movement it is. Judy and Gail are very much in the know, at 415-777-4545.
Check out www.planitjewish.com also.

Free High Holiday Services – Berkeley
Come and pray with us in a warm and friendly atmosphere on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Everyone is welcome to join us in these egalitarian participatory services. Sponsored by members of the community.

Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday. Sept. 12, 7:00pm
Thursday, Sept. 13, 10:00am
Kol Nidre, Friday, September 21, 6:30pm
Yom Kippur, Saturday, September 22, 10:00am
Saturday, September 8th, 6:30pm. FREE

Contact the JCC of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut St., Berkeley, at 510-848-0237 for more information.
http://www.jcceastbay.org/jcc/holidays_shabbat.htm

Free High Holy Day Services – Palo Alto
Keddem Congregation is a community-led, Reconstructionist congregation passionately committed to infusing tradition with new meaning.
Everyone is welcome to attend services, AS SPACE PERMITS, AT NO CHARGE.
Advance reservations are required.
Contact them TODAY.
Services will be held at Cubberley Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Rd., Palo Alto
Contact them at (650) 494-6400 or email hhd_reservations@keddem.org
www.keddem.org

Free High Holiday Services – Los Gatos
Specific family services are open to the community. These include 3:30pm Family Service at Shir Hadash, 20 Cherry Blossom Lane, Los Gatos, and the 1:30pm Family Service for Yom Kippur at Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga.
Contact Shir Hadash at (408) 358-1751 for detailed information on all free services.
www.shirhadash.org

Free High Holiday Services – San Jose
Open to the Community Services are offered by the congregation, Temple Beth Sholom in San Jose. Services will be held at the San Jose Masonic Center, 2500 Masonic Dr., San Jose.
For detailed information leave a voice mail message at (408) 978-5566 or send an email to info@ SanJoseTBS.org

Free High Holiday Services – Campbell
Unaffiliated residents of the Silicon Valley are invited to attend Temple Emanu-El’s services free of charge. Services will be held at the Heritage Theater in Campbell.
(The ad looks to be for two specific services, one on Rosh Hashanah and one on Yom Kippur.) Call for exact details at (408) 292-0939.
Www.templesanjose.org

Free High Holiday Services – San Jose
Congregation Sinai in San Jose welcomes their new rabbi, Rabbi Joshua Berkenwald and his wife and kids. Free tickets are available to Bay Area residents. Seating is limited and reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations call Linda Brandt by September 5 at (408) 264-8542.
www.sinai-sj.org

Free High Holiday Services – Saratoga for Young Adults
Congregation Beth David at 19700 Prospect Road in Saratoga is offering free tickets to young adults. Contact the for details at (408) 257-3333.
Www.beth-david.org

Low cost High Holiday Tickets
A number of congregations are offering tickets at a reduced rate ($100 to $150 for all four services) to friends of their congregants. Consider asking an affiliated friend whether their congregation has such a policy.

Low cost High Holiday Tickets in Berkeley at Hillel
UC Berkeley’s Hillel is offering low cost tickets.
Household ($425) — 3+ people at same address
Individual ($180)
For information and tickets call 510-845-7793 or email highholidays@berkeleyhillel.org
www.berkeleyhillel.org
Scroll down the home page to click in link to purchase tickets.

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