High Holidays

Yom Kippur and Sukkot

Yom Kippur is not everyone’s favorite Jewish holiday. No food, an ancient liturgy, and a mournful feeling. Let’s have a new take on it. Yom Kippur Tonight is Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement and Repentance. The theme of this holiday is Teshuva. Doing teshuva (often translated as repentance, but literally meaning ‘return’) is…

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Before We Called it ‘Rosh Hashanah’…

Did you know that Rosh Hashanah was not always called Rosh “Hashanah”? Does that knowledge give you new ideas about the holiday? Looking back over history, and the traditions of Judaism, we see that the knowledge of both yield remarkable new ways to see our present. The facts – and mysticism – of our past…

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Some last minute New Year Tips

(photo of my friend, Martha S’s celebratory round challahs) The year 5784 will begin at sundown on September 15.  I’m not ready. But since it will come anyway, here are some tips. S’lichot – S’lichot will be tomorrow night, September 9 at sundown. A Reflection The prayers of S’lichot Getting ready Let’s Eat!  I’ve fallen…

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High Holy Day Services, New York, 1911

I love the Tenement Museum. I’ve been there several times – anytime I get to New York.  I signed up for their email and have attended their online tours. Their recent email has this fascinating image of a ticket.  Here is their description of this item. This High Holiday services ticket, currently on display on…

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High Holy Days 2021 services are all around you

Below are just some examples of the High Holy Day services available in the Bay Area. Check the websites of synagogues near you – or go national – there are so many free online options. Beth Am, Reform, Los Altos Beth El, Reform, Berkeley Beth Emek, Reform, Pleasanton Beth Sholom, Conservative, San Francisco B’nai Emunah,…

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