Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the days of Awe
Preparing for the Days of Awe
The month of Elul is a special time at the Temple. We use Mishkan HaLev: Prayers for S'lichot and the Month of Elul during our Friday night services. We sound the shofar at many services and offer special adult education, youth, and family programs focused on the themes of the upcoming holy days. In the days leading up to Rosh HaShanah, we offer an evening S'lichot service as an opportunity to begin our prayers of repentance and prepare for the coming days.
Rosh HaShanah
Rosh HaShanah, the head of the Jewish year, is both a somber and celebratory occasion. At Temple B'nai Israel, we gather on Rosh HaShanah for prayer, introspection, and community. Our Rosh HaShanah evening and morning services use Mishkan HaNefesh and include the sounding of the shofar, teachings from our Rabbi, and poignant prayer and music. We also offer family worship experiences and an outdoor tashlich service. Rosh HaShanah is time to celebrate in community at our two world-famous events: the Sisterhood's Best in the West Oneg and the Brotherhood's Covered Dish Luncheon.
Yom Kippur
Ten days after Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is the day of atonement, marked by rituals of fasting, repenting, and prayer. Yom Kippur is a full day of prayer, beginning with an evening service and the three recitations of Kol Nidrei, a prayer for the forgiveness of all vows not fulfilled. Our prayer continues throughout the day, with morning and afternoon services, a Yizkor service of remembrance, adult education opportunities, and a closing N'eilah service the culminates these days of awe. Throughout the day, our prayers include multiple confessional prayers.
Sukkot and Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
These joyous days are filled with festivities from celebrating community in the Sukkah to dancing with the Torah and seeing our five scrolls up close. At the end of the festival, our community comes together for a Yizkor service of remembrance and to dedicate new memorial plaques.