ELUL 5778 a Guide for Reflection and Contemplation to Prepare You for the High Holy Days
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Rosh Hashanah Jewish New Year
ROSH HASHANAH JEWISH NEW YEAR “The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: Speak to the Israelite people thus: In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall observe complete rest, a sacred occasion commemorated with loud blasts. You shall not work at your occupations; and you shall bring an offering by fire to the LORD.” (Lev. 23:23-25) ROSH HASHANAH, the first day of the seventh month (the month of Tishri), is celebrated as “New Year’s Day”. On that day the Jewish people wish one another Shanah Tovah, Happy New Year. ש נ ָׁהָׁטוֹב ָׁה Rosh HaShanah, however, is more than a celebration of a new calendar year; it is a new year for Sabbatical years, a new year for Jubilee years, and a new year for tithing vegetables. Rosh HaShanah is the BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD, the anniversary of creation—a fourfold event… DAY OF SHOFAR BLOWING NEW YEAR’S DAY One of the special features of the Rosh HaShanah prayer [ רֹאשָׁהַש נה] Rosh HaShanah THE DAY OF SHOFAR BLOWING services is the sounding of the shofar (the ram’s horn). The shofar, first heard at Sinai is [זִכְּ רוֹןָׁתְּ רּועה|יוֹםָׁתְּ רּועה] Zikaron Teruah|Yom Teruah THE DAY OF JUDGMENT heard again as a sign of the .coming redemption [יוֹםָׁהַדִ ין] Yom HaDin THE DAY OF REMEMBRANCE THE DAY OF JUDGMENT It is believed that on Rosh [יוֹםָׁהַזִכְּ רוֹן] Yom HaZikaron HaShanah that the destiny of 1 all humankind is recorded in ‘the Book of Life’… “…On Rosh HaShanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, how many will leave this world and how many will be born into it, who will live and who will die.. -
Elul Moon Journal 5781
High Holy Days 5782 Thi El Mo na ls o: High Holy Days 5782 Wel to Elu M or Elul is the last month of our Jewish calendar, the month when we transition from one year to the next. For generations, Jews across the world have spent this month of Elul reflecting on the previous year and thinking ahead to the new one. We invite you to do the same, and present the Elul Moon Journal! This journal invites folks of all ages to lean into the spiritual work of the High Holy Days season and 5782, the new year, with nightly journal prompts or discussion questions, and opportunities to track the moon’s progress through Elul. Journal one night, every night, or something in between. Resd to Pp n Tac t Mo Each evening of Elul corresponds to a page in this journal. The Hebrew dates you see on each page are the dates that begin at sundown those evenings. If the question stirs something in you, respond to it. If you find your pencil moving to a different beat, follow your heart. Feel free to incorporate a combination of writing and drawing. Our ancestors used the phases of the moon to track time. So too can we find meaning in centering ourselves around its waxing and waning. Before or aer your journal entry each night, hold up your paper to a window through which you can see the moon. Then trace it. Over the course of Elul, watch the skies and your journal pages as the moon grows from a sliver at the start to its full position by Rosh HaShanah. -
1 Rabbi David Wolkenfeld ASBI Congregation Nitzavim 5779 Proof
1 Rabbi David Wolkenfeld ASBI Congregation Nitzavim 5779 Proof of Concept I have an annual change in diet between Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur. The asseret yamei teshuvah, the ten days of repentance, for me, are ten days to wean myself off caffeine before Yom Kippur. The Shulchan Arukh also recommends that we change our diets next week: אף מי שאינו נזהר מפת של עכו"ם בעשר' ימי תשובה צריך ליזהר : Even one who normally is not careful to only eat bread baked by someone Jewish, (the highest standard of kashrut and a standard that most of us do not maintain), should do so during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rabbi Moshe Isserles, adds a seemingly unrelated comment: הגה ויש לכל אדם לחפש ולפשפש במעשיו ולשוב מהם בי' ימי תשובה וספק עבירה צריך יותר תשובה מעבירה ודאי כי יותר .מתחרט כשיודע שעשה משאינו יודע ולכן קרבן אשם תלוי הוצרך להיות יותר ביוקר מחטאת “And each individual should examine his actions during the ten days of repentance and a questionable transgression requires more repentance than a certain transgression since it is natural to have more regret from something you know about than for something one does not know about..” The connection between the words of the Shulchan Arukh, written in sixteenth century Tzfat, and the gloss of Rabbi Moshe Isserles, written just a few years later in Krakow is clear yet raises questions. Adopting a higher standard of kashrut for ten days is indeed consistent with the effort to examine one’s actions and one’s conduct and to commit to doing better even in doubtful circumstances. -
The Month of Elul (PDF)
Hear the Shofar! Daily Blasts During Elul Daily Sounding of the Shofar During the Hebrew month of Elul, we sound the shofar every day. These blasts are a “wake-up” call to our spirits, intended to inspire and remind us to engage in the soul searching needed to prepare for the High Holy Days. The sound is also significant as it brings our community together and elevates our Divine spirit. Beginning on the first day of Elul, August 9 and continuing until September 5, we will gather on Zoom every evening (except for Friday evenings, when the shofar will be heard during Shabbat services) at 6:00 pm for a brief message for reflection and to hear the shofar. On Saturdays, we will begin with Havdalah. Please join us on Zoom (no prior registration needed). We will start at 6:00, and the Shofar will be sounded at about 6:05. You may drop in early to shmooze if you wish. Click here to join every evening at 6:00pm! We also invite everyone to help sound the shofar during these gatherings! There are 24 opportunities. If you or a member of your family would like to blow the shofar for us, please contact Lisa Feldman. Daily Emails During the Month of Elul Once again, Ritual Committee members have curated a series of brief readings on the themes of the High Holy Days season. Sign up to receive a short, daily email posing ideas and questions for reflection about the themes of the Days of Awe. Subscriptions were automatically renewed, but if this is new to you, you can subscribe directly in ShulCloud or by sending an email to [email protected]. -
Midway Jewish Center Yamim Nora'im, 5780
MIDWAY JEWISH CENTER YAMIM NORA’IM, 5780 — THE HIGH HOLIDAY GUIDE, 2019 B’rikh Hu—God, who is blessed, is truly far, far beyond all acknowledgement and praise, or any expressions of gratitude or consolation ever spoken in the universe. (From Kaddish for the Yamim Nora’im) May we Be Inscribed for a Year of Peace— May we be Rewritten into a Book of Restoration and Rejuvenation for a Fulfilling & Peaceful New Year! Prepared by Rabbi Perry Raphael Rank 2019 * 5780 GUIDE FOR THE YAMIM NORA’IM, 5780 / Page 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS YAMIM NORA’IM—THESE DAYS ARE AWESOME 3 RABBI RANK’S ARTICLE 4 HOW TO DO THE YAMIM NORA’IM 6 CANDLE LIGHTING FOR ROSH HASHANAH 7 CANDLE LIGHTING FOR YOM KIPPUR 9 PROPER GREETING FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS 10 DRESSING FOR THE YAMIM NORA’IM 11 DIPPING AN APPLE IN HONEY 12 TASHLIKH—CASTING OUR SINS INTO THE WATERS 13 THE TEN DAYS OF REPENTANCE 14 THE ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT SERVICE 15 THE SIX SPECIAL PROHIBITIONS OF YOM KIPPUR 16 SECTIONS OF THE SERVICES EXPLAINED 17 A GLOSSARY 20 BABY SITTING, PRE-SCHOOL, FAMILY, CHILD-ONLY & TEEN SERVICES 23 YIZKOR 24 THE SCHEDULE 25 THE SELIHOT PROGRAM 29 GUIDE TO THE PERFECTLY BEHAVED FAMILY 30 BIRKAT KOHANIM—GETTING BLESSED 31 TASHLIKH 32 BA’ALEI TEKI’AH—CALLING ALL SHOFAR BLOWERS 33 OPERATION ISAIAH—LET’S FEED THOSE IN NEED 34 HOW TO WIN A SUKKAH 35 HOW TO WIN A LULAV & ETORG SET 36 NON-LEATHER SHOES FOR YOM KIPPUR 37 THIS YEAR’S ROSH HASHANAH RECIPE: SPICED POMEGRANATE RICE 38 GUIDE FOR THE YAMIM NORA’IM, 5780 / Page 3 YAMIM NORA’IM—THESE DAYS ARE AWESOME The way we refer to the High Holidays in Hebrew is with the term: Yamim Nora’im (pronounced: ya- MEEM no-ra-EEM). -
Reflections and Table Activities for Yamim Noraim
SHALOM HARTMAN INSTITUTE Reflections and Table Activities for Yamim Noraim By Noam Zion Contents Copyright © 2008 Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem, Israel hartman.org.il | [email protected] Reflections and Table Activities for Yamim Noraim By Noam Zion Table of Contents A. Rosh HaShana: A Time of Critical Self-Reflection Page 3 B. Seder Rosh HaShanah: Symbolic Foods and New Year’s Wishes Page 9 C. L’Shanah Tova Cards – Wishing Others Well Page 13 D. Tashlich Page 16 E. Yom Kippur: Personal Selichot: A Moment of Reconciliation with Our Families and Friends Page 17 F. Reviewing the Rules for Fasting and Eating on Yom Kippur Page 18 G. Kapparot and Scapegoats – Exchanging Coins for Chickens Page 24 H. Kol Nidrei – Canceling Promises Page 26 Contents Copyright © 2008 Shalom Hartman Institute, Jerusalem, Israel 2 hartman.org.il | [email protected] A. Rosh HaShana: A Time of Critical Self-Reflection Rabbi Marshall Meyer (activist for human rights in Argentina under the antisemitic, repressive government of the 1970’s) 1 “Rosh HaShanah initiates the Aseret Yimei Teshuvah commonly translated as the ‘Ten Days of Repentance.’ I would like to suggest that for these days to have a new dimension of meaning we translate them as the ‘Ten Days of Searching, Twisting and Turning,’ of wrestling with our souls and trying desperately to find new meaning to our existence.” Hannah Senesh’s Diary- October 11, 1940 (young Hungarian kibbutznik who volunteered as a Jewish paratrooper and spy for the British Army and the Hagana to drop behind Nazi lines in Hungary, -
Significant Times and Dates
Significant Times and Dates Festivals The Jewish Calendar Jewish holidays or festivals (yamim tovim) are holidays observed by Jews throughout the Hebrew calendar and include religious, cultural, and national aspects. Some are derived from Biblical mitzvot (commandments), others from rabbinic mandates, while others commemorate Jewish history and the history of the State of Israel. All Jewish holidays begin the evening before the date specified. This is because a Jewish day begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight. (It is inferred from the story of creation in Genesis, where it says, “And there was evening, and there was morning, one day”.) Jewish holidays occur on the same dates every year in the Hebrew calendar, but the dates vary in the Gregorian calendar. This is because the Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar (based on the cycles of both the moon and sun), whereas the Gregorian calendar is only a solar calendar. The Jewish calendar is primarily lunar, with each month beginning on the new moon. There are approximately 12.4 lunar months in every solar year, so a 12- month lunar calendar loses about 11 days every year. To prevent the “drifting” of months and holy days, Hillel II, in the fourth century, established a fixed calendar based on mathematical and astronomical calculations. This calendar, still in use today, realigned the lunar calendar with the solar years. Holidays of biblical and rabbinic (Talmudic) origin include Q The Sabbath Q Rosh Chodesh—The New Month Q Rosh Hashanah—The Jewish New Year Q Aseret Yemei Teshuva—Ten -
Elul 5777 the Fifteen Steps of Ascent
Elul 5777 The Fifteen Steps of Ascent Elul is a month of reflection and introspection in preparation for the High Holy Days. We examine every aspect of our lives, looking deeply into corners neglected and perhaps avoided. This month builds up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, on the afternoon of which the priests would climb 15 steps to the Temple to enter the Holy of Holies. These 15 steps provide for us a journey of preparation to enter the Holy Days. Our new mahzor (holiday prayer book) contains a section of the afternoon service that meditates on each of these 15 steps. You can find this section in the Yom Kippur volume, beginning on page 450. Because the amazing wealth of options in the new book, we will not be using this section during our afternoon services. Therefore, we will use them during Elul to help us prepare. 1 How to use this Packet: The purpose of this packet is to stir insight and provide a forum for self-examination. The following guidelines are suggestions, but the overall goal is most important to keep in mind: that this packet prepares you for the challenge and opportunity of the Days of Awe. The daily reflection questions in this packet are intended for introspection and reaction. To assist in this effort, this year the NVHC clergy will offer reflections on our website (www.nvhcreston.org) and during Torah Talk. We challenge you to find ways daily for introspection and reflection. A daily practice during the month of Elul will help you to consider your life at this moment and where you want to be in the future. -
The Month of Elul Is the Last Month of the Jewish Civil Year
The Jewish Month of Elul A Month of Mercy and Forgiveness Hodesh haRahamin vehaSelihot The month of Elul is the last month of the Jewish civil year. However, according to the biblical Calendar, it is also the sixth month, counting from Nisan which is called the “first of the months” in the Torah (Ex. 12:2). This document explores the spirituality of Elul for Jews and Judaism. Etz Hayim—“Tree of Life” Publishing “It is a Tree of Life to all who hold fast to It” (Prov. 3:18) The Month of Elul The month of Elul1 is the last month of the Jewish civil year. However, according to the biblical Calendar, it is also the sixth month, counting from Nisan which is called the “first of the months” in the Torah (Ex. 12:2). Elul precedes the month of Tishrei (called the seventh month, Numbers 29:1). Placed as the last of the months and followed by the New Year, Elul invites an introspective reflection on the year that has been. Elul begins the important liturgical season of Return and Repentance which culminates with Rosh HaShanah,2 the Days of Awe3 and Yom Kippur4 (1-10 Tishrei). Elul takes its place as an important preparation time for repentance. Elul follows the months of Tammuz and Av, both catastrophic months for Israel according to tradition. Tammuz is remembered as the month in which the people of Israel built the Golden Calf (Ex. 32) and Av, the month of the sin of the spies (Num. 13). The proximity of Tammuz and Av to Elul underscores the penitential mode of this, the last of the months, before the new beginning and spiritual re-creation that is precipitated with the New Year beginning the following month of Tishrei. -
Shabbat Service for the Month of Elul
SUMMER SHABBAT SERVICE Hineih mah tov u'mah na-im shevet achim gam yachad. How good and how pleasant it is that brothers and sisters dwell together. (Psalm 133:1) 3 Our sages teach: Wherever ten Jews live They must set up a building where they can come together to pray. Such a place is called a Beit K’nesset – A house of Assembly, a Synagogue. 4 And so we learn: Wherever ten gather in prayer, The Divine Presence is among them. There is holiness in community, For in community we meet the Holy One. Hineh Mah Tov – how good it is to be together. How good to gather as one people, Before our God, who cherishes the uniqueness Of each soul. Hineh Mah Tov – precious is the gift of community, Blessed the joy of gathering. In the beginning: emptiness and chaos; A great darkness over the deep. The Spirit of God moved over the waters. Explosion of light – The long chain of emerging life; Behold: it was very good. These candles evoke the very first light. Out of the darkness came reason, purpose, 11 Consciousness of beauty; The power to discern and do what is right. Let us hold the light in our hearts. Let us bring it with us to the darkest corners of creation. Where there is pain and fear, let us offer the light of love. 10 Candle Blessing Baruch atah, Adonai Eloheinu, Melech Haolam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav, v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir shel Shabbat. Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Sovereign of the universe, who hallows us with mitzvot, commanding us to kindle the light of Shabbat. -
High Holy Days Temple Solel
Reflect, Renew, Repent Rejoice join us for the High Holy Days at Temple Solel Dear Friends,,, As summer winds down and back-to-school season approaches, so, too, do the High Holy Days. With all our running around shopping, planning, and preparing, it’s easy to forget some of the basic tenets that guide us through this season. So this year, instead of a pamphlet full of boring rules and regulations, we want to give you a fresh spin on the upcoming holidays with fun facts, little-known trivia, interesting history, delicious recipes, and creative family projects. We hope this gives you an opportunity to slow down and reflect on the past year in the month leading up to the new year, renew your energy on Rosh Hashanah, take stock of your soul on Yom Kippur, and rejoice in the richness of our bounty and Torah on Sukkot and Simchat Torah. We wish you a healthy, sweet, prosperous, and above all, meaningful Shanah Tovah! The Temple Solel Board,,Clergy, and Staff Jeffrey K. Salkin, D.Min. Senior Rabbi Israel Rosen, D.M. Robert P. Frazin, D.D. Cantor Rabbi Emeritus David Topping Frida Ziegler President Director of Business Administration Dr. Jason Adler Fran Mishler Immediate Past President Religious School Director Gina Korda Chen Ben Shabat-Levi V.P Fundraising Youth Group Coordinator Dr. Robb Wilentz Anita Lorenz V.P Education Clergy Administrative Assistant Arieh Davidoff Johanna Matlow V.P. Membership Sisterhood Co-President Walter Hollander Nicole Millman Financial Secretary Sisterhood Co-President Dr. Scott Lewis Daniel Matlow Recording Secretary Brotherhood President Reflect The Month of Elul Your To Do List, Make time every day for personal The start of the Jewish New Year is a great time for reflection, prayer and meditation. -
Halachos of the 9 Days
62 BRENT STREET, LONDON NW4 2ES הרב דוד טוגענדהאפט שליט"א WWW.BHNY.SHULCLOUD.COM Halachos of the 9 Days Adapted and modified From “Guidelines to the Three Weeks” by Rabbi Elozor Barclay and Rabbi Yitzchok Jaeger 1. Overview 2. Laundry in the 9 Days. 3. Making and Buying Clothes During the 9 Days. 4. Eating Meat and Drinking Wine during the Nine Days 5. Bathing during the Nine Days Overview Which types of improvements to one’s When do the laws of the nine days home are forbidden? commence? It is forbidden to do any building or At nightfall on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Av. construction work that is unnecessary for basic According to some opinions, the laws dwelling. For example, one may not build a commence at sunset. vacation home or an extension to one’s home. It is also forbidden to paint or decorate the What is forbidden during the nine days? home, or replace curtains, cabinets etc. All forms of rejoicing are forbidden. One must May one make repairs to a house? also refrain from certain activities as a sign of mourning. The main restrictions are: All repairs and basic upkeep of the house are permitted. If walls have been damaged by Making improvements to one’s home mold or dampness, they may be repaired but or garden. not painted. Laundering. Wearing new or laundered clothing. Laundering during the Nine Days Making or buying new clothes. Eating meat or drinking wine. What is included in the prohibition of Bathing for pleasure. laundering? Whoever refrains from rejoicing during the first Adults’ clothing may not be laundered or dry- ten days of Av will merit to witness ten cleaned, even if the clothing will not be worn miraculous changes that will occur at the end until after Tisha b’Av.