Rosh Hashanah ("Head of the Year") marks the beginning of our ten-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance, finishing on the fast day of Yom Kippur. We commonly refer to these ten days as the High Holy Days or Days of Awe.
As well as being a time of joy and celebration, Rosh Hashanah is a deeply religious occasion. Our customs and symbols of Rosh Hashanah reflect this holiday's dual emphasis of happiness and humility. Special customs observed on Rosh Hashanah include; the sounding of the shofar, using round challah, eating apples and honey (and other sweet foods) for a sweet new year.
We, as Jews, are told, “the tenth day of the seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: You shall practice self-denial." Fasting is seen as fulfilling this biblical commandment. The Yom Kippur fast also enables us to put aside our physical desires and to concentrate on our spiritual needs through prayer, repentance and self-improvement. It is customary in the days before Yom Kippur for us to seek out friends and family whom we may have wronged and personally ask for their forgiveness.
This year we, the family of Temple Beth Shalom, need to come together in communal observance of the Days of Awe in our Temple. This is where we find each other to renew our fellowship and reaffirm our faith. We have a wonderful guest cantor (Cantor Donna Faye Marcus of Atlanta) joining Rabbi Rubinger for the services. Many Torah portions will be read by our own congregants (Dr. Taub, Marty Schwartz, and others). As always, several “Gates of Prayer” readings are also done by congregants. The experience will be rewarding.
Surely you won’t forget that special sweet oneg on Erev Rosh Hashanah, or the fabulous break-the-fast at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
Looking forward to seeing and greeting you all for the Holidays.
Hatikvah,
Joe Switt, President
| President: | Joe Switt |
| Vice Presidents: | Steve Lande Shifra Schacher |
| Treasurer: | Stan Stein |
| Recording Secretary: |
Dee Berger |
| Corresponding Secretary: |
Barbara Shaub |
| Directors: | Michele Kolsky Michael Kroiter Brent Malever Meryl Peters Irene Plow Harvey Taub Julie Rochlin Ted Schwimmer |
| Ex-0fficio: | Marty Schwartz |
| Sisterhood Representative: |
Mildred Olstein Betsy Brody |
| Religious School Administrator: |
Steven Boetger |
| OCAFTY/NFTY: | Lauren Taub |