Wishing You an Easy Fast

And while you cleanse your body in search of spiritual clarity, please remember those who go without food and bring a food donation for the St. Hugh Food Pantry.  May you have an easy fast.

Wishing You a Sweet New Year

And please remember our annual Food Drive for St. Hugh’s food pantry.

 

They need non-perishable foods, and preferably not in glass bottles.

 

Items like:

 

Peanut butter and jelly

Tuna fish

Pasta

Pasta sauce

Rice

Beans

Canned fruit

TP and paper towels

Cookies and crackers

 

Wishing you a happy and a healthy New Year!

Slichot Services 8pm

Slichot Saturday, August 31 at 8 pm

 

T'shuvah, the act of "turning" or transformation, is a spiritual process that takes time, patience, discipline, and honesty. The Jewish tradition recognizes this by designating the month preceding the High Holy Days (the month of Elul) as preparation for T'shuvah. It's a time to talk less and think more, to take stock and examine oneself. In Hebrew this process is called cheshbon hanefesh, literally, the "accounting of the soul." Only when emotional and psychological preparation has been done, can we truly begin the process of "turning" back to the Divine and back to our true selves.

In synagogues special penitential prayers called Slichot are recited during Elul. On Saturday, August 31 at 8:30 pm we will hold our annual Slichot service. Rosh Hashanah will be less than a week away.

Starting with the recitation of the Slichot prayers we begin asking ourselves great questions: "Where am I? Who am I? What are my regrets? Can repairs be made? What changes do I need to make?"

This is the beginning of our Holy season. As we unite in prayer, we strengthen ourselves for the spiritual work ahead of us. As T'shuvah gathers force within us, we are propelled toward the Days of Awe, confronting not only who we have been, but also who we might yet become.

Our Slichot prayers also contain a special Healing Service in which we pray for ourselves, our loved ones, and all who are struggling with illness.

Cantor Judy Merrick will be joining us and this is a wonderful opportunity to meet her.

Shannah tova tikuteyvu 

Rabbi Arthur

PS. Everyone is invited to bring refreshments.

High Holidays Schedule for 2013

 

 

New Forum on the Middle East - August 10th

Turmoil in the Middle East: What the Media Won't Tell You

Egypt, Syria, Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan! Why are they fighting amongst themselves?   Learn what's really happening.

Forum on Saturday, August 10 following Torah Study and Services at 10:00. With our own Nissim.

High Holidays are EARLY this year!

The Blessing of Peace

When the blessing of shalom

Is lacking,

However much we have

Of other blessings –

Wealth or power,

Fame or family,

 

Even health –

They all appear as nothing.

 

But when shalom

Is present,

However little else we have

Somehow seems

Sufficient.

 

 

Herschel Matt from Kol Haneshamah: Shabbat Vehagim – our Reconstructionist Prayer Book