with Rabbi Bridget Wynne
How Do I Prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
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| Return, Reflect, Remember |
The Jewish High Holidays – Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur – take place this year on Tuesday, September 30 and Thursday, October 9, respectively. Like all Jewish holidays, they officially begin at sunset on the evening before. If you have a question for our experts about the holidays, or any issues about family life and relationships between people of different faith, please email us at bridges@sfjcf.org.
The first general principle I have in terms of doing Jewish things is to make it a matter of what you can do. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. This principle applies as well to preparing for and celebrating Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
When I think about these holidays, three “R’s” come to mind: return, reflect and remember. For me, return means returning to our core values and principles – those that we want to live our lives by. Once we’ve considered these values, it’s time to reflect on how to put them into action within the reality of our busy lives. And we remember those we’ve lost and think about how we can honor what was important to them.
Taking small steps – that is taking on things that are manageable – is the approach that I suggest when dealing with the High Holidays. For example, going to services is a good thing to do, but it’s not the only thing. If services aren’t for you, I would look for activities to do with your family that connect with the three “R’s.” For example, set aside time to sit together and talk about what you believe in as a family and what you can do to express that belief.
The holidays come at a transition time in our secular lives. We’re moving from summer and vacation time, to the school/work year. It’s a season to reorganize our lives and our homes. When you organize your household, you may find things that you can bring to a homeless shelter. You might seek out a volunteer activity you can commit to as a family.
In the area of Jewish ritual, again I suggest finding ways that are manageable and have meaning to you. Tashlich is a ritual that many people find meaningful. On the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, go to a body of water and toss pebbles or breadcrumbs that represent things you’d like to cast away into the water. Most synagogues do tashlich and you can participate whether or not you’re a member.
At Jewish Gateways, we try to help people find the way to observe the holidays that is appropriate for them. If people want to go to a service, I talk it through with them. Are they looking for a family friendly service?… one with music… with lots of Hebrew, or little Hebrew? Many synagogues require tickets, and if you can’t afford them, or are simply uncomfortable contacting a congregation, I can help you. If you’re hesitant to attend services alone, we can arrange for a “buddy.”
For those who would like to attend High Holiday events that are celebratory, but not synagogue based, Jewish Gateways provides an option. At our Rosh Hashanah seders, we eat ritual foods and talk about the issues Rosh Hashanah brings up. On Yom Kippur we hold a workshop with quiet time to reflect on the year, discussion and singing. Free childcare is provided on both holidays.
For any questions or more information about making your High Holiday plans, please don't hesitate to contact me by phone or email.
Have a warm and wonderful holiday.
Rabbi Bridget Wynne founded Jewish Gateways in June 2006 to provide hospitality to Jews, their family members, and others interested in Judaism and to help them learn about Judaism and connect to Jewish life and community. Contact Jewish Gateways at www.jgate.org or 510.559.8140.
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