Being in a community feels very important to us at this time of year. Jewish prayers traditionally are said in groups, but during Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and the associated services, praying together feels particularly important. Many Leyv Ha-Ir-niks are working to prepare a wonderful, enriching, and nurturing High Holy Day experience for the many friends who come to our services. There is a lot to be done behind the scenes, but we're happy to do it.

We are looking forward to seeing you at the Ethical Society for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and throughout the year. Remember to register and to come early!

L'shanah tovah,

Bobbi, Roby and Iris N.

Your Executive Committee

Dear Chevre,

I am glad to experience the first hints of fall and to know that a New Year is just around the corner. This month of Elul, our time of soul searching and preparation for fresh starts, I'd like to offer up a beautiful Hebrew term that is found in Pirkey Avot, the Wisdom of the Ancestors and is discussed throughout Jewish literature.

The term is l'chaf zechut, best be translated as "giving the benefit of the doubt." Our sages taught that we should judge ourselves and each other in the same way we want to be judged, that is, kindly, with compassion, with the benefit of the doubt.

As you enter this holy time leading toward the High Holy Days, you might want to reflect on how kind you are within yourself...are you able to talk soothingly and gently to yourself or are you a vicious inner critic? Be your own best champion!

It is also a time to reflect on how kind you are in your assessment of others. Are you able to hold an attitude of l'chaf zechut whereby you understand that everyone has hardships in their lives and that we are each doing the best we can.

I hope this will be a year of integrating the concept of l'chaf zechut, of gentle judgments, within ourselves, within our community and beyond.

Much love,

Rabbi Julie

It's that time of year again!

That's right, the High Holy Days are upon us and we truly look forward to worshipping and celebrating with you. Here is some important information to enhance your High Holy Days experience with us:

1. Registration - for security and planning purposes we ask that everyone register on our website, or call us at 215.629.1995. This will also speed up the check-in process upon arrival. If you cannot register in advance, photo ID will be requested for security.   
2. Arrive early - our auditorium tends to fill up at the most popular services and times. You are always welcome but will probably find it more meaningful if you are sitting comfortably in the main space.   
3. Parking - we have several options for you:
   Parking permits for limited on-street parking will be available at the Ethical Society Building. Bring your parking ticket to services to be stamped at the Ethical Society desk to receive the discount. Discounted parking is available at: 
   EZ Park - 2101 Chestnut Street in the River West Condo Garage, $9 after 5PM and weekends, $14 for weekdays
   Central Parking - 2040 E. Rittenhouse St., $8 flat rate up to 12 hours, limited parking available
   Parkway Corporation - 1845 Walnut St., $13 flat rate up to 6 hours   
4. Yom Kippur Break Fast - each year we have a community break fast to which everyone is welcome. It is best to include this in your registration if you plan to attend so we can be sure to have enough food for all.   
5. Contributions - while we gladly open our services and break fast to all without a formal charge, we do rely on generous contributions from our larger community in order to sustain our activities. There will be forms and envelopes available at services, or you can contribute using a credit card or PayPal. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.   

6. Prayer Books - if you have your own High Holy Day machzur (prayer book), please bring it and keep it with you.  

Do you know someone who is curious about Jewish fundamentals? Excited about including Jewish elements in family life?

Here is a welcoming, informative introduction in a five session series with Rabbi Julie Greenberg, beginning Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Gershman Y on Broad St. This is a great way for people new to Judaism who want to deepen their Jewish understanding and meet others on the same path. It is also a good way to develop a relationship with a Rabbi. The sessions are $25 each or $125 for the series. Please help spread the word! For more information and to register, please contact:

Wendy Armon

Managing Director

InterFaithways

Interfaith Family Support Network

215-207-0990

www.interfaithways.org

May These Souls be Bound in the Book of Eternal Light:

Registration is open for House of Study. If you know children aged 10 - 13 who would like to join our Sunday evening one-room-schoolhouse for joyful Jewish learning, please send them to www.rabbijuliegreenberg.com. 

Thank you!

For our first Bagels & Books Discussion Group of the year, a record 28 people converged at Laura Jacobs' home for a discussion led by Rabbi Julie about Maggie Anton's trilogy, Rashi's Daughters.  

Not only was the discussion exciting and enlightening, but also the food was scrumptious!

Rashi's Daughters is a tri-part historical novel about the three daughters of the Talmudic scholar Rashi, who lived in 11th century France and had no sons. At a time when most women were illiterate, Rashi brazenly taught his daughters Talmud.

Here are just a few comments from the animated discussion:

• "I felt transported me back in time to Jewish medieval cultures."  
• "It amazes me that medieval superstitions were so similar to those of my Bubbie's!"  
• "I learned so much about the Talmud and Jewish practices still alive today."  
• "I was surprisingly enlightened about Jewish ritual, romance and sexual relations from the Talmud."

Stay tuned for information about our next Bagels & Books!

And Have a Happy New Year, 

Margie Wiener

To Post a Message - just send an email to leyvhair@npogroups.org.

Leyv Ha-Ir Event Postings - will be posted by Beverly Hayden using the information on our web calendar.

Other Event Postings - You can post information about other events or information of interest by sending an email to leyvhair@npogroups.org.

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