Today we welcome the New Hebrew month of Elul.  It is the last Hebrew month before Rosh Hashanah and our new Jewish Year of 5774.  It is fearful to think that another year has almost come and gone so quickly. In Judaism, we are meant to prepare for the New Year by engaging in the work of self-reckoning and return.  We aim to address the ways in which we have strayed from our ideals or caused damage to our relationships in the year gone by and to get back on track.  To assist you in the work of return during this month of Elul, Cantor Thomas has organized a "Fuel for Elul" program.  We hope you'll join us for these engaging events as we prepare for the New Year that lies ahead.

Read Rabbi Judy's Monthly Middah Guide on Teshuvah - Return

Face to Face with our Mortality: A Study of High Holy Day Prayers with Cantor Mary
     Sunday, August 11th, 10:00am - Bagels, Coffee, and Learning - Join Cantor Mary for a tour of the High Holiday prayer book. This is the most traditional learning of our Fuel for Elul offerings. We will explore the major themes and ideas of the holiday using the prayer book as our guide. RSVP by Wednesday August 7th by calling 704-749-3070. $5 suggested donation to cover the cost of breakfast.

Shofar For Everyone: Prepare to Have Your Mind Blown with Rabbi Jonathan
     Wednesday, August 14th, 7:00pm - Sounding Shofar is easy! Join Rabbi Jonathan for an easy tutorial in making the clarion call of the holidays. We will have shofarot on hand for you to use, but BYO shofar is welcomed!

Sacred Season, Sacred Sounds: An Open Choir Rehearsal with Cantor Bernard
     Tuesday, August 20th, 7:30pm - Come and listen to a rehearsal of our dedicated High Holy Day choir. From 7:30 to 8:30pm, Cantor Bernard will teach about the music of our holiday season as he prepares the choir for their awesome task. Refreshments will be served at 8:30pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your appreciation of our musical tradition and our synagogue musicians. RSVP by August 13th by calling 704-749-3070. Donations encouraged to cover the cost of refreshments.

     Wednesday, August 28th, 6:00-9:00pm at Temple Israel - It is tradition to immerse in the mikvah at times of great transition in our lives, including each year as the High Holy Days approach. After a month of preparation and in the days before Rosh Hashanah, come and participate in this transformative ritual. Rabbis Schindler and Freirich will each guide participants through the brief ritual of immersion, one at a time. In an adjacent space, Candace Naliboff and Avie Goodman will host social time with food and drink. Enjoy the company of friends old and new alongside the private transformation of mikvah.

     RSVP by August 19th by calling 704-749-3070 to ensure we have enough time for each person to use the mikvah. Depending on participation, time slots may be assigned. The cost to participate is $18, which will cover the mikvah fee to Temple Israel and refreshments.

May the upcoming New Year of 5774 fill your lives with health and joy,

 

Rabbi Judy