We want to invite our congregants to have the following items handy during our High Holy Day Services:
-
- Bring a yahrzeit candle and 2 candles for the Yom Tov to light with Rabbi Jen at the start of Kol Nidre, and wear a tallis if you have one (only the evening service a tallit is worn by the congregation).
- Shofar for the end of Yom Kippur (Neilah) so we can all sound our shofarot at the same time, even though we will stay muted
- Havdalah candle and wine/juice and Kiddush cup for the ending of Yom Kippur (Neilah)
-
Yom Kippur Food Drive – We will be collecting bags of food on Yom Kippur this year to be donated to the IFC. You can also drop off bags at the office between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
- Interfaith Council
- Porch Chapel Hill
- Mazon
- Feeding America
- TABLE
-
Meditation for Ones who cannot Fast on Yom Kippur
Ribbono shel Olam/Master of the Universe;
Creator of All, Source of All Life,
Who Knows What is Deep in Human Hearts,
Who Nurtures Every Living Being:
As You know, dear God,
Yom Kippur is fast approaching, and because of my condition,
I am not able to keep the traditional fast –
I cannot abstain totally from eating.
On this Day of Atonement, this Sabbath of Sabbaths,
this year and every year,
it is so central to join the people of Israel
in denying ourselves food and drink for one day
so that we focus on correcting our misdeeds,
on knowing our mortality;
on reaching for a life of Torah, mitzvot, and lovingkindness;
on You.
You know, dear God, that it is not my intent
to be apart from our people and our tradition.
My current state of health makes it unsuitable for me to fast
So, dear God, I turn to You now in sincerity and openness:
Help me in the coming year to do my best in guarding my health.
Help us, Your children, learn how to protect our bodies from harm.
Help us support others in caring for their tzelem Elokim, their Image of God.
Teach us to help one another grow and thrive in Body, Mind, and Spirit.
Guide caring family and health care professionals in their partnering with you
to bring healing if not cure, support and strength if not an end to symptoms.
And if there is an opportunity for me to help others who suffer
by doing something they need or by being attentive company –
Grant me the ability to do this mitzvah with love and devotion.
Rofeh khol basar/Healer of all living creatures:
I thank You for the breath that is in me
for the community of Israel that lives
for the possibilities of today and tomorrow.
May my eating be as a fast;
May it be dedicated to You, to T’shuvah –
to the Renewal and Restoration of my Relationship
to You, to Others, and to Myself.
Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, LMSW
© 2005/5765
