As we approach the New Year of 5787, we gather. We gather to reflect on the way the past year has shaped, strained and changed us. We gather to reconnect with rituals that ground us, with traditions that teather us to generations both past and future, and with dear friends and community reminding us that we are, none of us, alone. And we gather to restore ourselves with spiritual and social nourishment, with the voices of the Makaylah and the calls of the shofar, with the healing service and presentations by the Adult Study havurah, with breadcrumbs tossed into flowing water, reminding us of all we are ready to let go, and with bagels, lox, & conversation at the break-fast – ready to begin the New Year with renewed energy, resilience, and joy.

In addition to Rabbi Alanna, Josh McHugh will be returning as cantorial soloist on the 1st day of Rosh HaShanah on Yom Kippur, with Debbie DeKalb serving as director of our Makaylah. Rabbi Erin will lead the Youth-Centric services with Dave Levinson (of 3 Part Harmony fame) and Ezra Sherman playing guitar. Carolyn Savitzky and Cheryl Berson will co-lead those services. We will again have high holiday activities for children as well as childcare.

We are proud that so many hands and voices go into creating and leading the High Holidays in our community. Congregant participation enriches our holiday observances. The following pages describe volunteer opportunities and service honors. We encourage you to select a meaningful way to participate. Board members will soon follow up with new year’s greetings and additional honors and volunteer needs.

Finally, please spread the word that there are no required entrance fees or tickets again this year. While we always appreciate donations, our priority is to welcome friends, family and prospective members to enjoy the Or Hadash High Holiday experience with us. Reservations are strongly encouraged.