Shabbat Shalom GRJC
Weekly Emails to the Congregation
Parshat Ha'azinu 2007
Shana Tovah to the GRJC family,
Rosh Hashanah is coming soon.
The sounds of the shofar and singing, and the smells of the round
challahs are already filling the halls of the synagogue.
Wednesday evening is the first night of Rosh Hashanah, and we will
gather for a late Mincha/Afternoon service at 7:30 PM, followed by
Ma’ariv/Evening service.
Today, September 11th, is a day of reflection and solemnity that
connects us to the High Holiday theme of “zichronot”, remembrance.
It is a day when we look to the past, through photographs and
stories, and through the memories that haunt us, about that day in
2001 when nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in New York and at
the Pentagon. Six years after this tragedy, we find
ourselves continuing to think about what we can do to help those
who suffered, and to prevent hatred and violence from hurting
others. Keeping their memories alive is an important part of
this effort.
Our services for the two days of Rosh Hashanah will begin at 8:45
AM. We will gather on the afternoon of the first day, at 5
PM, for Tashlich at the Duck Pond in the County Park.
The second day of Rosh Hashanah takes us right up to the beginning
of Shabbat Shuvah, the “Shabbat of Return.” “Return”
reflects the process of teshuvah that we go through during this
time of year. Teshuvah is a means of reflecting on our lives
over the past year and seeking to develop a deeper self-awareness
and to better relate to others. It is a spiritual activity
that will hopefully lead us to both asking for and granting
forgiveness.
On Shabbat we will read Parshat Ha’azinu. Ha’azinu is almost
all a poem, except for some verses at the end. At the end of
last week’s reading, God told Moses to write this poem and teach
it to the people. God hopes the people will remember it
after they have settled in the Promised Land. God hopes they
will remember it and be reminded of how God both protects and
judges the people.
Friday night services will begin at 8 PM, and Saturday morning
services will begin at 9 AM.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Saturday evening, Sep. 15th, at 7:30 – HAVDALAH AND DESSERT –
OPEN HOUSE – Join us for a brief Havdalah (End of Shabbat)
service, dessert, and a chance to meet new people and prospective
members. Open to everyone—a family friendly event!
2. There will be Hebrew School on Sunday, September 16th.
For all those who will be traveling for the Holidays, have safe
journeys and a meaningful New Year. For all those who will
be joining us at the GRJC, I look forward to wishing you a Shana
Tovah, a good New Year, in person.
May this New Year be a year full of good health, blessings, and
reasons to give thanks.
Shanah Tovah,
Rabbi Tow
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