In this exceptional time, we have set out a vision for a meaningful spiritual experience for the High Holy Day period. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and Jewish tradition that we seek to find connection and continuity in the face of unexpected challenges and social distancing. We feel blessed to be able to celebrate and honor these Days of Awe with our kehillah and guests.

Neveh Shalom is an open and egalitarian community. Our services are led by Rabbi David Kosak, Rabbi Eve Posen, Cantor Eyal Bitton, and Ilene Safyan, along with lay-led leaders. We welcome all to experience the New Year with Neveh Shalom.

Note that our HHD experience will largely happen using online platforms this year, with some in-person opportunities. We will utilize a mix of Zoom, video, and live-stream. Please explore this webpage or utilize our High Holy Days booklet for more information.

Click here for more information: https://nevehshalom.org/hhd5781/

2nd Day Rosh Hashanah Learning Experiences

10:30am: Chadesh Yameinu K’Kedem: Renew Our Days as of Old Rabbi David Kosak
There’s a haunting line in the High Holiday liturgy we usually sing together—“Re- turn us God, and we will be returned. Renew our days as of old.” The notion of renewing us like we were seems a bit paradoxical—and timely. We are in a pe- riod of rapid change, and yet many of us long for a return to the “old” ways we used to gather and interact. We will reflect on this line of liturgy, study commen- taries and texts, and discuss what renewal might mean for each of us.

11:30am: Chazak, Chazak v’Nitchazek Mel Berwin
Let’s dive into our theme for the year by looking at new and surprising texts. What does it take to be strong and to strengthen others? How does our ap- proach to the cycle of Torah reading relate to our lives and to the holy days at hand?

12:30pm: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story Amy Katz
The theme song of Hamilton asks us to ponder: What have we done with the time that we have been granted? What is the legacy we leave? This theme so closely mirrors the powerful prayer “who shall live and who shall die?” In this interactive workshop, we will consider the stories we’ve lived and watched during this time of unrest, and use texts from both tradition and the musical to find comfort and inspiration as we consider how to fully engage in the narrative of our lives.