HIGH HOLY DAYS 5781

Dear Friends,
 
The year 2020 has been a very difficult year for virtually everyone. That said, it was particularly difficult for our community which clearly thrives on personal contact and connection. My concern was that social distancing and the pandemic itself could unravel the tightest-knit community. Looking back at the past months it's now evident that we've not only adjusted, we also created a new model that will sustain us until we can safely reopen our building. This was accomplished through collaboration, hard work, and the recognition that if we stick together and make the necessary adjustments, Kehillah will remain strong. As we approach 5781 I can only marvel at how harmoniously our community has reacted and adapted. We did it and we will continue to do so! I'm very proud of the Kehillah community. 
 
We look forward to sharing High Holy Days with you via YouTube. Rabbi Sharfman will be coming to you live from our sanctuary. Services will include stunningly beautiful pre-recorded music from our choir. The YouTube links are below. In the meantime please subscribe to our YouTube channel, Congregation Kehillah Cave Creek and familiarize yourself on how to use and navigate YouTube. It is quite simple and no login or passwords are required.
 
On behalf of Rabbi Sharfman, Renee Joffe, the Board of Directors and myself, we wish you and your families a Happy, Healthy, and Sweet New Year. 
 
L’Shalom,
 
Gil Blumenthal
President, Congregation Kehillah
YouTube links

Here are the links to where you will find the LIVE streamed services:
 
Erev Rosh Hashanah will go LIVE
on Friday, September 18th at 7:30 pm
 
Rosh Hashanah morning service will go LIVE
on Saturday, September 19th at 10:00 am


Tips to enjoy services

First, consider your environment
Choose a spot in your home that's comfortable for all.
Can you all see the screen easily?
How's the temperature and lighting?
Put your cellphones and other devices in another room.
Why not move some favorite Judaica items or precious photos close by?


Next, "What are you wearing?"
We hope you'll dress up, or wear something special! It is the High Holy Days, after all.
Wear your talit on the morning of Rosh Hashanah, for Kol Nidre, and for Yom Kippur, as well as a kippah for all services.


Finally, be present
Engage.
E.M. Forster said, "only connect."
Moses said, "Hineni," Here I am.
Follow along with Machzorim and sing and pray from your heart. "The energy you put out there matters," Rabbi Sharfman has said. You will be changed by it, Kehillah will be changed by it, and Klal Yisrael will be changed by your heartfelt participation.


Haftarah

This year we will not be chanting the Haftarah live during the service, but you may read it in your Machzorim after the service. We are providing you with the blessing for before the Haftarah reading; an introduction to the Haftarah, recorded by Rabbi; and the blessing for after the Haftarah.

Thank you to Isaac Hemmert and Jared Erman for the videos.

The Haftarah links will be available for viewing on Thursday, September 17th,
at 9:15 am.
 
Isaac Hemmert chanting the blessing before Rosh Hashanah Haftarah
 
Rabbi Sharfman’s introduction to Rosh Hashanah morning Haftarah
 
Jared Erman chanting the blessing after Rosh Hashanah Haftarah
If you have any questions, please contact Renee before Thursday so we can make sure everyone is able to view services comfortably.
 
Contact information for Renee:
 
Telephone: 602-369-7667

We look forward to sharing
High Holy Days 5781 with you.