October 3, 2022
Preparing for Yom Kippur - from Rabbi Jonah Layman
Yom Kippur is considered to be the holiest day in the year. It is a day during which we devote hours upon hours in the synagogue focusing our prayers on apology and repentance. If done with sincerity we may feel that our prayers have been heard and that we feel cleansed. There are a few practices unique to Yom Kippur that enhance our ability to focus on the serious spiritual task.
Fasting - This is the most important aspect of the day. By fasting we recognize that our spiritual journey is that much more difficult. We refrain from eating and drinking for 25 hours (from 6:30pm Tuesday Oct 4 - 7:27pm Wednesday Oct 5). However, if you have to take medicine and/or are under doctor's orders to eat and drink then you MUST do so. The prayers of Yom Kippur are still effective if you must eat and drink.
No Leather - In ancient times leather products were seen as luxurious. On Yom Kippur we want to feel humble. Therefore we refrain from wearing leather shoes and instead wear canvas or other material. You may also wish to wear white, even a kittel - a white robe - in honor of the sanctity of the day.
Light candles - It is traditional to light candles for Yom Kippur and to light a yartzeit candle for each member of the family who has passed. We do that before coming to shul. Click here for the blessings.
Donate food - Bring a box or can of non-perishable food with you to shul that will be donated to Olney Help or to the Capital Kosher Pantry. See this link and go to the last page to see what you can donate. Our fast becomes more meaningful when we know that we can help the poor in the community.
Martyrology and Study Session - One of the sections added to the service on Yom Kippur is the martyrology in which we remember those who were killed over the centuries. I will be focusing that service this year on the Israeli athletes killed by Palestinian terroists at the Munich Olympics 50 years ago.
In the study session during the break (4pm-4:45pm) I will teach about a Jewish understanding of non-binary, gender fluidity.
Prayer at the Ark - As we've been doing for the past several years, during the last service (Ne'ilah) while the ark remains open, all are invited to approach and offer a private prayer in front of the ark. Ne'ilah will begin at approximately 5:45/6pm.
Bring a shofar - The service ends at approximately 7:30pm with the blowing of the shofar. Bring a shofar with you to participate in that last blast.
When you arrive at synagogue you'll notice flyers about programs and events for the coming year. Please be sure to look for them.
Services are longer than a normal holiday or shabbat service. Please feel free to explore the side bars on every page in the prayer book (machzor) which will add new meanings and insights for you.
Services:
Tuesday Oct 4 - 6:30pm Kol Nidre evening service
Wednesday Oct 5 - 9am morning service - includes Yizkor
Wednesday Oct 5 - 4pm Study Session - A Jewish Understanding of What it Means to be Non-Binary
Wednesday Oct 5 - 5pm - Mincha (afternoon service) followed by Ne'ilah (concluding service), evening service and Shofar - Shofar will be blown by all who bring one at about 7:30pm
OF NOTE:
- Thanks to Diane Schneider for the beautiful flowers on the bima in memory of her husband Irving Gastfreund
- The ark will be open during most of Ne'ilah and you will be welcome, once again, to approach the ark with a private prayer
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Israel Bonds has a virtual tab card this year. Click here to invest.
- Thanks to Sisterhood for providing a light snack to-go as a break fast
On behalf of the leadership and staff of Shaare Tefila, I wish you a happy and healthy new year.
גמר חתימה טובה - May you be inscribed and sealed in the book of life for health and blessing in the new year.
Rabbi Jonah Layman
