Dear Friends,

There is nothing quite like being at Beth Emet during the High Holy Days for this important time of reflection, introspection and renewal, whether in person surrounded by smiling faces and a strong sense of community or virtually by creating sacred space in your home. Once again, we are blessed this year with our clergy who continue to lead us and find creative approaches for worship, learning, healing, and engagement. We are also fortunate to have two clergy-in-residence who will be joining the bimah - Beth Emet’s own Max Antman (rising fourth year rabbinical student at HUC-JIR) and Cantor Doug Cotler (father of Cantor Kyle Cotler).

The Hebrew month of Elul begins on Sunday, August 28, a month of both reflection on the previous year and an opportunity to look towards the year to come. Check EmetMail for upcoming programs and learning opportunities. S’lichot kicks-off the season on Saturday, September 17. Rosh Hashanah begins on Sunday, September 25 and Yom Kippur starts Tuesday, October 4. You can find a complete listing of the services on our website.

We ask that every member household complete the registration form by Monday, August 29, regardless of whether you plan to participate in-person or virtually. Name badge inserts (tickets) and High Holy Day material will be available for pick up or sent the week of September 12. Please indicate on the form how you wish to receive the materials. (Save paper by having the High Holy Day Guide and Yizkor Book emailed!)

We are offering the full range of in-person services, with a seating capacity of 525 seats per service, in adherence to prevailing guidance and conditions, and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to plan accordingly, please indicate on the registration form how many are planning to attend each service. Everyone above the age of two will be required to be masked inside the building. Everyone above the age of five is required to be up to date with their COVID vaccinations, including their most recent booster shot if eligible; children from 6 months to four are expected to have begun receiving their vaccinations.

All services will be available online both in real-time and archived for viewing at a later time.

Name badge inserts (tickets) and the links for services are available for all members in good standing. Beth Emet’s policy defines this as any member who pays at least 25% of their total current membership commitment as well as paid all outstanding prior balances or have made payment arrangements. Should this present an issue, please never hesitate to contact Bekki Kaplan at [email protected] or call 847-869-4230. No member will ever be denied as long as payment arrangements have been made prior to the Holidays.

Building on the success of the past two years, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah we are arranging for neighborhood shofar calls and for tashlich, an opportunity to symbolically cast away our sins in several locations. Watch for details in EmetMail!

On the registration form you will be asked to:

Each year we rely on the generosity of our members to support our High Holy Day worship services and programs. This year our goal is to raise $50,000 which will allow us to continue to make services accessible by offering the technology that supports the fusion model of worship and study as well as support other costs to ensure that our holiday participation is as meaningful and beautiful as in years past. And while non-member tickets were a significant source of revenue pre-pandemic, we extend the opportunity for guests to access the High Holy Days again this year without a charge. We can make this possible through your generous support which allows us to open and expand our home to those who wish to be a part of our community.

May 5783 be a year of health and happiness, joy and fulfillment for you and your loved ones. May the coming year be one of peace for our country, Israel and throughout the world.

Bekki Harris Kaplan

Director of Congregational Engagement

Geoff Prass

Director of Operations