Beloved Friends,

Tonight is the second Shabbat of Elul As we continue to focus on the verse from Psalm 150: “כל הנשמה תהלל יה Kol HaNeshamah t’hallel Yah, All of my soul/breath will praise God” The Hebrew word for soul is also the Hebrew word for breath connecting our souls and breath to the act praising God. Singing is a powerful tool in how we use our breath and our soul to praise God. Cantor Mendelson, returning Music Director David Lornson, and our High Holy Day choir are rehearsing and practicing diligently to enhance our worship for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. I have the privilege of listening to them sing each Monday and Tuesday evening as we get closer and closer to the Days of Awe. I am thrilled and invigorated and see this as an essential part of my own High Holy Day preparation.

Cantor Mendelson has a wonderful tradition of gathering digitally with 3 of her colleagues to create a video highlighting a musical piece meant to signal the approach of the New Year. Please click here to view.

Our Adult Choir has also created a music video of Psalm 150 to further our preparation and focus on the theme for this year. Please click here to view.

An important reminder: On Monday night at 7 p.m. we will focus on the prayers of Yizkor. We welcome Amit Ganish, a survivor of the October 7th attack on the Nova Music Festival. She will share her personal story and talk about how we link personal grief and mourning with our communal losses. I hope you will join me for what promises to be a very compelling and powerful evening. Please click here for more information and to register.

Below is some important information regarding the High Holy Days at Temple Jeremiah:

  • Your High Holy Day badges and honey packages are available for pickup from the temple office during office hours and during J-Quest Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • If you would like to participate in our Greetings and Remembrances Book, please click here. The deadline for the printed book is September 16th.
  • To register your guests for the High Holy Days, click here. Guest badges will be available at the Welcome table when you come for services.
  • To view our multi-access worship schedule with details about time and setting, click here.
  • Selichot is the Saturday evening right before Rosh HaShanah. Learn more by clicking here.
  • To send us Yizkor photos, please email them to Rabbi Rachel Heaps.
  • If you have not done so yet, please complete your membership renewal here.

Cathy, Jacob and Elana, Margot and Claire, Eli, Anna, and Hope join me in wishing you and your dear families a Happy and Healthy New Year,

Rabbi Paul F. Cohen, D.Min., D.D.