This Shabbat is the twenty-third day of Elul. Our Selichot study and worship is tomorrow evening. The High Holy Days are drawing nearer and nearer, and our theme, Da lifnei mi atah omed—“Know before whom you stand”—invites us to look beyond ourselves and notice the people standing beside us.

The Mussar tradition calls this quality anavah, humility. Humility does not mean making ourselves smaller or believing that our needs do not matter. It means taking up the right amount of space while also making room for others. It asks us to recognize that each person enters the High Holy Days carrying different experiences, needs, questions, memories, and hopes. When we notice one another and help create room for everyone, we build a community in which more people can feel seen, valued, and connected.

A practice for this week—a guide for the work of your cheshbon hanefesh: Think of someone whose experience or needs may be different from your own. Ask yourself, “How can I help this person feel that there is room for them?” Then choose one way to listen more closely, offer support, or make space.

Music can also help us continue to make room for the season. This week, listen to “Tiku Vachodesh Shofar” by Cantor Becky Mann, arranged by Marissa Simmons, and let the sound of the shofar begin awakening your heart to the new year.

As we prepare to stand together, here are three things to know:

  • Parking and arrival will look different this year: Both Temple Jeremiah parking lots will be open because there will be no tent closing the south parking lot. Please enter through the south lot and exit through the north lot. Accessible drop-off is available at the Happ Road entrance before the driver continues on to park. Watch this short High Holy Day parking video to become familiar with the plan before you arrive.
  • There are many ways to participate: Our hearing loop is working throughout the Schreibman Sanctuary, Slotnick Social Hall and stage area, and Golder Chapel. Overflow seating will be available in Golder Chapel for anyone who would prefer a smaller environment. All services will also be livestreamed on our YouTube page and recorded so they can be watched later. Wherever and however you join us, you are an important part of our community.
  • Share a photograph for Yizkor: We invite you to submit a photograph of loved ones whose memories you carry into this season. Please email photos to Karen Krosnick at karen@templejeremiah.org by Thursday, September 10. The photographs will be displayed during the Yizkor service, surrounding us with the faces and stories of those who continue to shape our lives.

You can find schedules, answers, and updates on our High Holy Days webpage and High Holy Days FAQ.

May we enter this season knowing who stands beside us—and helping every person know that there is a place for them here.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Rachel Heaps