I often tell people that Yom Kippur is my favorite Jewish Holiday because on Yom Kippur I feel most connected to Jews around the world. We are reciting the same liturgy, praying for the same things, and many of us fast. I was skeptical that I would feel the same way this year on Zoom. I was not sure that I could complete the fast at home. I completed the fast and I felt the same connection because of the extraordinary work and dedication of our four wonderful clergy. The technical staff, Emily Kosinki and Max Wallace, and Stephen Ashkinos, Susan Karon and Elise Lublin, Laura Rosenthal and so many others did so much behind the scenes to make it happen for us.
We began with our responses to questions that our clergy and Alison Kur developed. That kept my attention between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Each of the sermons was relevant to the situation that we find ourselves in. They were heartfelt, sincere, and deeply personal. Cantor Zell’s chanting of the liturgy and the musical support was as always uplifting and inspiring. The depth of her feelings was also palpable. The young Torah readers and haftarah chanters provided hope for our future.
The healing service led by Cantor Emerita Jodi Sufrin gave me a lot of peace, calm, and hope.
Scrolling through the Book of Remembrance comforted me as I observed the 40th anniversary of my mother’s passing.
Our clergy always let us know how proud they are of us. I return the compliment.
We need to remember that like us they are experiencing the same fear, loss, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty that we are experiencing. Nevertheless, they are present to help us through these emotions. The mental health initiative captures their recognition of our needs. I am comforted knowing that they will be there for us as we head into even more challenging and uncertain days.
לשנה הבאה בירושלים
And at TBE
