One Torah for All

9/12/2014 6:00:00 AM

Sound the Ram's Horn for High Holy Days

Rabbi Dr. Adele Plotkin

Special to The Courier

For many Jews, this is a month of soul searching and self-discovery to determine for what to repent and pray during the upcoming Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur.

Some sound the shofar (ram's horn) every morning of the month to herald the coming of the High Holy Days. Another main focus for the month is to try to make amends for any discords with others and peace among all so that all can start with a "clean slate" for the new spiritual year. The final judgment as to what will befall us in the coming year is believed to be decided by the Holy One during the High Holy Days season. All hope it will be based on the good we have done and tried to do as well, as the promises to do better that we include in our prayers.

This year, Beit Torah Jewish Congregation will hold High Holy Days services at Stepping Stones, room 4, in Prescott Valley. Rosh HaShanah: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, and 10 a.m. to noon Thursday and Friday, Sept. 25 and 26. There will be a potluck dairy lunch and a Taschlich Casting Away of Sins service at Fain Park, 12:30 p.m. Sept. 25 after services. Kol Nidre is 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, and Yom Kippur observances are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4 (includes break-the-fast pot-luck dairy meal after shofar blowing at 7).

Additionally, there will be a Selichot forgiveness service Saturday, Sept. 20; Rosh HaShanah dinner on Thursday Sept. 25; and other services (for example, the Festival of Booths Oct. 8-16) in Chino Valley. For details and directions, call 237-0390, email ansheitorah@cableone.net or visit www.onetorah.org.