"The hand of the Holy One of Blessing is at all times stretched out to receive those who return.
Rabbi Anan added: 'And the gates of prayer are always open.'"
- Midrash Deuteronomy Rabbah, Ch. 2

Dear WRT Family,

An entire generation of Reform Jewish congregants has grown up with our High Holy Day Prayer Book ( machzor), Gates of Repentance. That classic text, now nearly forty years old, contains passages familiar and comforting. It has also, however, become challenging for a congregation like ours, which cherishes innovation, egalitarianism, and progressive thinking. We have learned: "The gates of prayer are always open." One way our Reform Jewish tradition  keeps the gates of prayer always open is by periodically updating and modernizing our worship. 
 
We are delighted and excited to announce that the Reform Movement has published a beautiful two-volume new  machzor  for our High Holy Day worship.  Mishkan HaNefesh  (Sanctuary of the Soul), is beautifully rendered, contains passages both familiar and refreshingly new, and is spiritually exalted yet accessible. The text has been thoroughly re-translated and fully transliterated so that people who do not read Hebrew can easily follow along, and it is also fully gender sensitive. 
  
I have enjoyed exploring the book and its many literary and spiritual riches. Passages for study and reflection complement the spoken prayers. I believe you will find the experience of using  Mishkan HaNefesh  enlightening and enjoyable. Of course we will continue to augment the written words with the glorious music and uplifting, sometimes spiritually challenging preaching of the Holy Days. 

As we celebrate this generational milestone of moving to a new High Holy Day Prayer Book, we wish to invite the congregation to enhance this momentous occasion, and to dedicate a set of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Prayer Books in memory of a loved one, in honor of a special person in your life, or to mark a special point in time. 
  
How beautiful and meaningful it would be to see each one of our brand new Prayer Books adorned with the names of our children, parents, grandparents and others, reflecting the love and joy of our congregation, in celebration of the special people and life experiences which bind us together.  I invite you to make this vision a reality, and to click here to complete a Dedication Form, so that we may prepare our new machzorim in time for the High Holy Days this coming fall. 
  
I eagerly look forward to joining you on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and to sharing the delight of seeing your family's names inscribed in our books of prayer, as we strive to have all of our names inscribed into the Book of Life once again.
  
With blessings of peace, and appreciation for your participation in this special opportunity,

Rabbi Jonathan E. Blake