The High Holy Days are a sacred time on the Jewish calendar for intense personal reflection and spiritual growth. Where are you? This year we must ask ourselves this question as we prepare ourselves both physically and mentally for the High Holy Days. To guide you, Hineni: Here I am, a weekly email series is designed to help make this time personally meaningful. Look for an email from Temple Sinai every Friday through October 9 with a video teaching from our clergy, a personal reflection from a Temple Sinai member, liturgical music, and High Holiday programming details. May this be a season of growth, renewal, and reflection for you. Shana Tovah!
Hineni: Elul - September 4, 2020
How Do We Create Sacred Space?
Rabbi Sam Hollander:
Creating Sacred Space 101
"This year we will providing the keva [that which is set], the things you would expect. But I need your help. I need you to work on the kavanah - the intention.

That means starting to think to yourself or talking with your family about how do you create a sacred place in your own home? Take some time now to make a plan."

To help you develop a plan, Rabbi Hollander shares some thoughts on creating a Sacred Space in our own homes.
Cantor Saralee Shrell-Fox:
Prayers for Healing
"We pray every day, that God assist in healing the sick; praying to God that our many sick, get healthy or find comfort; we take this Awesome time of year, Elul, leading up to Rosh Hashanah, making this Sacred Space for a special Prayer of Healing."

Listen to Mi Shebeirach by Debbie Friedman.


Taking a Vacation Every Week: Why Disconnecting Leads to Enhanced Reconnecting
Debbie Albert
Debbie Albert shares her reflection on creating sacred space in her week.

"The first time I received an “out of office” message about someone having the audacity to take a vacation during the pandemic, my eyes bulged out of my head, like a cartoon character! I just couldn’t believe anyone had (or chose to take) the time to unplug and unwind during this crazy time."
Want to learn more about creating sacred time in your own life?
Mark Your Calendars - September 8th at 7pm the Jewish Book Council and Temple Sinai present: Tiffany Shlain, author of 24/6: The Power of Unplugging One Day a Week.
Tools for Reflecting During the Month of Elul
Click here to download the
PJ Library High Holidays at Home guide

Turning Your Home Into a Sacred Space by Cantor Matt Axelrod