Parashat Re'eh
August 30, 2019
29 Av 5779

Candle Lighting: 6:57 p.m.
Dear Friends, 

This coming Shabbat, we will be celebrating Rosh Chodesh, marking the beginning of the Hebrew month of Elul . Elul is the last month of the Hebrew calendar. As a result every morning as part of our daily prayers we add an additional psalm. We will also blow the Shofar. 

According to Rabbi Reuven Hammer, the reason we make these additions to our daily service is to help us prepare for the High Holy Days, which are just around the corner. He said the theme of this psalm and blowing of the shofar instill “confidence and trust in God ...We enter this time of judgement not with fear, but with trust that God's verdict will be positive.”

According to tradition, during the month of Elul , we are supposed to take time to prepare ourselves, emotionally and spiritually for the High Holy Day season. Which is why between now and the holidays, every Shabbat morning, I will be teaching to themes and liturgy of the season. Additionally, we will be holding a workshop next Sunday, September 8th, at 10:30 a.m. to review some of the important themes and tools that can help us to prepare. 

I hope that doing so will help all of us take advantage of the month of Elul , as we prepare for the deep reflection and introspection that this season expects of us. 

Wishing you all a Shabbat Shalom ,

Josh Dorsch 

August 30: 6:15 p.m. Kol Tefillah
Followed by Potluck Dinner
 August 31: 9  :30 a.m. Shabbat Service
Havdalah: 8:04 p.m.