Preparing For the
High Holidays
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Dear Friends,
As we approach the High Holidays there are many details that you need to prepare for, and this year, amidst the COVID pandemic, each one is different than it has been in years past. We have been busy trying to prepare for all of the meaningful moments that make up the Yamim Noraim, and in this email we are sharing just some of the important details that we want you to know about.
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The Book of Remembrance lists those close to us who have passed away, but who have not been forgotten. Normally, it is published in the fall and spring each year, and is distributed to congregants on the four days on which we say Yizkor, the memorial service: the last day of Passover, the second day of Shavuot, Yom Kippur, and Shemini Atzeret.
When recalling the memories of our loved ones during the Yizkor service, we pledge charity to perpetuate their ideals. In this booklet, there is a tangible place for each of us to publicly remember those we miss.
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PERSONAL TIME IN OUR SANCTUARY |
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When we reached out to you with our survey as we were planning what the Yamim Noraim would look like during this very strange time, one of the things that many members said they would like was personal time for reflection, contemplation, and meditation, in our special sanctuary space. In an effort to respond to your desires, the sanctuary will be open for private time Monday through Friday, September 14-18 and 21-25 from 2pm through 5pm by pre-registration only.
Please visit our Doodle to select a 20-minute slot when you, alone or with others living in your home, can be in the sanctuary. You will need to wear a mask and gloves, and have a temperature below 99.8.
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Issuu: The Digital Version |
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The Rabbinical Assembly has made a digital version of the Mahzor Lev Shalem available through an electronic platform called Issuu. You can download an app in iOS or Android, or view the mahzor in a web browser.
An individual copy of the digital Mahzor costs $5.99, but Ansche Chesed has arranging to make the digital copies of this Mahzor available for the High Holidays free of charge. To get your copy please visit this site and use code "P8W5HE2U"
Please note that the use of this mahzor will require using a screen as you can not print a copy from the app.
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You will need to create an account on Issuu to gain access to the digital mahzor.
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Your Own Copy of the Mahzor |
For those members who are uncomfortable with the digital format, or who prefer to pray from their own physical version of the Mahzor, the Mahzor Lev Shalem is available for purchase from the Rabbinical Assembly here. The price is $29.40 and we encourage you to purchase quickly so that you will receive the mahzor in time for use during the High Holidays.
Alternately, our local Judaica store, West Side Judaica on Broadway and 89th Street has just received a large stock of the Mahzor which they are selling for $60.
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You will need to come to one of two Mahzor pick-up times (Tuesday, September 8, 11am-1pm or Thursday, September 10, 4:30-6:30pm) where a member of our clergy or staff will check your membership and allow you to sign out a Mahzor.
Please return the mahzor to Ansche Chesed on Thursday, October 1, from 4-6pm, at which time you will sign your mahzor back in. We are counting on you to enable us to maintain the community's prayer books so we can all use them in person next year!
*For those of you in high-risk groups, who do not feel it will be safe for you to come out, please indicate below and we will arrange to get a mahzor to you.
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