We hope you are tending to your health in body, mind and spirit during these challenging times. We look forward to cooler temperatures and the opportunity to welcome a new year together later this month. Much gratitude for those who have already renewed their membership and committed to another year as part of the Habonim family. If you have not yet renewed, this is the time! We look forward to a year of learning, praying, gathering and connectedness and especially to being together for the High Holy Days which arrive on Friday, September 18.
All of our prayer services at Congregation Habonim are Egalitarian, year round. On the High Holy Days, we offer options for davening that embrace the fullness of our communal history. Read below about our Classic Service offered on the High Holy Days as well as our Congregation Habonim Service. For those with children, make sure to register for our special prayer services and programming for youth and teens. Keep in mind that all of our High Holy Day services take place in virtual sanctuaries this year and are adjusted and abbreviated in line with guidance and practices within the Conservative Movement and support of our High Holy Day Task Force. Click here for our Habonim Commits to Virtual High Holy Day Services message.
We're building in short breaks between parts of the service and taking advantage of the gift of technology to enhance our community experience and draw us closer together. Prior to the High Holy Days, you'll also find prayers that might not appear in our services, along with all High Holy Day Torah readings and Haftarot on our website as audio files.
We invite you to join us for special programming and activities in advance of the High Holy Days. See our website and weekly email for information, registration and zoom links. And, turn to our website for books and other information to help prepare yourself to welcome the new year.
We look forward to welcoming the new year 5781 together as community from wherever you find yourself in the world.
L'Shana Tovah, Rabbi Lisa Gelber Cantor Bruce Halev
CLASSIC HABONIM SERVICE:
This service, led by Cantor Bruce Halev includes the music the early members of our community brought with them from Germany, a choral service with organ, choir and compositions from the late 1800s. Five years ago, Cantor Halev recorded the High Holy Day service at Central Synagogue, the location of Habonim's first service in 1940. This year, Cantor Halev will daven the service and include music of major prayers from this recording.
CONGREGATION HABONIM SERVICE:
This prayer service, led by Rabbi Lisa Gelber and Jessica Futran, offers our traditional High Holy Day experience. This year we begin with Shaharit and the beautiful HaMelech. Those who wish to pray the earliest morning blessings and prayers (Birkot HaShahar and P'seukei D'Zimra) originally crafted as home prayers, may do so on their own. You will find audio recordings for these earliest prayers on our website closer to the High Holy Days.
YOUTH SERVICES:
Torah Tots (for children 4 and under with parents, grandparents or guardians). Bring your shakers, drums, tabourines, guitars and your happy selves! Zoom in for a joyous service that provides a special High Holy Day experience for children and their families, connecting everyone to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur through prayers, songs, movement and stories.
Congregation Katan (for children in pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade. Parents welcome). Zoom in for a joyful musical prayer service for children who will also listen to stories, play games and sing songs. Those who attended the pre High Holy Day session on Sept. 8, 2020 should be sure to bring their Treasure Chest to use during the service.
Junior Congregation (for children in grades 3-7). A meaningful service where children will explore High Holy Day themes through prayer, stories, games and self-reflection. Children can volunteer to lead some of the t'flliot/prayers and everyone will have the opportunity to participate and interact.
Shofar, Sh'ma and Social Justice (students in Grades 8-12). Our High Holy Day liturgy compels us to act with justice. Join your friends to discuss what justice means to you at this time.
