Extraordinarily grateful for the many expressions of gratitude for meaningful High Holy Day prayer services and programming that translated our virtual platform into a prayer community. Every one of our clergy, prayer leaders and staff brought creativity and stamina to our thoughtful planning and implementation for everyone from our youngest to our oldest community members. Our Executive Committee and Board of Trustees offered full support for all preparations and our High Holy Day Task Force shared important insights and guidance as we brought this year's High Holy Days to fruition.
But it was you - the community - volunteers who worked with clergy and staff, those who shared their voices and skills from the bimah, live and on video, and everyone who zoomed in to prayer throughout Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur who made the difference. Your presence added to the warm and genuine sense of community. Yasher Koach to all. I invite everyone to keep showing up in whatever ways make sense for you.
Tonight, we move into the next segment of our holy day experiences as we welcome Sukkot, the holiday that reminds us that less is more. The sukkah in its very essence demonstrates the fragile and temporary nature of our being. And yet, the holiday is called zman simhateinu/the time of our joy. We live in the midst of both, infusing our vulnerablilty with joy through intent and action. Sukkot calls us to reach out to those in need, to support the poor and imagine all of us living together under the wings of the Shekhinah.
Today marks the end of the shiva period for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg z'l. Honoring the tradition of mourners walking around the block as a concluding action to shiva (and at this time extended to connect with the circles associated with Hoshanot and Hakafot on Sukkot and Simhat Torah symbolizing communal cooperation), National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) and Women's League for Conservative Judaism (among others) will host a Circling of the Supreme Court in honor of Justice Ginsburg z'l from noon - 1pm. This should be available on the NCJW Facebook page. I'll also be walking around the block in my neighborhood to honor the end of RBG's shiva and affirm my commitment to pursuing justice in 5781. As I mentioned in my walking meditation last week, once we've let go of what holds us back, we have to step out into the world.
Regardless, I'll be walking around the block in my neighborhood to honor the end of RBG's shiva and affirm my commitment to pursuing justice in 5781. As I mentioned in my walking meditation last week, once we've let go of what holds us back, we have to step out into the world.
With prayer for blessing, thoughtful action and joy in the days ahead. Shabbat Shalom and Hag Sameach, rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
