Tonight we'll gather to enter into Yom Kippur. Whether you'll be on livestream, in the auditorium at Ethical Culture, or on zoom with Cantor Halev, I wish you time of introspection and a meaningful fast that moves you to internal and external action in the year to come. We begin with Kol Nidre, the only time we wear tallit at night to pray. Watching the community wrap ourselves in prayer shawls of many textures and colors is like witnessing the wings of the Shekhinah enveloping us in love. If you've been thinking about trying out a tallit, this is a great opportunity to do so. We'll have time to put on
tallit together as we begin our Kol Nidre service this evening.
Our tradition calls post b'nai mitzvah aged people to engage in a full fast, refraining from food and water from Wednesday evening until the conclusion of the fast Thursday night at 7:43 pm.
A few reminders - As you move through Yom Kippur, pay attention to your body. There are times we are asked to stand. Standing could mean elevated on your feet, or sitting taller in your seat, or paying more attention to how you are seated in your core. If you are not able to stand in any way, no one will turn to you in judgment. Some of us take medication that requires water (even food). Some are breastfeeding. Do what you need to care for your health. Eat a bit less than you normally would if possible, it's not the day for a five-course meal. Most of all, put your health first.
Tradition has us refrain from wearing leather on Yom Kippur which is why you'll often find people wearing original Keds or flip-flops. Wear what you wish. It is also a tradition to wear white, even after Labor Day!
We'll have glow sticks in the lobby of Ethical Culture at Neilah tomorrow night and some at Kol Nidre as well to take home if you plan to join our livestream to close out the holiday. I'm looking forward to dimming the lights for Havdalah, filling the room with many colors and imagining those at home with flashlights, tea lights, electric candles or whatever you wish to bring your light into the new year 5782. We conclude with t'kiyah g'dolah, a long blast of the shofar strategically placed in the entryway to Ethical Culture.
Tonight, many of us will light a candle to remember those who no longer walk this earth. There is no prescribed blessing for a yahrzeit candle. So take your time, gaze at the dancing flame and ask yourself, what do we want to illuminate in the year to come? What do the memories of your loved ones shine light on as you walk through this new year?
With blessings for prayers that open the heart to forgiveness and a fast of meaning. G'mar Hatimah Tovah/may we write ourselves into the book of life for blessing.
rg
Congregation Habonim 103 West End Ave New York, NY 10023
