High Holiday Newsletter 2024 ✡️ 5785
PDF Version of the High Holiday Newsletter – Click Here
Rabbi’s Message
As we approach the High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we are reminded once again of the immense power and potential these days hold. The Yomim Noraim, the Days of Awe, are a time of reflection and repentance, but they are also a time of incredible opportunity.
The Midrash teaches us that during these sacred days, the gates of heaven are open, and Hashem is especially attentive to our prayers and supplications. It is a time when the barriers between the physical and the spiritual worlds are thinned, and we are invited to draw closer to our Creator. As the prophet Yeshaya urges, “Seek Hashem while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near” (Yeshaya 55:6).
The central theme of the Mussaf Prayers on Rosh Hashanah help us realign with our purpose here on earth.
They do so by focusing on the 3 central ideas of jewish belief.
- Kingship/ Malchiyos – God is the King, He exists and is the sole cause of existence. Nothing else has any power or independent existence. He created everything and he is the first cause.
- Remembrance/ Zichronos – God “remembers” everything. There is nothing hidden from him. He is running the world through his divine providence and will ultimately reward or punish every deed. Everything we do wether for the good or for the not so good counts in our relationship with him.
- Shofros/Shofar – The shofar is a symbol of the great sound of the Shofar at Mt Sinai when God revealed the Torah to the entire Jewish people. When a god proclaimed the 10 commandments/Utterances which is the outline for all 613 mitzvos of the Torah.
The Shofar reminds us that God has given us instructions for living a meaningful and worthwhile life. And that we need to align our actions thoughts and emotions to this purpose
These days offer a rare and precious chance to connect with Hashem in a way that is not possible at any other time of the year. The Rambam emphasizes that while repentance and prayer are always powerful tools for growth and self-improvement, the ten days from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur are uniquely potent. During this period, our efforts to return to Hashem, to improve ourselves, and to seek forgiveness are especially effective. It is as if the spiritual atmosphere is charged with an added intensity, making it easier for us to reach out and find Hashem.
Let us not take this opportunity for granted. These days are a gift, a time to engage in deep introspection, heartfelt prayer, and genuine teshuvah (repentance). Let us use this time to reflect on our lives, to mend our ways, and to strengthen our relationship with Hashem and with each other.
May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year filled with blessings, health, and peace.
G’mar Chatima Tova,
Rabbi Yosef David Executive Director,
Aish HaTorah
Vice Presidents’ Message
As we approach this sacred season, we are reminded of the opportunity to reflect, renew, and reconnect. The High Holidays offer us a chance to deepen our spiritual growth, strengthen our relationships, and commit to positive change in our lives. As we come together to celebrate Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, may we all find the strength to lift each other up, embrace unity, and work towards a brighter future.
On behalf of our families, we wish you and your loved ones a Shana Tova — a year filled with health, happiness, and peace. May we all be inscribed in the Book of Life.
Jennifer Hartranft, Denny Feit, Stella Vladamirov, & Dan Winograd
NHBZ Vice-Presidents
About the Holidays
Selichos is a series of penitential prayers that are recited several days before Rosh Hashanah. It is important to attend synagogue for Selichos, as its text contains several important passages which may be said only in the presence of a minyan.
Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “Head of the Year.” It is the anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, highlighting the special relationship between G-d and humanity. The primary theme of the day is our acceptance of G-d as our King. G-d not only wants to have a world populated with people, He offers an intimate relationship with each one of us. In addition to the collective aspects of Rosh Hashanah worship, each man and woman personally asks G-d to accept the coronation, thus creating the bond of “We are Your people and You are our King.”
Fast of Gedalia, usually occurs one day after Rosh Hashanah and commemorates the assassination of Gedalia, Governor of Judah, whose murder ended Jewish autonomy following the destruction of the First Temple. When Rosh Hashanah occurs on Thursday and Friday, the fast occurs on Sunday, since we don’t fast on Shabbos. Other than Yom Kippur.
Yizkor, a special memorial prayer for the departed, will be recited following the Torah reading on Yom Kippur and Shemini Atzeres. Yizkor means “Remember” and represents the overall theme of the prayer, in which we implore G-d to remember the souls of our relatives and friends that have passed on. When we recite Yizkor, we renew and strengthen the connection between us and our loved one, bringing merit to the departed souls, elevating them in their celestial homes. The main component of Yizkor is our private pledge to give charity following the holiday in honor of the deceased. By giving charity, we are performing a positive physical deed in this world, something that the departed can no longer do.
Yom Kippur commemorates the day that G-d forgave the Jewish people for the sin of the Golden Calf. Moses spent 40 days on top of Mount Sinai pleading with G-d for forgiveness. On the tenth of Tishrei, G-d gave Moses the second set of tablets containing The Ten Commandments. From that moment on, henceforth known as the Day of Atonement, we observe this date every year as a commemoration of our special relationship with G-d, a relationship that is strong enough to survive any rocky bumps it might encounter. Yom Kippur also features the Yizkor prayer, asking G-d to remember the souls of the departed.
Sukkos For forty years, as our ancestors crossed the Sinai Desert prior to their entry into the Holy Land, miraculous “clouds of glory” surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers and discomforts of the desert. Ever since, we remember G-d’s kindness and reaffirm our trust in His providence by dwelling in a sukkah – a hut of temporary construction with a roof-covering of branches – for the duration of the Sukkos festival. For eight days and nights, we eat all our meals in the sukkah, and regard it as our home.
Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah is an independent holiday that immediately follow Sukkos. We celebrate it for two days in the diaspora, and one day in Israel. It is characterized by joyousness, which surpasses even the joy of Sukkos. Shemini Atzeres features the prayer for rain, officially commemorating the start of the rainy season in Israel, and the Yizkor prayer, asking G-d to remember the souls of the departed. The joy reaches its climax on Simchat Torah, when we celebrate the conclusion and restart of the annual Torah-reading cycle. The highlight of Simchas Torah are the hakafos, held both on the eve and morning of Simchat Torah, in which we march and dance with Torah scrolls around the synagogue.
Holiday Preparations and Customs
Eruv Tavshilin
When the first or second day of Yom Tov (Rosh Hashanah, Sukkos, Shemini Atzeres or Simchas Torah) falls on Friday, we must make an Eruv Tavshilin (mingling of cooked foods) in order to prepare food for Shabbos during Yom Tov. This is the case this year.
According to Jewish Law, we may cook on Yom Tov, but only for that day, and not for the following day. The Rabbis instituted the Eruv Tavshilin to solve the problem. If you begin preparing for Shabbos on the day before Yom Tov begins (on Wednesday afternoon if Yom Tov falls on Thursday and Friday, or on Thursday afternoon if Yom Tov falls on Friday and Shabbos), then you can continue the preparation for Shabbos on Yom Tov itself.
Therefore, on the day before Yom Tov, cook a hard-boiled egg, and set it aside with a piece of bread or matzo as the beginning of preparations for the Shabbos following Yom Tov. Hold these ‘eruv-foods’ and recite the following prayer:
Ba-ruch a-toh Ado… E-lo-…-nu me-lech ho-olom a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-sov ve-tzi-vo-nu al mitzvas eruv.
Translation: Blessed art You, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the mitzvah of eruv.
This is followed by reciting the following declaration: Through this eruv may we be permitted to bake, cook, insulate, kindle a flame, prepare, and do anything necessary on the Festival for the sake of Shabbos — for us and for all Jews who live in this city.
The eruv-foods are set aside and eaten on Shabbos. For more details, call Rabbi David.
Candle Lighting
We kindle two candles on Erev Rosh Hashanah (2 nights), Erev Yom Kippur, Erev Sukkos (2 nights), Erev Shemini Atzeres and Erev Simchas Torah.
Rosh Hashanah
ROSH HASHANAH CANDLE LIGHTING
- Bo-ruch a-toh Hashem E-lo-kei-nu me-lech ho-olom a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-sov ve-tzi- vo-nu le-had-lik ner shel (Sha-bos v’shel ) Yom Ha-zi-karon.
Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of (the Sabbath and) the Day of Remembrance. - Bo-ruch a-toh Hashem E-lo-kei-nu me-lech ho-olom she-he-che-ya-nu vi-kee-yi-ma-nu vi-hi- gee-an-u liz-man ha-zeh.
Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and let us reach this time.
ON THE TABLE It is customary to have fish and carrots at the table on Rosh Hashanah. Fish and carrots are symbolic of being fruitful and multiplying. We hope that our good deeds and Simchas will be many during the coming year.
KIDDUSH is recited on both evenings and mornings of Rosh Hashanah, at home, after services.
The Kiddush for Rosh Hashanah is found in the siddur or bencher.
HONEY is used with Challah. We dip challah into honey after the Motzi prayer is recited. After eating the piece of bread, we pray for a sweet year. An apple is also dipped into honey, the blessing over fruit of the tree is recited and then, the prayer for a sweet year is offered. The prayer reads: May it be Your will O L-rd to renew for us a good, sweet year.
SH’HECHEYANU: It is customary to display new fruit or wear new garments on the 2nd eve of Rosh Hashanah and keep these in mind when offering the Sh’hecheyanu prayer.
Tashlich
Tashlich is a series of prayers that we say on the shore of a river or body of water that contains fish. We symbolically cast off our sins into the depths on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
Yom Kippur
KAPPORAS: It is customary to shlug Kapporas (swing a chicken around your head) on Erev Yom Kippur. They then slaughter and donate it to the poor. Many Jews fulfill this custom by placing money for each family member into a handkerchief, twirling it over your head and saying: “This is my exchange, this is my substitute, this is my expiation. This money should go to charity and I should be privileged to have a long & pleasant life of peace”. We will place collection plates in the lobby on Erev Yom Kippur for you to fulfill your pledge.
YOM KIPPUR CANDLE LIGHTING
- Bo-ruch a-toh Hashem E-lo-kei-nu me-lech ho-olom a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-sov ve-tzi- vo-nu le-had-lik ner shel (Sha-bos v’shel) Yom Ha-kipurim.
Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of (the Sabbath and) the Day of Atonement. - Bo-ruch a-toh Hashem E-lo-kei-nu me-lech ho-olom she-he-che-ya-nu vi-kee-yi-ma-nu vi-hi- gee-an-u liz-man ha-zeh.
Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and let us reach this time.
NOTE: Candle lighting will not be available at NHBZ on Erev Yom Kippur.
A Yahrzeit Candle is also lit for two reasons: to use after Yom Kippur to light the Havdallah candle and because we say Havdallah.
BLESSING THE CHILDREN: A beautiful custom is the blessing that parents give to their children before leaving for shul on Erev Yom Kippur.
For girls: May you be like Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah.
For boys: May you be like Ephraim and Menashe.
Conclude for both boys and girls: May G-d bless you and guard you. May G-d show you favor and be gracious to you. May G-d show you kindness and grant you peace.
It is a Mitzvah to have a festive meal on Erev Yom Kippur.
FAST OF YOM KIPPUR is a biblical law. In order to fast properly, the Rabbis urge that a good meal be eaten on Erev Yom Kippur. On Yom Kippur, men are encouraged to wear a Kittel, a white garment, and do not wear leather shoes. If a physician requires one to take medicine on Yom Kippur, call the Rabbi for proper procedures.
Sukkos/Shemini Atzeres/Simchas Torah
YOM TOV CANDLE LIGHTING
- Bo-ruch a-toh Hashem E-lo-kei-nu me-lech ho-olom a-sher ki-de-sha-nu be-mitz-vo-sov e-tzi-vo- nu le-had-lik ner shel Yom Tov.
Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and has commanded us to kindle the light of the Festival Day. - Bo-ruch a-toh Hashem E-lo-kei-nu me-lech ho-olom she-he-che-ya-nu vi-kee-yi-ma-nu vi-hi-gee- an-u liz-man ha-zeh.
Translation: Blessed are you, L-rd our G-d, King of the universe, who has kept us alive and sustained us and let us reach this time.
Shul Etiquette
- Conversation with your neighbor is improper during services. Be mindful that our purpose in shul is to converse with and pour out our hearts to G-d. Page numbers will be announced from the Pulpit. Please remain quiet so everyone can hear and follow the service.
- Do not congregate in the lobby. Enter services quietly! Greeters will help you find your seat to eliminate any unnecessary disturbance.
- Prayers may be offered in Hebrew or English. G-d hears all prayers that are offered with a sincere heart! Listen to 100 blasts of the Shofar that are sounded before and during Musaf on Rosh Hashanah (at approximately 10:45 a.m.)
- It is permissible to bring your Tallis on Rosh Hashanah. You may bring your Tallis on Yom Kippur only if you live within the Eruv; otherwise you must bring it before Kol Nidre and leave it in Shul until after Yom Kippur. It is also customary to place charity in the charity plates in the lobby before Yom Kippur begins on Kol Nidre evening.
- Personal cell phones may not be used.
- Married women are encouraged to wear a hat or head covering. All girls and women must wear skirts or dresses. No slacks please. If you have a medical reason, please contact Rabbi Bogopulsky.
- It is customary to make a contribution to the synagogue for honors received during the holidays.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Personnel
Rosh Hashanah
Pesukei D’Zimra – Mateo John
Shacharis – Rabbi Shmuel Miller
Drasha (Sermon) – Rabbi Shmuel Miller
Torah Reading – Elie Needle
Musaf – Elie Needle
Shofar (Both Days)
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre – Elie Needle
Drashas (Sermons)
Shacharis
Torah Reading – Elie Needle
Musaf – Elie Needle
Mincha
Neilah Elie Needle
Aish HaTorah Learner’s Services and Programs
Aish HaTorah will present several Learner’s Services and Programs during the holidays to be held on the lower level of the Shul. The schedule is as follows:
Rosh Hashanah Day 1, Thursday, October 3, 10:00 am – Rabbi Yosef David
Shofar Approximately 12:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah Day 2, Friday, October 4, 11:00 am – Mimi David
Shofar Approximately at 12:00 pm
Yom Kippur, Shabbos, October 12, 10:00 am – Rabbi Yosef David
Youth Programs
Youth Programming for Grades 5-8 and Grades K-4, and Babysitting (ages birth – Pre-K) will be held at the following days and times:
Rosh Hashanah Days 1 & 2, Shabbos, Sept. 16 and Sun., Sept. 17 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Yom Kippur, Monday, Sept. 25 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Lunch will be provided for all children.
Check latest Shul bulletins in event of any time changes for Aish Services or Children’s Programs.
High Holiday and Yom Tov Complete Schedule Of Services
SELICHOS PRIOR TO ROSH HASHANAH
Sunday September 29…7:45 am (before Shachris)
Monday September 30…6:45 am
Tuesday, October 1…6:45 am
ROSH HASHANAH
Wednesday, October 2
Selichos 6:30 am
Remember to Make an Eruv Tavshilin Mincha 6:20 pm
Candle Lighting 6:24 pm
Thursday, October 3
Shacharis 8:00 am
Learners’ Service 10:00 am
Children’s Program 10:00 am–12:30 pm
Drasha (Sermon) 10:30 am
Shofar to follow
Mincha 6:20 pm
Tashlich Following Mincha
Yom Tov Candle Lighting Not Before 7:19 pm
Friday, October 4
Shacharis 8:00 am
Children’s Program 10:00 am–12:30 pm
Drasha (Sermon) 10:30 am
Shofar to follow
Educational Program 11:00 am
Mincha. 6:15 pm
Candle Lighting at 6:20 pm
TZOM GEDALIAH (Fast of Gedaliah)
Sunday October 6
Fast Begins 5:39 am
Selichos. 8:00 am
Mincha. 6:00 pm
Fast Concludes 7:15 pm
YOM KIPPUR
Erev Yom Kippur – Friday, October 11
Mincha 1:30 pm
Fast Begins 6:10 pm
Candle Lighting at home * Before 6:10 pm
(* No Candle Lighting at NHBZ)
Take out Torahs, followed by Kol Nidre and Ma’ariv 6:10 pm
Yom Kippur – Shabbos, October 12
Shacharis 8:30 am Learners’ Service 10:00 am
Children’s Program 10:00 am–12:30 pm
Drasha (Sermon) 11:15 am
Yizkor approximately 11:45 am
Musaf 12:20 pm
Mincha 4:15 pm
Neilah 5:30 pm
Ma’ariv approximately 6:50 pm
Shofar Sounded 7:07 pm
Havdalah 7:07 pm
Fast Concludes After Shofar is Sounded
SUKKOS
Wednesday, October 16
Remember to make an Eruv Tavshilin
Mincha 6:00 pm
Candle Lighting 6:03 pm
Thursday, October 17
Shacharis 9:00 am
Drasha (Sermon) 10:45 am
Kiddush in Sukkah to Follow Services Mincha 6:00 pm
Yom Tov Candle Lighting from Existing Flame. Not Before 6:59 pm
Friday, October 18
Shacharis. 9:00 am
Drasha 10:45 am
Kiddush to Follow Services in Sukkah Learners’ Service… 11:00 am
Mincha 6:00 pm
Candle Lighting from Existing Flame. at 6:00 pm
CHOL HAMOED SUKKOS
Shabbos
Shacharis 9:00 am Mincha 5:35 pm
Shabbos ends… 6:57 pm
Sunday – Tuesday October 20-22
Shacharis 6:45 am Mincha 5:50 pm
Wednesday, October 23 – Hoshana Rabba
Shacharis – Hoshana Rabba 6:30 am Mincha/Ma’ariv 5:50 pm
SHEMINI ATZERES
Wednesday Evening, October 23
Mincha 5:40 pm
Candle Lighting 5:53 pm
Thursday, October 24
Shacharis 9:00 am
Yizkor approximately 10:30 am
Mincha. 5:50 pm
Ma’ariv 6:50 pm
Candle Lighting from Existing Flame. Not Before 6:50 pm
SIMCHAS TORAH
Thursday, October 24
Hakofos & Parade of Torahs. 7:05 pm
Dinner and Auction Approximately 8:45 pm
Friday, October 25
Shacharis. 9:00 am
Hakofos… 10:15 am
Every male above Bar Mitzvah will get an aliya to the Torah
Kol Hanarim – Call all kids to Torah Approximately 11:15 am
Mincha 5:30 pm
Candle Lighting from an existing flame. 5:51 pm
Shabbos Beresehit Shabbos, October 26
Shacharis. 9:00 am
Mincha 5:50 pm
Shabbos Concludes 6:48 pm
Yom Kippur Appeal: Embracing the Divine Challenge of Tzedakah
Dear Members and Friends,
As we stand on the threshold of the new year, we are reminded of the profound opportunities this sacred season provides. Yom Kippur is not just a day of reflection and repentance; it is a time to recommit ourselves to the values that define us as a community—faith, unity, and generosity.
This past year, Nusach Hari B’nai Zion has been a beacon of spiritual growth, education, and community connection. We have celebrated several Bar Mitzvah simchas, hosted many community- wide events, and marked milestones that have brought joy to us all.
However, maintaining and growing our vibrant community requires resources. Your generous donations and gifts have been the lifeblood of our congregation, enabling us to continue our vital missions of in- reach and outreach, and ensuring that no Jew is left behind. As we face new challenges and embrace new opportunities, we need your support now more than ever.
We ask you to consider fulfilling the mitzvah of Tzedakah during this critical moment in the Jewish calendar. Your contributions will help us sustain our programs, enhance our services, and ensure the spiritual and physical wellbeing of our shul. Let us remember that charity is one of the pillars of these holy days—Repentance, Prayer, and Charity can change our fate and inscribe us in the Book of Life.
We are specifically reminded of the unique and powerful place that the mitzvah of Tzedakah holds in our Jewish tradition. Tzedakah is not just an act of charity; it is a profound expression of faith and trust in Hashem. It is so important that it is the only mitzvah where we are permitted—and even encouraged—to challenge Hashem directly. This remarkable principle is rooted in the words of the prophet Malachi, who declares:
“Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and thereby put Me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Malachi 3:10)
This verse is extraordinary because, in every other area of life, we are taught to act with humility, never presuming to challenge the divine will. Yet, when it comes to Tzedakah, Hashem invites us to test Him. Why? Because giving Tzedakah is more than a charitable deed; it is a covenantal act that connects us directly with the divine attributes of kindness, justice, and generosity.
By giving Tzedakah, we engage in an act of trust and partnership with Hashem. The Torah teaches us that Tzedakah sustains the world, elevates the giver, and transforms communities. When we give, we fulfill a divine promise, participating in the spiritual economy of blessing and abundance.
Hashem assures us that our generosity will be met with His boundless blessings, and He encourages us to put this promise to the test. This is not an invitation to doubt but a profound call to action—a call to believe in the transformative power of our deeds.
Our sages further emphasize this point in the Talmud, stating, “Tzedakah is equal to all the other mitzvot combined.” (Bava Batra 9a). This statement highlights the extraordinary impact of Tzedakah. It is a mitzvah that can change our fate, alter divine decrees, and bring redemption to our lives and the world around us.
As we approach Yom Kippur, a time of introspection, repentance, and renewal, let us seize the opportunity to challenge Hashem with Tzedakah. Let us give with full hearts and open hands, confident in the promise that our generosity will bring blessings not only to ourselves but to our entire community.
Nusach Hari B’nai Zion relies on your support to continue our sacred work of spiritual growth, education, and community building. Your contributions enable us to provide meaningful services, vibrant programs for all ages, and support to those in need. By giving generously to our Yom Kippur appeal, you are not only fulfilling a mitzvah, but you are also participating in a divine partnership that sustains our congregation and enriches our lives.
Let us together embrace the mitzvah of Tzedakah, knowing that through this act, we are testing Hashem with faith and conviction.
Please note that we are not having an anniversary dinner this year, so the financial need is greater now than ever. Keep in mind that we will have significant expenses in the tail end of the calendar year, such as bringing in the rabbinical candidates for the congregation to meet. Accordingly, I ask that you donate generously to our Yom Kippur appeal.
Contributions can be made by mailing a check, calling the office, or going online to our website. You can also make donations by gifting appreciated stock from your brokerage account or charitable foundation. Additionally, consider making dedications to honor loved ones or celebrate special occasions, allowing others to be recognized in our communal prayers and activities. Further, consider leaving a gift to NHBZ in your estate planning.
This is our moment to come together, to lift each other up, and to make a lasting impact. Let us continue to build on the strength of our past 100+ years, ensuring a thriving future for Nusach Hari B’nai Zion.
May you and your loved ones be inscribed in the Book of Life for a year of health, happiness, and prosperity. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shul.
G’mar Chatima Tova,
Dan Winograd,
Vice-President Nusach Hari B’nai Zion
