NEW YEAR MESSAGES FOR YOU
The book of Kohelet/Ecclesiastes teaches that ‘there is nothing new under the sun’. In some ways, as we turn into the year 5782 and return to the familiarity of our High Holy Day liturgy and melodies we find all that is familiar and comforting. But, as with each twist and turn of this pandemic, we are also facing a change from what we are used to and are tasked to adapt once again.
This year, to enable as many of our members to attend our services and feel safe and comfortable, we are holding multi-access services, both online and in person. Whilst our sanctuary remains the same, the addition of technology will feel different. I am sure that each one of us will experience moments of connection and disconnection, comfort and discomfort during our services as we again navigate the new world we find ourselves in.
Rosh Hashanah is all about new beginnings and trying to find a balance between the familiar and the comfort of the past and the excitement and promise of the future. This year, together, we will create a space that responds to the needs of this time, to the needs of our community, putting safety first. I wish you all a sweet and good New Year full of comfort and promise.
Rabbi Robyn
Here’s wishing you and yours a year of wellbeing in every way and all of us a year of ever greater togetherness, growth and development. One traditional sentence says it all: “May the curses of the old year end, may the blessings of the new year begin –
תכלה שנה וקללותיה, תחל שנה וברכותיה
Rav Reuven
I suspect that most of us are very glad to leave last year behind us. To say it’s been hard is an understatement and the challenges have been and continue to be, considerable. There has been huge sadness and we have lost people we can never replace – only hold in our hearts and memories.
We have also come together in new ways, to share our strength, to care and to heal. We have been guided by our Rabbis and community and now we face our next move together.
As Reform Jews, we look forwards, embracing change, looking for opportunities and creating somewhere for the next generations to share and enjoy. This Rosh Hashanah will feel different, in so many ways. I hope we all find something to sustain us and something new to enlighten us as we gather together.
Naomi Ward
If you wish to come to any of our High Holiday services this year you must register in advance with the office. There will be no admission without prior registration. For those unable to attend in person, High Holiday services will also be broadcast on Zoom and Facebook.
Click here to review dates and times of High Holiday services.
SHABBAT SERVICES
Every Friday evening at 18h30 and Saturday morning at 10h30 our Shabbat services are live on Zoom and shared by Facebook
And every day you can join RJ:TV, the Online Community for Reform Judaism at reformjudaism.org.uk/rjtv
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