UJC 2025 High Holy Day Services Typhoon Updates

Friends – Once Again we need to adapt to changing circumstances. With the Typhoon on its way, we have made some changes – Second Day Rosh Hashana will be virtual only. Here is the new schedule:

1. Erev Rosh Hashana – No Changes! Service at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.

2. First Day Rosh Hashana Morning – Childrens’ Service at 9:00 AM – CANCELLED.  Regular Services at 10:30 AM. Sumptuous Reception following at 1:00 PM.

3. Tashlich – CANCELLED – Put your breadcrumbs on the windowsill and let nature do the casting off for you!

4. Second Day Rosh Hashana – VIRTUAL ONLY ON ZOOM. 10:30 AM. Led by Rabbi David Kudan and Cantor Yvon Shore. With special guest virtual shofar blower, Dr. Ed Weiner.  

Again, Here are the Links to our Zoom Services:

Rosh HaShanah Evening Service:
Monday, 22nd September 2025 at 7:00pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87408799929

Rosh HaShanah Day 1 Morning Service:
Tuesday, 23rd September 2025 at 10:30am
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85814015191

Rosh HaShanah Day 2 Morning Service:
Wednesday, 24th September 2025 at 10:30am
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85051289490

Above all, Be Safe – We look forward to ushering in the New Year with all of you!

Rabbi David Kudan, Cantor Yvon Shore, Temple Staff and Leaders

REFLECTIONS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR VIRTUAL SERVICES:

Here are some notes below on creating a Mikdash Me’at – A small sanctuary at home to help enhance the virtual worship experience. The following is slightly modified from a message we shared as we prepared for the first High Holidays during the pandemic in 2019. These suggestions were written by Rabbi Alison Berry and based on a piece by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein.

“You do not need to be perfect and there is no perfect space! It is ok to work around your everyday messiness. Real life, and the beautiful, imperfect home you have created will only add texture and depth to how our prayers resonate.

1. Choose the prayer space in your home carefully and in advance. Once you have chosen the space, do something to bless it—recite a prayer (you can make something up!) or take a moment to simply allow yourself to feel something special in the context of this space.
2. Decide where you will sit and how you will make yourself comfortable, but not too comfortable (we don’t want you to fall asleep!).
3. Consider broadcasting the service from a larger screen, maybe a television. This way the audio and visual can fill your space in a way that your computer can not.
4. Add something to the space that feels beautiful or special. This could be photos of loved ones, a beautiful piece of art that you can see from your seat, or even flowers that can add some life to your prayer area.
5. Consider the content of each service you will attend. On Rosh Hashanah, is there something you can bring into the space that represents the new year or life? At Yizkor, do you have photos of loved ones who have died on hand so their presence and their love surrounds you?
6. As services begin, turn off your email and, if you are able, most especially turn off your phone! Do all of the things you would normally do when you come in person to the synagogue.
7. Dress for the occasion in a way that makes these days special for you. If pajamas make it hard to focus or don’t feel special then wear something that makes you feel good and connected to the community.
8. If your children’s behavior isn’t perfect, or you feel distracted, that is ok. It is ok to let your kids use technology so you can focus and pray and it is ok if it takes you some time to relax into the space and into the moment. This is new for all of us!”

The Torah teaches us that we should:

“Make for me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them/within them” (Exodus 25:8). Our tradition teaches that we can create sanctuaries of safety and peace and beauty anywhere.

“We simply need to add the personal and beautiful (whatever that means to you), and adopt a mindset that can allow the sacred in. God can often feel closer, and even more real and relevant, in the context of our everyday lives. This year, your home will be enough. You and your family, showing up with joy and wonder and an openness to something new, something extraordinary, will be enough.”

 

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