Dear TBA Family,
As the New Year approaches, let us take some time for introspection. What do we need in the year to come? What are our hopes and aspirations? How can we leverage the opportunity to observe and celebrate together to help make the New Year better than the year which is ending?
Two years ago, as the pandemic raged around us, we radically reimagined the structure and content of our online services to hold our attention as a congregation while looking at screens. Instead of the full and rich liturgical content of our traditional services, we selected a single theme from the liturgy or from the meaning of the High Holy Days for each service, and only included liturgy that specifically highlighted that theme. In addition, the sermon for each service also focused on the theme, so that the sermon and service were mutually reinforcing and complimentary. This approach was so well received that we continued it last year. Based on your responses, these two sets of High Holy Days were among the most meaningful and uplifting in years.
This year, whether we choose to pray in-person or online, we will continue to build on this approach and have developed new service-specific themes. This year we will focus on what we need to achieve a fuller and more meaningful teshuvah process (finding better paths forward):
- Recognizing our fragility and vulnerability
- Cultivating humility
- Acting with empathy and compassion
We look forward to celebrating and growing with you soon!
May the Eternal One bless you with good health, happiness, and maybe a double portion of joy in the year to come.
Rabbi Gary Pokras
Rabbi Baht Weiss
Cantor Larry Eschler
Cantorial Soloist Joshana Erenberg
Rabbi Jack Luxemburg
P.S. For those who miss and/or prefer the longer, more traditional service, please join us for Second Day Rosh Hashanah. We love that service too!
