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):

1. Recognizing our fragility and vulnerability
2. Cultivating humility 
3. 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!

• All TBA families will automatically receive their tickets in the mail by the end of August. You do NOT need or order them.  If you don’t receive your tickets by September 6, please email Alissa Miller for assistance.
• Each member of a TBA household is receiving a ticket with their name and address pre-printed on it. Accordingly, tickets are not transferable. 
• Reciprocity – If you would like to join us this year for services AND are members of another congregation, please fill out this ticket request form. We will send you tickets upon receipt of this completed form. Please contact Alissa Miller with any questions.
• Anyone not affiliated with a congregation may join us this year in person by purchasing tickets:
  • Extended family members of TBA families – Tickets must be purchased through the TBA member’s ShulCloud account using this link. 
  • Temple Beth Ami invites other guests to purchase tickets here.

TBA’s COVID protocols are aligned with Montgomery County, MD regulations. Accordingly, masks and vaccines are optional in our building, including the sanctuary. 

• Montgomery County police will be on-site throughout the High Holy Days.
• You MUST present your ticket at the door to enter the Temple.
• Anyone age 18+ MUST present a photo ID along with your personalized ticket to enter the Temple. Children ages 17 and under do not need a photo ID, but they must have a ticket.

As always, we will have an expanded handicapped parking area as you enter the Temple parking lot. All other parking spots on-site are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Overflow parking will be available at GSK/Rockville Center for Vaccine Research at 14200 Shady Grove Road. You MUST display a special parking pass on your dashboard if you would like to park on the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th floors of the GSK building. You can then walk from the garage across Travilah Road to Temple. All TBA families receive a parking pass in their High Holy Day mailing, and anyone purchasing tickets will be emailed a parking pass.

THERE IS NO OPTION TO PARK AT STONE MILL ES THIS YEAR.

This year’s Yizkor Book will be available online only and will be shared online in this space, as well as by email, prior to the High Holy Days.

All yahrzeits stored in your ShulCloud account will be included. Please visit your ShulCloud account to ensure our records are updated or contact Jen Smith at jsmith@bethami.org for assistance.