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?

Last year, 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 reinforced and complimentary. Based on your responses, the 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 build on last year’s approach and have developed new service-specific themes. Looking at this year’s service themes, an overarching three-part concept has emerged:

1. Cultivating our self-awareness and self-honesty
2. Recognizing the Divine in each other (interpersonally, communally, nationally)
3. Release (from our pain, from what has been holding us back, from what we no longer need)

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
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 miss that service too!

• All TBA families will automatically receive their tickets in the mail by mid-August. You do NOT need or order them.  If you don’t receive your tickets by August 23, please email Debbie Ezrin 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 have your congregation email Debbie Ezrin with a letter of reciprocity. She will then send you tickets to join us.
• Anyone not affiliated with a congregation may join us this year in person by purchasing tickets:
  • Rosh Hashanah – access to all services for anyone age 13+
  • Rosh Hashanah – access to preschool and K-6 family services only for anyone age 13+
  • Yom Kippur – access to all services for anyone age 13+
  • Yom Kippur – access to preschool and K-6 family services only for anyone age 13+

TBA’s COVID protocols are based on our commitment to the most sacred of Jewish laws – pikuach nefesh (saving a life).

• Masks are REQUIRED for everyone age 2+.
• Social distancing is strongly encouraged.
• No food or drinks are permitted.
• Vaccination Requirements for In-Person High Holy Day Services – NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE TO THESE REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY BEFORE ATTENDING SERVICES SO THAT WE DON’T HAVE TO TURN ANYONE AWAY.
  • Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre – EVERYONE (including children under 12) must show proof of vaccination OR negative PCR test that was administered no more than 72 hours prior to the service.
  • Preschool and K-6 Family Services – EVERYONE AGE 12+ must show proof of vaccination OR Negative PCR test that was administered no more than 72 hours prior to the service.
  • As proof of vaccination, we will accept any of the following:
    • Your original CDC card
    • A front and back copy of your CDC card
    • A photograph on your mobile phone of the front and back of your CDC card

• 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 on September 6, 7, 15, and 16^th 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 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.

What to Expect if You Choose to Worship In-Person for the High Holy Days

• A limited number of in-person services will be offered outdoors in the Rova (backyard), weather permitting. Click here for the High Holy Days service schedule.
• All services will be live-streamed, including services held in the Rova.
• In case of inclement weather, services will be LIVE-STREAMED ONLY. We will notify the congregation by email and on the website the day before each holiday with a decision about being outside or live stream only.
• Tickets are still required and must be presented to security. Adults age 18+ must also present a photo ID.
• Masks are REQUIRED for everyone age 2+.
• Social distancing is strongly encouraged.
• Bring blankets and chairs to sit on, as you would for a picnic Shabbat.
• Dress casually for the weather. Please wear white shirts, if possible.
• No food or drinks are permitted.

• NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE TO THESE REQUIREMENTS. PLEASE REVIEW CAREFULLY BEFORE ATTENDING SERVICES SO THAT WE DON’T HAVE TO TURN ANYONE AWAY.
• Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre – EVERYONE (including children under 12) must show proof of vaccination OR negative PCR test that was administered no more than 72 hours prior to the service.
• Preschool and K-6 Family Services – EVERYONE AGE 12+ must show proof of vaccination OR Negative PCR test that was administered no more than 72 hours prior to the service.
• As proof of vaccination, we will accept any of the following:
  • Your original CDC card
  • A front and back copy of your CDC card
  • A photograph on your mobile phone of the front and back of your CDC card

• All High Holy Day services will be available by livestream.
• Anyone is welcome to join us by livestream. Guests of TBA who join us by livestream are encouraged to make a donation to the Temple in honor of the High Holy Days.
• As you have come to expect during worship services, we will continue to have a visually meaningful service experience that features the clergy and the liturgy on split screens.
• If you prefer to use a machzor (High Holy Day prayerbook) during services, please stop by the Temple office anytime during the week of August 30^th to borrow one.

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