As we enter the summer heat, I am thinking about the high temperatures, and the High Holy Days. They are "early" this year. As the old joke goes: "Jews are never on time. We're always either early or late (more often late)." I've never heard of the High Holy Days being "on time." Actually, High Holy Days are always at the same time in the Jewish (lunar) calender, it just doesn't quite work that way with the Gregorian (solar) calender we're all used to.
So, Rosh Hashana Eve (The start of the Jewish New Year) is on September 4th. (That's "early!") My wife, Cantor Beth, and I have been working on our services which will be held at Founders Hall in Calabasas. Cantor Beth and I are very excited about officiating family oriented services together for the first time in five years. I have been working as the Rabbi of Hollywood Temple Beth El, while Cantor Beth has been building High Holy Day Services on her own. Last year she had over 100 people at her services, with people from Conejo, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Century City, and beyond. Our services are inclusive, inspirational, musical, and joyous. We hope you will consider joining us for our "early" High Holy Day Services. Please call or email me with any questions, comments, or just to chat: (818) 486-9685, RabbiIra@yahoo.com.
Cantor Beth and I are the founders of Or Echad (One Light), a new approach Jewish community. We offer HomeShul, a home-based alternative to Jewish learning and experience, incorporating projects, games, art, performance, music, fun, and (of course) food. For information about HomeShul's weekly classes and monthly family celebrations please contact me at (818) 486-9685 or RabbiIra@yahoo.com.
I hope this blog reaches you in good health and "High" spirits!
Rabbi Ira Rosenfeld
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