Congregation Beth Israel to Hold Programs for Rosh Hashanah

Congregation Beth Israel (CBI) in Scotch Plains will offer several free programs in celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The synagogue’s Erev Rosh Hashanah Family Service, Outdoor Shofar Blowing, and Tashlich ceremony are all open to the community at no cost.

CBI will hold a free family service on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Sunday evening, September 25, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The service will be held outdoors under a tent. Rabbi Howard Tilman and Cantor Matt Axelrod will officiate at this child-friendly service that combines traditional liturgy, songs, and a holiday story. The service is open to everyone in the community, but online registration is required at https://www.cbinj.org/event/erevrh5783.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer our family High Holiday service in person again,” said Rabbi Tilman. “This special service is accessible to people of all backgrounds and experience levels, from kids to adults, and we hope non-members will join us. It’s a great way to usher in the New Year."

In preparation for Rosh Hashanah, CBI will also hold three outdoor Shofar-blowing gatherings so that congregants and members of the community will have opportunities to hear the sounds of the Shofar, the ancient horn traditionally blown during the Jewish High Holy Days. Members of CBI will blow the Shofar in front of the synagogue building for listeners assembled safely outdoors. Shofar blowings will take place: Sunday, September 18 at 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, September 21 at 6:00 p.m.; and Thursday, September 22 at 6:00 p.m. No registration is necessary.

CBI will also gather as a community on Monday, September 26, at 5:00 p.m. at Brookside Park in Scotch Plains to participate in the Jewish ceremony of Tashlich (translated as “casting off sins”). This ancient ritual will help the community spiritually prepare for the upcoming new year. No registration is required to participate.

For additional information on these and other free High Holiday events open to the community, visit CBI’s High Holiday page on its website: https://www.cbinj.org/5783holidayprograms#.

Congregation Beth Israel is an egalitarian Conservative synagogue, serving the religious, educational, cultural and social needs of congregants from Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Westfield and surrounding towns. It has an active Sisterhood, Men’s Club and youth group, plus a wide array of programs, ranging from adult education courses to social action opportunities.

Congregation Beth Israel has been recognized as an ABLE Awarded Congregation by the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest for its commitment to inclusion and accommodation for all its members and guests.

For more information, contact the synagogue office at (908) 889-1830 or office@cbisp.org. Congregation Beth Israel is located at 18 Shalom Way, Scotch Plains, NJ (corner of Martine Avenue).