The beginning of the year 5775 on the Hebrew Calendar is marked by Rosh Hashanah, the start of The High Holy Days. It begins with the blowing of the Shofar, a ram’s horn, and is observed by Jews all around the world. Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Wednesday, Sept. 24.
Congregation B’nai Israel of Fayetteville invites members of the community to come and join its congregational family for a spiritually deep High Holy Days experience.
“We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming to all families, whether that means traditional families, non-traditional families, or families comprised of different religious backgrounds,”a spokesperson said. “Everyone can find their spiritual home here.”
To enhance the holiday experience B’nai Israel will conduct a children’s service, and the chorus will fill the synagogue with a joyful noise. A dairy lunch will be provided after the service on Rosh Hashanah. Rabbi Louis Feldstein will lead all services.
The holiday schedule is:
• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 8 p.m., Erev Rosh Hashanah;
• Thursday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m., Rosh Hashanah Service,; 3:30 p.m., Tashlich;
• Friday, Oct. 3 ,8 p.m., Kol Nidre;
• Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m,. Yom Kippur Service; 4 p.m., Yizkor Service.
After “10 Days of Repentance” the High Holy Days conclude with Yom Kippur. It is recommended that congregants perform an ethical and religious reassessment of their lives during this period.
Yom Kippur — The Day of Atonement — is the most important of the Jewish holidays and includes fasting, prayer and the lighting of the Yahrzeit candle in memory of those who have died.
The congregation is encouraged to pledge monetary support to worthwhile charities and the synagogue. It begins at sundown on Friday, Oct. 3, with the Kol Nidre service and concludes at sundown on Saturday with the Yizkor Service. The goal of Yom Kippur is to bring about reconciliation between people, and between individuals and God.
“It is said that we join together in prayer because together we are stronger,” the spokesperson continued. “We look forward to sharing wonderful High Holy Days together with you, our friends and neighbors.”
Congregation B’nai Israel is on Ga. Hwy. 54, east of downtown Fayetteville near the intersection of Corinth Road. For more info, call the Temple office, 678-817-7162, or visit www.bnai-israel.net.
