2012 /5773
ww.cbistpete.com
High Holy Days Handbook 58th Street North - St Petersburg, FL 33710 - (727) 381-4900
To the entire congregation and all the members of their families, we extend our very best wishes for a Happy New Year, amply blessed with health, happiness and worthwhile achievements: Rabbi Jacob and Joanne Luski Cantor Jonathan Schultz Michael Grossman Bonnie and David Halprin Ilana and Sami Dayan Sandy and Herb Brasch Pam Askin Anita and Arlen Helfand Debbie and Allen Marmon Liz and Greg Sembler Officers and Trustees
CANDLELIGHTING: ROSH HASHANA: First Day – Sunday, September 16
7:16 pm
Second Day – Monday, September 17
8:15 pm
SHABBAT SHUVA: Friday, September 21
7:10 pm
YOM KIPPUR: Tuesday, September 25
7:05 pm
B’nai Israel Review
Page 2
B’nai Israel Review
Page 3
Bring your children to hear the shofar sound at 10 am. Supervised activities for ALL CHILDREN are provided from 10:30 am until the conclusion of adult services. Grades 3-7 Junior Congregation – Chapel, from 10:30 am until the conclusion of services. Grades K-2 K’tongregation - Youth Lounge from 10:30 am until the conclusion of services.
to pick up their children at the appropriate location at the conclusion of Adult Services.
Wednesday, September 26th: A light lunch will be served to those children too young to fast (under 12) following Youth Services. Supervised activities will be provided for ALL children. Parents are requested to pick up their children at the appropriate location at the conclusion of Adult Services.
Ages 2-5 Child Care – Classroom # 8, from 9:45 am until the conclusion of services. Infants and toddlers under age 2, accompanied by parent(s) are welcome in the Atrium. All services will be broadcast in the Atrium.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: High Holidays Service Schedules
2-3
Selihot
4-5 6
Kever Avot Cemetery Services
We recommend that all children, ages 2-7, wear a name tag with their parent’s names so that we may locate parents if needed.
Seating & Security Tashlich Rosh Hashana Guide
7
Yom Kippur Customs
8 9 16
Etrog & Lulav Order Form
18
Monday, September 17 and Tuesday, September 18th :
Operation Isaiah Food Drive
18
Sukkot Service Schedule
19
A Kiddush will be served for young people up to age 12 following their respective services. Parents are requested
Sukkot Guide
20
Shemini Atzeret & Simhat Torah
25
Create a Flag Contest
26
ROSH HASHANA th
Congregation Sukkot Dinner
BACK
B’nai Israel Review
Page 4
SELIHOT AT B’NAI ISRAEL Saturday, September 8, 2012, 9:00 pm You are cordially invited to attend our special Pre-Selihot Program in the Benjamin Social Hall to include: Havdala Welcome Michael Grossman Executive Director “Jerusalem in Song” Musical program by Cantor Jonathan Schultz & Debbie Marmon Installation of USY Officers and Reception to follow hosted by Sisterhood Selihot Eve Services Begin promptly at 10:30 pm Conducted by Rabbi Jacob Luski and Cantor Jonathan Schultz
WHAT IS SELIHOT? The word seliha means forgiveness, and in the singular is used to indicate a piyyut whose subject is a plea for forgiveness of our sins, our wrongdoings. In the plural, the word is used for a special set of prayers which are recited during the Penitential season which begins before Rosh Hashana and concludes with Yom Kippur. Selihot, composed by great personalities Saadya Gaon, Gershom ben Judah, Solomon Ibn Gabirol, as well as some contemporary poems, are included in our late night service. The Selihot for the first day are usually recited late on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashana. Ashkenazi Jews recite Selihot on the Saturday night /Sunday morning before Rosh Hashana for at least three days.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 5
Would people inflict unspeakable harm on others if they knew they would be called to account for their actions? If Serbian soldiers knew that they first had to beg forgiveness from their victims before they could seek Divine forgiveness, would they have continued their bloody course? If the warring clans in Africa, who prevent food from reaching the masses of starving citizens, had to plead with God for another year of life, would they act in so heartless a manner? Chances are, the answer to these questions is a resounding “NO”. That is –in Jewish terms—if everyone recited and internalized the Al Het, the world would be a nicer place. This should not be taken to imply that everyone need be Jewish. Rather, this conclusion reflects a deep appreciation of the traditions, customs and teachings which are intended to keep the Jewish people within certain moral bounds. There is much to recommend the notion of Teshuva, repentance. At the very least, it makes good sense that people who are forced to look inward on a regular basis and to atone—sincerely—for their wrongdoing will not be capable of gross inhumanity. But even more, the same teachings that cause people to turn inward for the purpose of rigorous self-examination
will most likely cause them to cry out when others are oppressed. Judaism has never accepted ostentatious breast beating as an acceptable substitute for true introspection and repentance. Rather, we demand that together with confession of one’s sins, must come a firm and honest resolve not to repeat them. We are also obligated to act on our convictions. Nowhere is this more evident than in the words of the prophet Isaiah, which we read in the Haftorah on Yom Kippur. God does not want empty sacrifices, declares the prophet. Rather, God desires that we show the same compassion towards one another that God Himself has shown the Jewish nation. During the High Holiday season, the Jewish people demonstrate a keen awareness that we are answerable to a higher authority. Beginning with the Selihot, the Penitential prayers, in which we confess our sins and beg God for forgiveness, and concluding with the Neilah service on Yom Kippur, in which we entreat God to seal our names in the Book of Life before closing it shut, we acknowledge God’s divinity, affirm our faith, and pledge to overcome our own shortcomings. ….Continues Selihot on Page 6...
B’nai Israel Review
Page 6
…. Selihot from Page 5...
While, obviously, this fact alone cannot account for the “personality” of our people, it no doubt plays a strong part. Despite the many provocations we have endured, generation after generation, we have acquired a reputation not as aggressors but rather as champions of human rights. Even as our persecutors have refined their weapons, our penitential prayers have expanded before more formalized. Apparently, our Rabbis have gone to great lengths to ensure that we not become guilty of those same sins committed against us. And apparently also, they have great faith in the concept of soul searching.
VOLUNTEER
TO
USHER
Come to the aid or your Congregation and volunteer to be an usher for the High Holiday services. We need your help! The annual High Holiday Ushers Meeting is Tuesday, August 28, 2012. We will tailor the usher schedule to the hours you anticipate being in the shul. If you need more information, please call Michael Grossman 381-4900 ext. 202 .
KEVER AVOT SERVICES During the High Holiday period, is customary to visit the graves of our loved ones and those who created our Jewish community. Kever Avot Services will be conducted by Rabbi Jacob Luski and Cantor Jonathan Schultz on Sunday, September 9, 2012, at 10:30 am at Menorah Gardens and at 11:30 am at the CBI section of Royal Palm Cemetery in St. Petersburg.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 7
BRING YOUR OWN TALIT FOR SERVICES All worshippers attending religious services in our Congregation are asked to bring their own talitot and kipot. High Holiday prayerbooks, as well as a good number of talitot, will be provided by the Congregation. CBI’s Sisterhood Judaica Shop has a variety of talitot available to you for your convenience. Call Anita 347-2300 Ellen 345-0237
SEATING POLICY Open seating and saving seats: There will be reserved seating for those with physical disabilities, i.e, members in wheel chairs, etc. Requests for handicapped seating should be made in advance through the synagogue office. Seating is done on a first come first served basis. Spouses and relatives may save seats up until 9:30 am. At 9:30 am, the ushers will ask for unoccupied saved seats to be released to others. Your tickets will be checked at the door prior to entering the synagogue. Admittance without a ticket will be denied. This is designed to protect you not cause inconvenience. Tickets serve as our first line of security defense for the congregation.
SECURITY & DECORUM 1.
Each person, including children, seeking admittance to the Synagogue will be required to present a ticket to Security Personnel.
2.
Tickets are not transferable.
3.
Please allow sufficient time for parking and getting to your seats.
4.
All are encouraged to bring their own kipot and talitot.
5.
Open Seating: Seats may be saved up until 9:30 a.m.
6.
Please respectfully follow the directions of our volunteer ushers.
7.
Please silence all cell phones and beepers.
8.
Please note the listing of Youth Services & supervised activities provided for all children.
9.
By order of the Fire Department, the lobby, halls and aisles must be kept clear at all times.
10. A dignified atmosphere enhances the beauty of our High Holiday worship. Be friendly, greet and meet your fellow worshippers. 11. Members are reminded to remain at the rear of the Sanctuary: when the Congregation is standing at prayer, when the Rabbi is speaking, and when the Cantor is chanting solo. Our ushers will signal appropriate entrance times for late comers. Please cooperate with our ushers.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 8
MAHZOR LEV SHALEM Dedication at Erev Rosh Hoshana Services on Sunday evening, September 16th at 7:15 pm
SPECIAL BLESSING OF CHILDREN Parents are reminded to join in reciting with Rabbi Luski a special Blessing of Children at Erev Rosh Hoshana Services on Sunday evening, September 16th at 7:15 pm.
RECOVERY PRAYER On the First Day of Rosh Hashana, Monday, September 17, 2012, Rabbi Luski will recite the blessing of “Hagomel”, of thanksgiving for all those who have been hospitalized during the previous year. The Rabbi will ask all those who have been ill and hospitalized to stand, together with their families, for the prayer which expresses their special sense of gratitude for the privilege of being in the Synagogue on this Rosh Hashana. If you are in this category, and would like to join us in this event, please be in your seats by 9:30 am.
TASHLICH Enhance your family’s Tashlich Experience with Story Time at 6:00 pm before the Tashlich Service. The annual service of Tashlich will be conducted on the First Day of Rosh Hashana, Monday, September 17, 2012 at 6:15 pm at Lake Pasadena, located at 64th Street & Fourth Avenue North. The ceremony is based on the text of Micah: “And you shall cast into depths all of your sins”. It is one of the traditional practices surrounding Rosh Hashana. We urge you to be present for this wonderful opportunity for children and parents to share in what is always a lovely outdoor ceremony. Minha and Maariv will follow at 7:15 pm at the Synagogue.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 9
Rosh Hashana is one of our most important holidays. We call it, together with Yom Kipur, the High Holy Days. The High Holy Days come in the fall, when summer is over. The Jewish year begins in the fall. As the New Year begins we think about very serious things. We feel that God judges us at this time. We look back to the past year and think, “Have I been a good person as I could have been?” We ask ourselves, “How can I be a better person in the year that is coming?” Rosh Hashana begins in the evening. We get dressed in our best clothes. We share a holiday dinner with our family and friends. It is customary to send New Year cards expressing good wishes to family and friends. It is also customary for worshipers to exchange greetings on Rosh Hashana Eve, at the completion of the service, employing the Hebrew expression: “L’Shana Tova Tikatevu Vetehatemu” literally, ”May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year”, the person addressed responding, “Gam atah”, “The same to you”. During the morning prayers we hear the sound of the shofar. The shofar is made from the horn of a male sheep, a ram. The shofar is hollow, and when it is blown the sound is sharp and loud. The shofar reminds us of events that happened long ago. The shofar was sounded at Mount Sinai when the Jewish people promised to obey God’s commandments. The sound of the ram’s horn reminds us to keep that promise. Rosh Hashana is also called “Yom Hazikaron” Day of Remembering. “Yom Hadin”; Day of Judgment. As well as “Yom Teruah”, The Day of Sounding the Shofar. After Rosh Hashana services in the synagogue, it is customary to go to the nearest stream or river. We turn our crumbs into the water and watch them float away. It is like throwing away the bad things we may have done. We make ourselves clean for a start of a fresh year.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 10
Step 1: Set the Rosh Hashana Table It is traditional to use a white tablecloth for Rosh Hashana, just like on other Jewish holidays and on Shabbat. Setting the table with you best china and silver enhances the holiday mood. Two covered challahs should be set on the table. Round challahs are often used on Rosh Hashana to symbolize a perfect, cyclical year to come. Some also like to serve challahs with raisins inside for added sweetness. The challahs should be covered with a cloth. Apples, cut into slices, should also be on the table. A bowl of honey should be near the challah and the apples. Lastly, each family head should have a kiddish cup. A bottle of kosher wine and/or grape juice should also be on the table.
Step 2: Bless the Candles On the first night of Rosh Hashana, candles are lit 18 minutes prior to sunset. On the second night, they are lit after dark. Check your bulletin for the exact times. Two candles (minimum) are lit. Many families have the tradition of lighting one candle for each member of the family. On Shabbat, both hands are waved towards the face, symbolically drawing in the light of the candles and the sanctity of the holy day. The eyes are covered and the blessing is recited. On a weekday, covering the eyes is not necessary. Blessing over the Candles (When Rosh Hashana coincides with Shabbat, add the words in parentheses)
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu melekh haolam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel (shabbat v’shel) yom tov. Blessed are you Lord, our God, ruler of the world, who sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of the (Sabbath and of the) holy day.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 11
Shehekheyanu Blessing An additional blessing, called Shehekheyanu, is recited while lighting candles on Rosh Hashana. This blessing acknowledges the good fortune of being able to experience the holiday.
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu melekh haolam, shehekheyanu v'kiy’manu, v'higi’anu lazman hazeh. Blessed are you Lord, our God, ruler of the world, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.
Step 3: Kiddush Everyone gathers around the table, and the head of the house recites the special Kiddush for Rosh Hashana. Lift a cup of kosher wine or grape juice and say: Kiddush (Sanctification of the day over wine) (When Rosh Hashana coincides with Shabbat, add the words in parentheses.)
On Saturday night add:
B’nai Israel Review
Page 12
(Vay’hi erev vay’hi voker yom hashishi. Vay'khulu ha'shamayim v'ha'aretz v'khol tz'va'am, vay'khal Elohim bayom hash'vi'i m'lakhto asher asa, vayishbot bayom hash'vi'i mikol m'lakhto asher asa. Va'y'varekh Elohim et yom hash'vi'i va'y'kadesh oto, ko vo shavat mikol m'lakhto asher bara Elohim la'a'sot.) Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu, melekh haolam, borei p’ri hagafen. Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu, melekh ha-olam, asher bakhar banu mikol am, v'rom'manu mikol lashon v'kidshanu b'mitzvotav, vatiten lanu, Adonai Eloheynu, b'ahava et yom (hashabbat haze v'et yom) hazikaron hazeh, yom (zikhron) t'ruah (b'ahavah) mikra kodesh, zeikher liy’tziyat mitzrayim, ki vanu vakharta v’otanu kidashta mikol ha’amim, u'd'varkha emet v'kayam la'ad. Barukh atah Adonai, melekh al kol ha’aretz m'kadeish (ha-shabbat v') yisra'el v'yom hazikaron. (On Saturday night add:) Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha’aolam, borei m’orei ha’esh. Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha’olam, hamavdil bein kodesh l’khol, bein or lakhoshesh bein yisrael la’amim, bein yom hash’vi’i l’sheshet y’mei hama’ase, bein k’dushat shabat l’k’dushat tom tov hivdalta, v’et yom hash’vi’i misheshet y’mei hama’ase kidashta, hivdalta v’kidashta et amkha yisrael bik’dushatekha. Barukh ata Adonai, hamavdil bein kodesh l’kodesh. Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu melekh haolam, shehekheyanu v'kiy’manu, v'higi’anu lazman hazeh. (And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. The heavens and the earth, and all they contain, were completed. On the seventh day, God completed the work which He had been doing; He ceased on the seventh day from all the work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and called it holy, because on it, he ceased from all His work of creation.) Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe who creates the fruit of the vine. Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe who has chosen us from among all people, and exalted us above every tongue and sanctified us with His commandments, and you gave us, Lord our God, with love this day of (Sabbath and this day of) remembrance, a day of (remembrance of) shofar blowing (with love) a holy convocation, a memorial of the exodus from Egypt. Indeed, You have chosen us and made us holy from all peoples and Your word is true and established for ever. Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King over all the world, Who sanctifies (the Sabbath) and Israel and the Day of Remembrance. (On Saturday night add:) Praised are You, Lord, or God, King of the universe who creates the lights of fire. Praised are you, Lord our God, King of the universe who has endowed all creation with distinctive qualities, distinguishing between sacred and secular time, between light and darkness, between the people Israel and other peoples, between the seventh day and the six working days of the week. You have made a distinction between the sanctity of Shabbat and the sanctity of Festivals, and have hallowed Shabbat more than the other days of the week. You have set your people Israel apart, making their lives holy through attachment to your holiness. Praised are you, Lord who distinguishes one sacred time from another. Blessed are you Lord, our God, ruler of the world, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 13
Step 4: Ritual Washing of the Hands We symbolically wash our hands by pouring water over them, first on one side, then the other. As they are dried, recite the following blessing:
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al n’tilat yadaim. Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to wash the hands. After washing the hands, one refrains from speaking until the blessing over the bread has been recited, and one has tasted the challah.
Step 5: Hamotzi The blessing is made over the two round challot. After the blessing is made, the challah is cut or torn into pieces and each piece is dipped in honey. This symbolizes hope for a sweet year. The custom of dipping the challah in honey continues until the end of Sukkot.
Hamotzi (Blessing over Challah)
Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu melekh haolam hamotzi lekhem min ha’aretz. Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth.
Step 6: Apples and Honey A slice of apple is dipped in honey. Two blessings are recited:
Blessing over Fruit
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheynu melekh ha’olam, borei p'ri ha'etz. Blessed are you Lord, our God, King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the tree.
Prayer for A Sweet Year After taking a bite of the apple, the following prayer is recited.
Y'hi ratzon mil'fanekha, Adonai Eloheynu v'elohei avoteinu shet’chadesh aleinu shana tova um'tuka. May it be Your will, Lord, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You renew for us a good and sweet year.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 14
Step 7: Enjoy a Festive Dinner with Symbolic Foods A festive evening meal is eaten on Rosh Hashana. Since Rosh Hashana is the day of judgement, it is customary to eat foods with symbolic meaning to invoke God's blessing. Grace After Meals, with the addition of Y'aleh V'Yavo, "May there rise and come..." for the holiday, is recited at the end of the meal.
Symbolic Meaning of Traditional Rosh Hashana Foods Round Challah The round shape symbolizes a perfect year to come. Sometimes raisins or honey are added to make it extra sweet.
Apples and Honey We dip the apples in honey to symbolize our wish for a sweet year to come.
Head of Fish or Gefilte ("filled") Fish Fish is an ancient symbol of fertility and abundance. The head of fish symbolizes the head of the New Year. The head also symbolizes our hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteous acts.
Head of Lamb, Sweet Chicken or Meat Dish Head of lamb symbolizes our hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteousness. The sweet entree symbolizes our wish for a sweet year.
Tzimmes Tzimmes is an eastern European recipe for honey baked carrots. The Yiddish word "meren" means carrots and to increase. Carrots symbolize our hope that we increase our good deeds in the coming year. Some tzimmes recipes add prunes, sweet potatoes or even meat to the sweet carrots.
Spinach Spinach symbolizes a green year with plenty of produce.
Rice Rice symbolizes abundance.
Honey Cake or Teiglach (crunchy dough boiled in honey) "This day is holy to God, your God; do not mourn and do not weep...for the joy of God is your strength." (Nechemiah 8:9-10). It is said that the Prophet Nechemiah introduced to the ancient Israelites the Persian custom of eating sweet foods to celebrate the New Year.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 15
Step 8: Come to Services - Hear the Shofar On the morning of Rosh Hashana, people go to synagogue to hear the sounding of the shofar, except on Shabbat when it is not sounded. It is a Torah obligation to hear the shofar on Rosh Hashana. During the Musaf (additional) prayer service, the shofar is blown. There are three types of shofar blasts:
1. Tekiah This is a long, solid blast. It sounds like a trumpet blast, as if at a coronation. This is a reminder that God is the king of the universe. The joy in the blast also reminds us that God is loving and merciful.
2. Shevarim These are three medium-length blasts. The shevarim is reminiscent of deep sighs or soft crying, (where one is gasping for breath). The shevarim is the beginning of the recognition of all that God does for us.
3. Teruah This is 9 quick blasts. The teruah evokes the feeling of short piercing cries, wailing. The teruah is a reminder that the year is ending and the time to repent for sins will soon pass. 4. Tekiah Gedolah This is the elongated, solid note that is blown as the last blast of the shofar service. The tekiah gedolah tells all that their prayers have been heard.
Step 9: Enjoy a Festive Lunch with Symbolic Foods After returning from synagogue on Rosh Hashana day, a festive lunch is eaten. A special kiddish is recited. Hands are ritually washed. The blessing is made over two whole challot, and the pieces of which are dipped in honey. Sweet foods, not sour or acidic foods, are traditionally eaten at this meal. At the end of the meal, Grace After Meals - with the addition of Y'aleh V'Yavo, "He will go up and he will come..." - for the holidays.
Step 10: Cast Away Sins at Tashlikh It is customary that on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashana, we go to a body of water and symbolically cast away our sins in a service called Tashlikh. If Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat, then Tashlikh is done on the second day of Rosh Hashana. While standing by the water, several verses from the books of Micah and Psalms are recited expressing the desire for the sins to be carried away.
Step 11: Celebrate the Second Day of Rosh Hashana On the second night, candles should be lit immediately after sunset, kindled by an existing flame. The evening meal of the second day of Rosh HaShana is the same as the night before, except the Shehekhiyanu blessing is recited over a new fruit that has not been eaten this season. Pomegranates are a popular choice for this fruit in Israel. The rituals and the prayers of the second day of Rosh HaShana are similar to the first day, except for a change in the Torah reading and the Haftarah.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 16
Kol Nidre – The Evening Service for the Day of Atonement is preceded by the chanting of the Kol Nidre (literally, “all vows”) which is repeated three times. It is a formal abrogation of all vows made under the influence of great emotional strain, and is intended to guard against oaths, which may remain unfulfilled through negligence or forgetfulness. This dispensation from vows refers only to those which an individual voluntarily assumes for himself alone, and concerns his relations to his conscience and Heavenly Judge. No oath or promise involving another person, a community or a court of justice is implied in the Kol Nidre. A Prayer the Family Can Say Together at Home on Erev Yom Kippur Let us now make the confession that we so often feel and so seldom say: We have done our share of evil along with the good that we do. Let us admit it, and may this admission prepare our hearts for the fast, just as this means prepares our bodies. We did not mean to do evil, but too often our failure to listen, to respond when we are called, to appreciate and to say thanks, caused more harm than any deliberate wrong could have done. Frequently we acted in haste, wrongly and to our sorrow. Many times our judgment was needlessly rash and harsh. We retorted to excuses many times and we blamed others instead of ourselves. We hurt most the ones we love the most. Therefore let us admit it, and let us say we are sorry. More than that, let us promise each other that we will try our best not to repeat our mistakes. Let us now make up with each other, and resolve to love each other more in the New Year. May God forgive us as we forgive each other, and may this be a sweet new year. Amen. Yom Kippur is a sunset to sunset fast. Following the principle of adding to holiness, the fast is actually 25 hours long. Kol Nidre will be at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2012 and the Shofar will be sounded to conclude the fast on Wednesday night. This is a total fast, which required abstention from food and drink during the entire period. It is forbidden to fast if you have a valid medical reason requiring daily intake of food. Diabetics, nursing mothers and others who are suffering illness are urged to follow the instructions of their doctors. Jewish law provides that small quantities of food are to be eaten at set intervals during Yom Kippur day. Consult Rabbi Luski for further information.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 17
“Sneak Into Shul” – This High Holidays, take a step in the right direction and wear white canvas sneakers on Yom Kippur. It is a custom in many Jewish communities not to wear shoes of leather. This is one interpretation of “afflicting one’s soul.” On Yom Kippur, white canvas shoes are particularly appropriate, given the symbolic importance of white as reflected in the verse: “And your sins which were as red as scarlet shall become as white as snow.” Following the break-the-fast on Wednesday night, it is customary to hammer in the first nail for the Sukka, thereby connecting Yom Kippur and Sukkot. If you have not reserved your lulav and etrog, please complete and return the appropriate form (printed in this Bulletin) to the Synagogue office, 381-4900. The appropriate greeting before Yom Kippur is “GMAR TOV” which means, “May the conclusion of this season assure you all that’s good and positive.” It is also appropriate to wish one another an easy fast, the Hebrew being, “TZOM KAL.” Memorial Light – A large candle, sufficient to burn throughout the 24 hours of the fast, is kindled on the even of Yom Kippur, in memory of the departed ones. Prayer on Kindling the Memorial Light on Yom Kippur Eve: Eternal God, with feeling of reverence and love I recall the memory of my dear ______________ on this sacred eve of Yom Kippur. I am grateful for the years we shared, for the abiding influence of those years, and for the memories that live in my heart. I am grateful too, O God, for the healing which time brings and for the hope which faith and trust inspire. May the remembrance of my loved ones encourage me to live with integrity and with compassion. May my deeds reflect honor on my family; and may they add the “merits of the ancestors” which has sustained the house of Israel throughout the generations. I now light this Memorial Light in memory of my departed _________________ whose English name was __________and whose Hebrew name was ______________. May the memory of ______________ strengthen my resolve to be a source of blessing for all those whose lives touch mine. Amen. Following Neila and Maariv, our religious school youngsters will join on the bima for Havdala, the traditional liturgy that separates Sabbaths and the holidays from the rest of the week. Following the Havdala, our distinguished Shofar Blower will lead all of Congregation B’nai Israel’s Shofar Blowers in sounding the Tekiah G’dolah, to end the first on a triumphant and powerful note. All members of the Congregation who wish to join in this final sound of the Shofar are invited to bring their Shofarot.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 18
Yom Kippur afternoon at the Synagogue is special. The Minha service includes the reading of the Book of Yonah and discussion of the subject. Neila will then be chanted; the Cantor’s artistry enables him to create an extraordinary mood as the Congregation functions as the choir of the whole. Families are encouraged to have children and grandchildren with them. It is appropriate that they, too, hear the Shofar end the Fast and hopefully proclaim a good year for us all. A Note for the Ladies – It is the custom in our Congregation that ladies who receive any Aliyah or honor during our services and ascend the pulpit wear a headcovering, and are encouraged to wear a tallit. Traditional chapel caps are available just as are kipot.
OPERATION ISAIAH To continue our Operation Isaiah tradition, please bring donations of canned goods, peanut butter, pasta and highly nutritious foods, as well as Publix gift certificates to the synagogue on or before Kol Nidre eve on Tuesday, September 25th, and deposit them in the bins directly in front of the synagogue, to benefit the food pantry at Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services. The Operation Isaiah Food Drive is inspired by the words of Isaiah which we read on Yom Kippur…”Is this not the fast I have chosen …to share your bread with the hungry?” (Isaiah 58:6-7). Isaiah’s message of over 2500 years ago could describe our society today. Operation Isaiah was created the The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism many years ago to give Conservative congregations the opportunity to begin the New Year with a food drive and a collection for MAZON: A Jewish Reponse To Hunger. Join forces with United Synagogue in working to turn Yom Kippur 5771 into one that fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy.
Order your Etrog & Lulav NOW for the holidays! We need to receive your PAID orders by Monday September 24th so that you will receive your sets in time for Sukkot. The Lulav and Etrog are lovely symbols of the holidays. Reserve yours now to use at home during the Sukkot holidays and to bring to shul to participate together with your children in the Hashanot procession.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 19
B’nai Israel Review
Page 20
Following on the heels of Yom Kippur, the eight day festival of Sukkot is a welcome break from Yom Kippur’s solemn mood of introspection and soul searching. Many mitzvot are associated with Sukkot. The sukka itself and the gathering of the etrog and lulav are undoubtedly the most recognizable of the mitzvot. But one mitzvah stands out above the others-- the mitzvah of being happy. The rabbis called Sukkot, “zman simhateinu”, ‘the season of our joy’. Through the eating, entertaining, singing and dancing, the festival can indeed take on a spirit of joy and celebration. Feeling a sense of renewal and hope from the Yamim Noraim, Days of Awe, we grant ourselves the pleasures of the outdoors and of relaxation. Sukkot is our time to celebrate the fall season and that the summer harvest has brought us. Lest we take this self indulgence too far, our reading from the Book of Kohelet, Ecclesiastes, reminds us of the temporal nature of this celebration. Historically, Sukkot reminds us of the journey through the desert after our Exodus from Egypt. Ultimately, Sukkot provides many rich opportunities to enjoy the blessings of life while maintaining a keen awareness of its fleeting nature. Although Sukkot is best celebrated with a sukkah, even families who do not have one can do many things to enhance their holiday celebration. This guide is appropriate for all. Ushpizin - There is a beautiful tradition of inviting our great leaders of the past to visit us each night in a ritual called ushpizin – welcoming guests! Each evening we greet a different Jewish hero. Sukkot is the perfect time to invite friends and acquaintances to dine with you-- in your family sukka, or if you do not have one, it’s a good occasion to gather with friends in any case. It’s fun to have each of your guests bring an imaginary guest and introduce him/her, telling why this particular “special guest” was invited. Tzedaka – As with all Jewish holidays, Tzedakah is an important aspect of the celebration. Create a collection-corner in your sukka or home based on Leviticus 19:1—“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edge of your field…” Designate a corner, pe-ah, or several corners of your home or Sukka as the “edge of your field” for the collection of canned foods that later can be donated to Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services. The house and sukkah should be decorated with fresh fruits and flowers symbolizing the agricultural theme of the holiday. The holiday table is set with festive cloth, dishes and flatware. A bowl of fruit or a miniature Sukka can serve as the centerpiece, and on the table are wine and cups, two round Hallot under a Hallah cover, and a dish of honey.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 21
The women of the house light candles on the first two nights of Sukkot. On Shabbat, add the words in parentheses:
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu melekh haolam, asher kidshanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel (shabbat v’shel) yom tov. Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu melekh haolam, shehekheyanu v'kiy’manu, v'higi’anu lazman hazeh. Blessed are you Lord, our God, ruler of the world, who sanctified us through His commandments and commanded us to kindle the lights of the (Sabbath and of the) holy day. Blessed are you Lord, our God, ruler of the world, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season. On Shabbat, parents bless their children, and then the man of the house recites Eishet Chayil to his spouse. The blessing for children may be found in B’kol Echad on page 3. Eishet Chayil may be found in B’kol Echad on page 5. On the first two nights, the Kiddush is recited in the sukkah while standing. It may be found on page 119 of B’kol Echad. After the Kiddush, before drinking the wine, the brachah leishev basukka is said (see below). On the first night, leisheiv is followed by the shehekheyanu. On the second night, the shehekheyanu precedes leishev basukkah.
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu leishev basuka. Blessed are you , Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah.
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu melekh haolam, shehekheyanu v'kiy’manu, v'higi’anu lazman hazeh. Blessed are you Lord, our God, ruler of the world, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 22
After Kiddush, the ritual continues with the washing of hands, Netilat Yadyim.:
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melekh ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al n’tilat yadaim. Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to wash our hands. Motzi is said over two hallot in the sukkah. Most people continue to use round hallot, and to dip them in honey as on Rosh Hashana.
Barukh atah Adonai, Elohaynu melekh haolam, hamotzi lekhem min ha’aretz. Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth. Throughout the festival, the blessing Leisheiv basuka (P-20) is recited after Hamotzi whenever eating in a sukkah. After the festive meal, Birkat Hamazon is said, adding Ya’ale v’yavo and the special Harakhaman sentences for holidays and for Sukkot. LULAV AND ETROG Every family should have a lulav and etrog. The Lulav, (literally, palm branch) is a small holder with palm branches in the middle with twigs of a myrtle on one side and of a willow on the other side. The Etrog is the fruit of the citron tree and resembles a lemon. The etrog is often kept in a special box or container, often one that is beautifully decorated, and is carefully protected so that the tip of the Etrog does not break off. On each of the seven days of Sukkot, except Shabbat, preferably in the morning, the blessing should be said on the lulav and etrog. The lulav is taken in the right hand, the etrog in the left hand and they are held together. The etrog is held with the tip (the pitom), down and the cut stem up. The following blessing is said when you take up the Etrog and Lulav:
Barukh ata Adonai, Eloheinu melekh ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav, v’tzivanu al n’tilat lulav. Blessed are you, Lord, our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with Your commandments and commanded us to take up the Lulav.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 23
The first time the lulav and etrog are used, the shehekheyanu is added:
Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheynu melekh haolam, shehekheyanu v'kiy’manu, v'higi’anu lazman hazeh. Blessed are you Lord, our God, ruler of the world, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season. The etrog is then turned over so that the pitom is facing up. Holding them together, the lulav and etrog are shaken in the six directions: east, south, west north, up and down, to indicate that God has sovereignty over all the world. If you do not own your own lulav and etrog, you may use one of the Synagogue’s at morning Minyan, which begins at 7:45am.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 24
B’nai Israel Review
Page 25
Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah, originally the climax and grand finale of the Sukkot celebration, are now distinguished by their emphasis on the Torah. After studying the Torah, one immediately realizes that it is a great gift and treasure of our people.
Therefore, Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah are designated as the time when the community gathers to celebrate the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the transition from the book Devarim, Deuteronomy, to the beginning of Bereshit, Genesis. The celebration includes prayer, song and dance. Both the young and the old will dance around and embrace the Torah to show their love and appreciation for the gift of its teachings.
In the home, Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah are marked by the usual rituals of Kiddush, candlelighting, etc. and by the prohibition on working. Again it is an excellent opportunity for the family to gather and celebrate the teachings and ideals of the Torah before gathering with our Congregational Family for a large scale celebration.
B’nai Israel Review
Page 26
Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah Yom Tov Services: Sunday, October 7h - Erev Shemini Atzeret Service, 6:30 pm Monday, October 8th - Shemini Atzeret Shemini Atzeret Yom Tov morning services includes Yizkor Memorial Service and Memorial Plaques Dedication, 9:00 am Erev Simhat Torah – Youth Extravaganza Minha, Maariv & Torah Procession, 6:30 pm Tuesday, October 9th - Simhat Torah Simhat Torah Yom Tov morning service, 9:00 a.m. Honoring our Hatanei Hatorah – “Princes of the Torah” Yom Tov Minha & Shabbat Maariv, 7:00 pm
B’nai Israel Review
Page 27
Tuesday, October 9, 2012 - SIMHAT TORAH HATANEI HATORAH CELEBRATION Simhat Torah morning service, 9:00 a.m. The festival of Sukkot reaches its joyous climax on Simhat Torah, which is the last day of the Holiday. It is the happiest holiday on the Jewish calendar because we celebrate our joy and pleasure in the Torah. Because of Israel’s love of the Torah, a tradition evolved in ancient times to honor individuals for their commitment to the Torah, to the Synagogue, and the Jewish way of life. Continuing this tradition, Congregation B’nai Israel is proud to honor: Marilyn Benjamin, Susie Berman and Susie Schwartz, as our Kallot Torah Sheryl Sutton, as our Kallah Bereshit Dr. David and Janice LeVine, as Hatan and Kallah Maftir To express our high regard and respect for the honorees, they are escorted under the Huppah to the Bimah for the special honor where they are publicly reaffirm their love of Torah, God and Israel. We are honoring these individuals with these very special Aliyot on Simhat Torah morning, A Kiddush luncheon in their honor follows in the Benjamin Social Hall. Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Minha, Maariv and the Conclusion of Yom Tov, 7:00 p.m.