Join Naples Jewish Congregation for memorable High Holidays

Steve McCloskey, President

We are living in tumultuous and trying times, tenuously teetering on the precipice of our world turning upside down. Our core Jewish values — act justly (justice), love mercy (compassion) and walk humbly with your God (humility) — first so succinctly articulated by the Prophet Micah in the 8th Century BCE, are being sorely stressed and tested today. Many of us could use a spiritual, moral and ethical reset, a particularly apt theme for the upcoming Days of Awe.

We at Naples Jewish Congregation (NJC) will gather at the High Holy Days in late September and early October under the outstanding spiritual leadership of Rabbi Howard Herman to ponder what we have done and not done over the past year to and for others, and to contemplate changes we can make to improve ourselves.

This focus on introspection, critical self-reflection and repentance acknowledges our vulnerability and fosters accountability. As Rabbi Herman will discuss, this process involves the Jewish imperative of listening, rather than simply hearing. Only by truly listening to others we care about can we chart our best path forward.

The High Holy Days also offer opportunities for renewal and hope. One theme of Rosh Hashanah is the prospect of new beginnings. Although our quest to better ourselves is a singular task, individual success can become infectious, leading to a strengthened community. Another of Rabbi Herman’s messages will be about choosing a different path for oneself. Seeking an achievable route within our abilities can not only make a difference in us, but also, hopefully, positively affect those we love.

Above all, the High Holy Days evoke deep personal and communal meaning. We will be in the sanctuary together as our NJC family in community, relying on each other for strength and support to weather both our personal travails and our congregational challenges. We can seek solace and guidance from each other as we embrace in friendship to foster a true sense of belonging.

This High Holy Days, for the first time in over 25 years, we will be without our beloved Jane Galler leading us in sacred song. Cantorial Soloist Cheryl Eitman, a very talented soprano who will bring her own beautiful cantorial renditions to our bima, will be with us, representing another new beginning. Eitman will collaborate with our volunteer choir, under the direction of our wonderful Music and Choir Director Alla Gorelik, who ably accompanies us as we lead our congregation in song.

The High Holy Days emphasize the connection between the soul searching we are commanded to engage in with the social responsibility we are called upon to pursue. We try to accomplish this by striving to meet our societal obligation of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, one deed of lovingkindness at a time. There are so many dire circumstances that require our attention, that just “getting in the game” is a genuine place from which to start, from the heart.

Anyone choosing to worship with us for the High Holy Days can do so at no charge, even if you have been with us in the past. More importantly, if you choose to join NJC, there are no dues for the first year. Join us at the conclusion of services for a wonderful Break The Fast. L ‘Shana Tovah.