A Colorful Array of Services

Purple Service

By Ellen Steinbaum

“This was the instruction as we entered for the afternoon service: on the small red index card on our seat write down a transgression and then place it beside the Torah scroll, laid open in a symbol of vulnerability. Lining up to lay these offerings of human frailty on the altar felt unexpectedly—breathtakingly—powerful. Likewise, the power of standing for Neilah, chairs pushed back, closing the spaces between us so we could feel each others’ physical presence and our spiritual place within this community. This is what I appreciate most about the purple service, the creative ways in which the clergy rethinks each aspect of the service to uncover new meaning and the brave willingness of the participants to open themselves to it. Does it always work for me? No. But, maybe it works for the person next to me. And maybe the next word, the next song, the next newly-interpreted action will touch me in a way this service never has before. There is comfort in repetition—of the seasonal melodies, of liturgy so familiar I can recite it with the prayer book closed, but changing up our expectations offers a new entry point and the possibility of finding new meaning.”

Orange, Yellow, and Silver Services

By Susan Edgman-Levitan and Richard Levitan

“TI is blessed with learned and inspirational clergy. We had the good fortune at last year’s Yom Kippur Orange service to hear Rabbi Zecher ask “what are we willing to be wounded for in the name of repairing the world?” Fresh back from a march from Selma to D.C. for voters’ rights and racial justice, Rabbi Zecher transfixed us with the significance of symbols and both the relevance and responsibility of being “chosen.” It was the first time we found out the distinction between gumption and chutzpah, the latter being the “willingness to show moral grandeur and spiritual audacity, even rightful indignation for the sake of justice and kindness.” Repairing this world and country seem more urgent then ever. We know Rabbi Zecher’s perspective and wisdom will help pave the way.”

Blue Service

By Jen Weber and Laurence Bailen “We have attended the Blue Service as a family for the past several years. It is a perfect experience for young children and families. The liturgy is designed for kids using a “home grown” siddur specifically for families, and the music and fun keeps everyone engaged. We usually sit together as a family, but often our kids find friends from Religious School to sit with. It is a very interactive service that gets everyone involved: from passing the Torah through the entire congregation to the Rabbis and Cantor getting input from parents or kids during the “sermon.” The sermon time itself has never felt like a traditional sermon. It is always appropriate for kids but the themes and message always hit home for families. We have enjoyed the Blue Service as a way to share the High Holy Days together as a family.”