Beautiful, Incredible, Unique, Uplifting, Organized, Spiritual, Quick -- all are words that both describe this past week's Rosh HaShana minyanim and don't even come close to capturing the special essence and memorable moments we shared over Rosh HaShana.
Thank you so much to so many and to each and every person who joined with us in making it such a meaningful, inspiring and safe atmosphere.
May our tefillot (prayers), dreams and hopes all come true for good and may we merit to recreate this incredible atmosphere over Yom Kippur together.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Tuvia Brander
Mara D’Atra, Young Israel of West Hartford
SHABBAT SHUVA LECTURE ICYMI -- Check out Rabbi Brander's (abridged) Shabbat Shuva Lecture focusing on the deep message Jonah has for each one of us from his moment of isolation and quarantine.
We are excited to announce the launching of the 12th Anniversary Shul-bay High Holiday Kibbudim (honors) auction.
For those not familiar with our Shulbay auction:
For the last 11 years, we've been auctioning Kibbudim for the First Day of Rosh Hashana and for Yom Kippur.
It's a very nice way to honor somebody, to thank somebody or surprise somebody!
This is a wonderful way to honor a friend, family member, teacher, Rabbi, Kohen or Levi (and even Yisrael).
The Rules:
Bidding starts at $118
or
Buy It Now for $360 for any kibbud ending the bidding!
Bid by name, anonymously or conglomerate
All honors, aliyot or kibbudim are on a first come - first served basis!
Minyan Sign Up: Personalized emails with Yom Kippur reservations, minyan times and reminders will go out in the next day. Emails will only be sent to the email supplied on the signup form -- please be sure to send it to other members of your party.
Tashlich: Although ordinarily Tashlich is said on the first day of Rosh Hashana, since this year the first day falls out on Shabbos, Tashlich is said on the second day instead. There will be no communal Tashlich this year; everyone should say Tashlich at an appropriate body of water at some point on the afternoon of the second day of Rosh Hashana. If it is not said on Rosh Hashana, Tashlich can be said until Erev Yom Kippur or Hoshana Rabba.
Restrooms: As previously shared, the restrooms will be open over Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur. Access into the building will be limited to a single individual at a time. Please review our guidelines.
Men's Mikvah: Many have the custom to use the mikvah before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur; however, due to COVID-19 concerns, our Bess Israel Mikveh will not be open for men this year. As such, those wishing to uphold this custom can rely on 9 Kavin of water being poured on themselves. Practically, this can be accomplished by standing under a running shower for about 5 minutes -- the amount of time it would take for approximately 5 gallons of water to run down over their head and body. Alternatively, immersing in a swimming pool can suffice for the custom of men who want to immerse themselves before Rosh Hashanah. The filter should not be running at the time of immersion. Please note, both these options do not qualify as a bona fide Mikvah and does not satisfy the requirement for women who need the Mikvah.
Machzorim: We are strongly encouraging those attending Yom Kippur services to please bring their own machzor. Some will be available if needed. We ask that you use the same Machzor throughout the Yom Tov.
