High Holy Days 5781/2020

This year, like so many other synagogues around the world, we have decided to conduct services for the High Holy Days virtually. At a time of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty, nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our congregants, clergy and staff. The Talmud teaches that there is no greater value than pikuach nefesh, saving and preserving life. It also teaches that we must err on the side of caution when there is uncertainty with respect to a life-threatening situation.

We are leaning into the challenge of moving from an in-person to virtual environment with the full realization that you and your family are central to the energy of these services. To that end, we have set upon ourselves two goals: (1) to create services that are especially meaningful and uplifting; and (2) to involve as many congregants as possible.

The following information will help guide you through this year’s High Holy Days at TBE and ensure your full participation and involvement. If you still have questions after reading this, please call Steve Lander at (203) 322-6901, ext. 304, or email execdir@tbe.org.

Service Schedule

For a schedule of services and activities, from Erev Rosh Hashanah to the blowing of the shofar on Yom Kippur, click here.

Tickets

Tickets containing special sign-on links and passcodes for virtual services will be mailed to congregants in good standing around September 10. Guest tickets to family members and out-of-town friends of TBE members can be requested this year at no cost. For more information, click here.

Prayer Books (Machzorim)

Since we can’t be together this year in the sanctuary, we’re making High Holiday prayer books (Mahzor Lev Shalem) available to you for use at home. Click here for information on ordering.

Family & Children’s Services

A host of celebratory, music and shofar blowing activities will be available for children, including family services led by Rabbi Hammerman and Cantorial Soloist Katie Kaplan. Click here for details. Zoom details to follow.

High Holiday Food Drive

Given the pandemic, we’ll be conducting the food drive a bit differently this year. However, your generosity is needed more than ever, and we’re still going to need volunteers to help unpack and sort the food for Person-to-Person. Click here for all the details.