VIRTUAL HIGH HOLY DAYS 5782
What to Expect and How to Prepare
What to Expect and How to Prepare
Dear Members and Friends,
L’Shanah Tovah!
We know that the Days of Awe will look and feel different than any year past. While we acknowledge the loss that it represents for all of us, Jewish tradition has prepared us through the spiritual practice of gratitude. We are blessed to have technology by which we can build a bridge from our spiritual home at Dor Hadash to all of our individual homes across San Diego and beyond. The following information will help shape your home–holy day experience, as well as provide general information about the holy days at Dor Hadash.
As we move through the month of Elul, we encourage you to take the time to gather the suggested ritual items from your home and the synagogue (on September 13 at our High Holy Days Pick-up Parade). Make sure you have what you need in the way of technology/devices to participate in our programming and prayer services, and consider how to truly transform your home into a sanctuary—a mikdash me’at.
The Space
Find somewhere in your house that’s spacious enough to sit comfortably and see your computer/ipad/device. If you have the ability to connect your computer to your TV, you can have a more open viewing experience.
The Time
Clear your calendar of work obligations (if possible) over the High Holy Days. It’s very tempting to check in on work emails, keep tabs open on your computer, take phone calls and texts while sitting at home looking at your computer. For these days, we invite you to try to refrain from the temptation to multi-task.
Participate
We know how awkward it is to sing at a computer screen. You may find it strange to sing along as we lead congregational prayer when all you hear is your own voice. Try anyway. Respond “Amen” when appropriate; stand up (if you are able) and be seated when invited; wear a kippah and tallit if it is your custom, and otherwise engage in the usual choreography of the service. You may even be surprised to feel less inhibited to sing out loud!
Hold the Book
Follow along with the machzor by holding it in your hands. A PDF will also be available, but holding the book contributes to the experience of praying. (A digital link will be provided for the printable Supplement which will include the songs and English readings.)
Get Dressed
You can probably do without the formal attire, and while we encourage you to dress comfortably, wear something that reflects the holiness/specialness of the day, even if you are sitting on your couch. It is traditional to wear something new on Rosh Hashanah and to recite the shehechianu prayer when you put the item on for the first time. Maybe treat yourself to a new pair of fuzzy socks or slippers?
Be On Time
In the old times (last year), congregants arrived at shul at various times throughout the service, stayed as long as they liked, and then left. Services this year will be slightly abbreviated and separated into segments to accommodate breaks and reduce screen-fatigue. We understand that folks will be “coming and going,” but to the extent you can, join us at the beginning and the end of each segment. It also helps Rabbi Yael, Ely Freedman, Betsy Schneider and Hilly Rubin feel the collective energy of the community while they lead into the camera, and to an empty sanctuary space.
Playgrounds and Pray-grounds not Playpens
It’s easy to identify the difference between a playground and a playpen. If you are parents of young children, consider making your living room into a spiritual “play/pray-ground.” You know your child(ren) best, so consider what kind of things you can have out and ready so they can engage in play and pray while you also pray. Don’t underestimate the power of example as your children observe you praying, perhaps with your eyes closed, wearing a tallit, heart open and prayer book in hand. Have whatever toys, fidgets, and snacks available so you can be less distracted amidst the “controlled chaos.”
Be Open
Sitting in the sanctuary last year, no one could have imagined that this would be the way we would usher in 5781. Take advantage of these unusual circumstances to experience something new. Use the holidays as an opportunity to cultivate flexibility, curiosity, creativity, and above all, gratitude.
This year you won’t have to deal with traffic, parking or tickets, but can still prepare to transform your home into a sacred space. If we prepare our homes and our hearts for these holy days, we are confident that our prayers will be transformed into the lives and world we wish to see.
Selichot
Please join Rabbi Yael and Nefesh Mountain for a special Selichot service and concert on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Al Chet (closed)
Rabbi Yael will again be sharing a community Al Chet on Yom Kippur.
Erev Rosh Hashanah/Rosh Hashanah Day 1 and Day 2
Tashlich (Sunday September 20)
Tashlich this year will be different than in previous years due to COVID-related restrictions. We encourage you to use the DIY Tashlich ritual to be provided, along with a video teaching by Rabbi Yael and a recorded shofar service with Jonathan Ingber to conduct Tashlich on your own. Take pictures and send them to [email protected] for a special post Rosh Hashanah slide show!
Yom Kippur
Join us Sunday evening, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. for the Kol Nidre declaration prior to Erev Yom Kippur Services. On Monday morning, we continue with Yom Kippur services at 9:30 followed by Torah Study at 11:30. We invite you back at 6:00 p.m. for the Yizkor, Martyrology and Neilah services ending with the final shofar blast.
Book of Remembrance
At Dor Hadash, it is a Yom Kippur tradition to read the names of deceased loved ones at the Yizkor service, and to offer a charitable contribution in their name(s). The Book of Remembrance is published online here and a PDF is available for download here.
Family Service for Children 0-10+
Families with children ages 0-10 (or older) are invited to join Betsy and song leader Hilly Ruben for an experiential High Holy Days family service at 11:30 a.m. on both Rosh Hashanah (September 19) and Yom Kippur (September 27). You will gather with your family in your home (perhaps on a special blanket or surrounded by family memories, photos, etc), as we guide you through rituals, songs, and stories about the holy days. Betsy and Hilly will serve as virtual guides this year so that your family can have a unique experience in your own home.
Tikkun Olam
Jewish Family Service Food Drive
Again this year we ask that you donate non-perishable food items including canned fruits, vegetables, chicken, salmon and soup; boxed cereals and pasta; and other nutritious non-perishable items You may drop off your donations at the Pick Up Parade on Sunday, September 13 (2:00–3:30 p.m.) or you can drop off your donations on October 18 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Joan and Irwin Jacob Campus of Jewish Family Service. Learn more about the High Holy Days Food Drive at https://www.jfssd.org/high-holy-days-food-drive/.
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
The Corners of our Fields is a joint effort of the Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements and Hillel International to collect non-perishable food for local charities and funds for MAZON, which provides grants to non-profit organizations confronting hunger throughout the world. Please give MAZON what you would have spent to feed yourself and your family on Yom Kippur. Donate at https://mazon.org/high-holy-days.
"And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger. I the Eternal am your God." — Leviticus 23:22
General Information
Donations, ticket-contributions, memorials
There are two ways to contribute:
High Holy Days Checklist
Feeling Creative?
High Holy Days Schedule
Click here to download a copy of the High Holy Days schedule.
Registration
Registration is now closed.
L’Shanah Tovah!
We know that the Days of Awe will look and feel different than any year past. While we acknowledge the loss that it represents for all of us, Jewish tradition has prepared us through the spiritual practice of gratitude. We are blessed to have technology by which we can build a bridge from our spiritual home at Dor Hadash to all of our individual homes across San Diego and beyond. The following information will help shape your home–holy day experience, as well as provide general information about the holy days at Dor Hadash.
As we move through the month of Elul, we encourage you to take the time to gather the suggested ritual items from your home and the synagogue (on September 13 at our High Holy Days Pick-up Parade). Make sure you have what you need in the way of technology/devices to participate in our programming and prayer services, and consider how to truly transform your home into a sanctuary—a mikdash me’at.
The Space
Find somewhere in your house that’s spacious enough to sit comfortably and see your computer/ipad/device. If you have the ability to connect your computer to your TV, you can have a more open viewing experience.
The Time
Clear your calendar of work obligations (if possible) over the High Holy Days. It’s very tempting to check in on work emails, keep tabs open on your computer, take phone calls and texts while sitting at home looking at your computer. For these days, we invite you to try to refrain from the temptation to multi-task.
Participate
We know how awkward it is to sing at a computer screen. You may find it strange to sing along as we lead congregational prayer when all you hear is your own voice. Try anyway. Respond “Amen” when appropriate; stand up (if you are able) and be seated when invited; wear a kippah and tallit if it is your custom, and otherwise engage in the usual choreography of the service. You may even be surprised to feel less inhibited to sing out loud!
Hold the Book
Follow along with the machzor by holding it in your hands. A PDF will also be available, but holding the book contributes to the experience of praying. (A digital link will be provided for the printable Supplement which will include the songs and English readings.)
Get Dressed
You can probably do without the formal attire, and while we encourage you to dress comfortably, wear something that reflects the holiness/specialness of the day, even if you are sitting on your couch. It is traditional to wear something new on Rosh Hashanah and to recite the shehechianu prayer when you put the item on for the first time. Maybe treat yourself to a new pair of fuzzy socks or slippers?
Be On Time
In the old times (last year), congregants arrived at shul at various times throughout the service, stayed as long as they liked, and then left. Services this year will be slightly abbreviated and separated into segments to accommodate breaks and reduce screen-fatigue. We understand that folks will be “coming and going,” but to the extent you can, join us at the beginning and the end of each segment. It also helps Rabbi Yael, Ely Freedman, Betsy Schneider and Hilly Rubin feel the collective energy of the community while they lead into the camera, and to an empty sanctuary space.
Playgrounds and Pray-grounds not Playpens
It’s easy to identify the difference between a playground and a playpen. If you are parents of young children, consider making your living room into a spiritual “play/pray-ground.” You know your child(ren) best, so consider what kind of things you can have out and ready so they can engage in play and pray while you also pray. Don’t underestimate the power of example as your children observe you praying, perhaps with your eyes closed, wearing a tallit, heart open and prayer book in hand. Have whatever toys, fidgets, and snacks available so you can be less distracted amidst the “controlled chaos.”
Be Open
Sitting in the sanctuary last year, no one could have imagined that this would be the way we would usher in 5781. Take advantage of these unusual circumstances to experience something new. Use the holidays as an opportunity to cultivate flexibility, curiosity, creativity, and above all, gratitude.
This year you won’t have to deal with traffic, parking or tickets, but can still prepare to transform your home into a sacred space. If we prepare our homes and our hearts for these holy days, we are confident that our prayers will be transformed into the lives and world we wish to see.
Selichot
Please join Rabbi Yael and Nefesh Mountain for a special Selichot service and concert on Saturday, September 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Al Chet (closed)
Rabbi Yael will again be sharing a community Al Chet on Yom Kippur.
Erev Rosh Hashanah/Rosh Hashanah Day 1 and Day 2
- On Friday evening, September 18, join us for an Erev Rosh Hashanah seder. Click here for details about this special Erev Rosh Hashanah service.
- On Saturday, September 19, Shacharit services will begin at 9:30. The morning will include the Rabbi's sermon. Following a short break, Torah Study will begin at 11:30.
- On Sunday, September 20,Temple Emanu-El we will joining Dor Hadash for a discussion of Marra B. Gad's Book, The Color of Love: A Story of a Mixed-Race Jewish Girl. The author will be joining our discussion. (We recommend you purchase this book at Amazon through our website http://dorhadash.org/support.)
Tashlich (Sunday September 20)
Tashlich this year will be different than in previous years due to COVID-related restrictions. We encourage you to use the DIY Tashlich ritual to be provided, along with a video teaching by Rabbi Yael and a recorded shofar service with Jonathan Ingber to conduct Tashlich on your own. Take pictures and send them to [email protected] for a special post Rosh Hashanah slide show!
Yom Kippur
Join us Sunday evening, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. for the Kol Nidre declaration prior to Erev Yom Kippur Services. On Monday morning, we continue with Yom Kippur services at 9:30 followed by Torah Study at 11:30. We invite you back at 6:00 p.m. for the Yizkor, Martyrology and Neilah services ending with the final shofar blast.
Book of Remembrance
At Dor Hadash, it is a Yom Kippur tradition to read the names of deceased loved ones at the Yizkor service, and to offer a charitable contribution in their name(s). The Book of Remembrance is published online here and a PDF is available for download here.
Family Service for Children 0-10+
Families with children ages 0-10 (or older) are invited to join Betsy and song leader Hilly Ruben for an experiential High Holy Days family service at 11:30 a.m. on both Rosh Hashanah (September 19) and Yom Kippur (September 27). You will gather with your family in your home (perhaps on a special blanket or surrounded by family memories, photos, etc), as we guide you through rituals, songs, and stories about the holy days. Betsy and Hilly will serve as virtual guides this year so that your family can have a unique experience in your own home.
Tikkun Olam
Jewish Family Service Food Drive
Again this year we ask that you donate non-perishable food items including canned fruits, vegetables, chicken, salmon and soup; boxed cereals and pasta; and other nutritious non-perishable items You may drop off your donations at the Pick Up Parade on Sunday, September 13 (2:00–3:30 p.m.) or you can drop off your donations on October 18 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at the Joan and Irwin Jacob Campus of Jewish Family Service. Learn more about the High Holy Days Food Drive at https://www.jfssd.org/high-holy-days-food-drive/.
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
The Corners of our Fields is a joint effort of the Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist movements and Hillel International to collect non-perishable food for local charities and funds for MAZON, which provides grants to non-profit organizations confronting hunger throughout the world. Please give MAZON what you would have spent to feed yourself and your family on Yom Kippur. Donate at https://mazon.org/high-holy-days.
"And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger. I the Eternal am your God." — Leviticus 23:22
General Information
Donations, ticket-contributions, memorials
There are two ways to contribute:
- Online: Members and friends can make donations through PayPal on our website http://www.dorhadash.org/support.html
- Mail: You are welcome to send a check to Dor Hadash at 11860 Carmel Creek Road, San Diego, CA 92130
- All services and programs are open to the entire community, regardless of membership status. All of our services and programs will be available online via the Zoom platform or livestream on YouTube.
- How do we keep track of all the different links? Once you register for the services you will receive access to the links on Friday, September 19 for Rosh Hashanah and September 25 (prior to Shabbat) for Yom Kippur.
- Can I share the links with family and friends? Yes, you may share the links with your friends and family, but we ask that for security reasons you do not post them on social media. While there is no formal charge for “tickets” this year, we suggest families make a donation of $36 to help support our community. (see above on how to donate)
High Holy Days Checklist
- Candles and matches for candle lighting Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre
- Yahrzeit candle to be lit on Kol Nidre
- Tallit (prayer shawl) and kippah (head covering)
- Machzor (High Holy Days prayer book)
- Links and passwords needed for all services and programs
- Items for Rosh Hashanah seder (here)
- Jewish ritual items; round challah, juice/wine, kiddush cup, apples and honey
Feeling Creative?
- Create a mizbeah (altar) with sacred objects—ritual items, pictures of loved ones.
- Have a sheet, pillows and furniture to build a prayer tent with young children.
- Set out pictures of beloved friends and family ones who have passed on from this world
High Holy Days Schedule
Click here to download a copy of the High Holy Days schedule.
Registration
Registration is now closed.