The High Holidays are coming

The High Holidays begin at Midbar Kodesh Temple on the evening of September 1 at 8 p.m. when the congregation readies themselves for the Days of Awe at Selichot services with a screening of the short film "A Pure Prayer." For many Jews, the High Holiday season begins with Rosh HaShanah and the start of the new month of Tishrei. Jewish tradition, however, teaches that the preceding month of Elul is a time of soul-searching and reflection to prepare oneself for the magnitude of the Days of Awe. In Hebrew, selichot translates to “forgiveness.” In many ways, the prayers and meditations which make up the Selichot service mirror what are read on the Day of Atonement as individuals look inward and forward to reflect on how they may become a better person. "A Pure Prayer" presents the dilemma of what to do when a congregation will be one short of a minyan for Yom Kippur. The only adult available is one of the congregant's intellectually disabled son. How will the community respond? At the conclusion of the film Rabbi Bradley Tecktiel and Cantor Daniel Gale will lead a discussion of the film, directed by Sara Beck Dor with screenwrite by Hava Deevon, and its High Holy Day themes.

"As we start 5779, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how inclusive our congregation is, and how much more we can do," said Andrew Spivak, who is the Director of Advancement at Midbar Kodesh Temple. He reminds us that no experience is required and invites all to participate in the Selichot Service. Spivak can also take your reservation for Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, Yom Kippur and Yiskor services, which are free to Midbar Kodesh Temple members, members of the military, students and young adults. Options for free first year membership are also available. For more information on membership at Midbar Kodesh Temple call Andrew Spivak at 702.458.4848 or contact him at mktoutreach@gmail.com. Go to to www.midbarkodesh.org for more information.