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Preparing for the Yamim Noraim
As fall approaches, Jews throughout the world begin to prepare for a unique ten-day period of prayer, self-examination, fasting, and repentance. It is time for the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe, the High Holy Days: Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. This ten-day period is preceded by a month of reflection: the Hebrew month of Elul. During this time, morning worship includes special penitential prayers and concludes with the blowing of the shofar as a reminder of the approaching season of atonement. In some communities, this is also a time to visit the graves of loved ones.
S'lichot, a Hebrew word meaning "forgiveness," refers to the special penitential prayers recited by Jews during the High Holy Day season. The S’lichot liturgy contains some of the finest Jewish religious poetry ever composed. Reform congregations usually observe S’lichot on the Saturday night just prior to Rosh HaShanah, a solemn and fitting preparation for ten days of reflection and self-examination.
Compiled from Mark Washofosky’s Jewish Living: A Guide to Contemporary Reform Practice and Daniel B. Syme’s The Jewish Home: A Guide for Jewish Living.
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Embrace the High Holy Days
in Your Home
 Elul: Preparing Yourself for Renewal - Individually assess accomplishments, take note of challenges, and create a vision for the future.
The Jewish Parent Page and Holiday Happenings
Great ideas for celebrating the High Holy Days for families with young children.
Family Table Talk - A High Holy Day conversation guide based of the haftara preceding Rosh Hashana
WRJ High Holiday cards - Wish friends and loved ones Shanah tova with these cards and E-cards
Jewels of Elul: A website for Elul, offering daily wisdom from a diverse group of individuals.
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Celebrate the High Holy Days
at Your Synagogue
 Reaching for Holiness: a series of study and workshop guides for the High Holy Day season, as well as Sukkot, featuring music, text study, film discussion, personal evaluation, and much more.
Social Action High Holy Day Guide (PDF): Incorporate social action programming into holiday practices.
Communicate!: Extensive program bank for your congregation.
Gates of Forgiveness: A S’lichot prayer book.
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This point/counterpoint model involves a dialogue between Rabbi Elizabeth Dunsker and Rabbi Ellen Weinberg Dreyfus, on the topic of heshbon hanefesh.
This entry by Marc J. Rosenstein describes the experience of Elul in Israel.
"How-to" guide for creating a positive, Reform High Holy Day experience. It includes service outlines, program suggestions and materials, and sample text studies for leaders and participants.
This iTorah installment by Mark Swick explores the importance of the High Holy Days.
This excerpt from Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s book Entering the High Holy Days offers an in-depth explanation of the S'lichot prayers and service.
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Two children learn about forgiveness, love, and saying "I'm sorry" during Rosh Hashanah.
This board book introduces children to the symbols and themes of the High Holy Days and Jewish autumn festivals.
As Avi searches for the reason his shofar will not work, he suddenly finds himself within it and discovers a magical world that teaches him the meaning of Rosh Hashanah.
Creative ways to celebrate and observe the holidays with young children.
Great ideas for educating children about the Jewish holidays.
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Rabbi Levy has assembled an excellent midrashic study of Abraham's character that will offer the opportunity to examine the themes related to the High Holy Days.
This video outlines the ancient origin, evolution, symbols, and traditions of the High Holy Days.
Here in one volume are readings and meditations from the Bible, the Talmud, the Midrash, and the Zohar, to deepen the spiritual experience of the holiest days of the Jewish year.
This book provides historical background and interpretation of the ideas, practices, and liturgy and lends them contemporary relevance to today's Jews.
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A comprehensive High Holy Days resource for solo voice and accompaniment, with more than 300 pieces. A necessary resource for all congregations.
Creative children’s music. (Realplayer required)
These MP3 recordings are available as an RSS feed to add to your website.
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