High Holy Days

HHD TorahIn Genesis, we read of two trees: The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Bad, and the Tree of Life. In Proverbs we read that our Torah is “a tree of life to all who grasp it, and whoever holds on to it is happy; its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all it paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17-18). Torah is our source of wisdom and understanding, a source of life itself.

This year at Temple Or Olam’s High Holy Days, we will explore ways in which we can dedicate ourselves to planting and nourishing wisdom and life in ourselves, in our community, and in our world. If we were blessed with a single tree of life and wisdom, what kind of revelation could we expect to receive? What kind of spiritual fruit could it bear for us and for our congregation?

To that end, we will begin our High Holy Day season with a S’lichot service in the midst of nature; our havdalah will, of course, take place under the stars. On Rosh Hashanah, when we celebrate the birth of the world, we will reflect on the nature of awe and the awe of nature. Our Rosh Hashanah Shacharit services will conclude in a nearby park.

TOO has recently decided to devote increased energy to the care of our environment during our next year. Over the Days of Awe we will ask: When we get in touch with our sense of wonder about the created world, how are we led to protect and care for the world we live in? What promises and vows can we be sure we can keep?   We will be sharing our reflections on Yom Kippur afternoon at a special communal study session. And at Neilah, we’ll conclude our spiritual travels with a service of renewal, one based on our commitment to integrate sources of life and wisdom in our lives.

Feel free to join us for a musical, rich, and reflective experience of the Days of Awe.

Services

With the exception of S’lichot, all events will be held at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, Concord, NC

September 5 7-8 p.m.: S’lichot – Preparation and reflection for High Holy Days (see our calendar for location information)
September 13 7-8 p.m.: Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
September 14 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Rosh Hashanah Morning Services, followed by lunch  and taschlich at nearby Dorton Park
September 22 7-8 p.m.: Kol Nidre Service
September 23 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Yom Kippur Morning Service
September 23 4:30 p.m.: Community Reflections on the Days of Awe
September 23 6:30: Ne’ilah, and Havdalah Services to be followed by Havdalah.  (Break-fast following Havdalah.)

Donations and Details

Suggested donations for non-members:

  • Families: $216
  • Individuals: $108
  • Students: gratis

 

 

Comments are closed.