Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

It all depends on your frame of reference to decide if the High Holy Days are early, late, or on time. If you look at the world around you from the lens of the Jewish calendar, then the holy days are always on time. Rosh Hashanah falls out every year on the first of Tishrei. If, however, you look at the world around you from the lens of the secular calendar, then it all depends. Last year, Rosh Hashanah began in late September, and this year it begins on Monday night, September 6, the end of Labor Day.

While many of us are fully vaccinated, and while Ontario entered stage 3 during the Summer, sadly, Covid related concerns are still with us. As a result, like last year, one must pre-register to attend all services inside the shul. We will continue to make all of our services accessible on social media.

Last year, we combined with Adath Israel for Selichot. We will continue that tradition this year on Saturday night, August 28. Details can be found on the website. 

Last year, we welcomed Cantor Lipa Glantz as our Chazzan for the High Holy Days. He was well received a year ago and will join us once again. Because he will be here for Shabbat Shuva, September 11, and the Shabbat following Yom Kippur, September 18, we will join with Adath Israel for both of those Shabbatot and be spiritually uplifted by Cantors Lipa Glantz and Alex Stein, the Cantor at Adath Israel. On one of those Shabbatot, both congregations will daven together at Beth Emeth. On the other, both congregations will daven together at Adath Israel. Details will follow.

Like last year, in order not to overly extend our time together indoors, the High Holy Day services will be abbreviated. The morning services will begin with Shacharit (Ha'Melech). Pesukei D'Zimra should be recited personally ahead of time, which by the way, is a custom in many synagogues in Israel and around the world.

This year, High Holy Day morning services will begin in the main sanctuary at 9:00am. This is a change from last year which had begun a half hour later. Moving forward into the new year, our Shabbat and Festival services will begin at 9:00AM with the hope of having more and more people joining us in shul for a full traditional service.

Please check the shul website, our High Holy Day page, and my blogs for updates as we move forward to the High Holy Day season. I wish everyone good health and wellbeing as we transition from 5781 to 5782.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison