The Movement for Reform Judaism

Preparation for the Intellectual, Spiritual and Emotional challenges of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur: 18th-21st September 2006.

  25-28 Elul 5766 [18-21 September 2006]

Please join us when and where you can in the week before Rosh Hashanah to prepare for the Days of Awe

It is traditional in the period leading up to the High Holy Days to spend time reflecting and studying, preparing for the intensity which these days bring us.

We invite you to study with us when you can, early morning, mid morning, lunch time or in the evening after work; once, twice or more during this week. In North West London, the City or the West End, whether you are a member of one of our synagogues or not.

Monday September 18th

Unetanei Tokef: Who is to Live and Who is to Die?

In 1973 Kibbutz Bet Hashita lost 11 of its young men during the most painful Yom Kippur in the history of the State of Israel, the Yom Kippur War. As part of the process of coming to terms with this impossible loss, the kibbutz invited Yair Rosenblum, a well known Israeli composer, to spend a year on the kibbutz with this tragedy as part of the backdrop for his work. This film by Yehuda Amit looks at the impact of the tragedy on Bet Hashita and specifically at the new music Rosenblum wrote for the traditional prayer Unetanei Tokef. The film (52 minutes) will be followed by a discussion led by Julian Resnick

8.00 pm  West London Synagogue

Tuesday September 19^th

What can the High Holy Days mean for your children?

Purim is an easy one to do. Simchat Torah and Channukah have great flags to wave, dreidels to spin and chocolates to eat. How can we bring our children into the great drama of the High Holy Days and make it a meaningful day in their lives?

10.00am (Crèche provided).
Rabbi Marcia Plumb - Southgate and District Reform Synagogue  

Ashamnu, Bagadnu, Gazalnu: the meaning of Sin in Judaism

How do we as modern people relate to the concept of sin? Is sin in all the major religions the identical philosophical or theological concept?

12.45pm Rabbi Malcolm Cohen,  West End Office**

Kol Nidre

Reflections on the opening prayer of Yom Kippur, on its power, its majesty and its iconic status

8pm Rabbi Professor Marc Saperstein - The Sternberg Centre

Wednesday September 20^th

January 1^st and Tishrei 1^st

Are there differences/similarities between the New Year Resolutions we make on January 1^st and the way we approach Rosh Hashanah? In what way does our Jewish New Year differ from the civil New Year? What possible comments could one make about the meaning of the religious elements of life as opposed to the civil elements of life?

12.45pm Rabbi Malcolm Cohen, West End Office**  

Unetanei Tokef: Who is to Live and Who is to Die?

In 1973 Kibbutz Bet Hashita lost 11 of its young men during the most painful Yom Kippur in the history of the State of Israel, the Yom Kippur War. As part of the process of coming to terms with this impossible loss, the kibbutz invited Yair Rosenblum, a well known Israeli composer, to spend a year on the kibbutz with this tragedy as part of the backdrop for his work. This film by Yehuda Amit looks at the impact of the tragedy on Bet Hashita and specifically at the new music Rosenblum wrote for the traditional prayer Unetanei Tokef. The film (52 minutes) will be followed by a discussion led by Julian Resnick

8.00 pm The Sternberg Centre

Thursday September 21^st

Strategies for Change in Jewish Families
Hannah's prayer: The model for all Jewish prayer

On Rosh Hashana, we read the story of Hannah and her prayer for a child. This prayer is later held up by the Rabbi's of the Talmud as the model of all Jewish prayer. What was Hannah really praying for and how did she do it? Why do we read her story on Rosh Hashana? What can we learn from her about the nature of prayer and its place in our lives?

10.00 am [crèche provided] 
Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand - The Sternberg Centre

The Sound of the shofar: What does it mean?

The Shofar is the central symbol of Rosh Hashana and its blowing is the highlight of the day for young and old alike. But what exactly is the connection between the shofar and the message of Rosh Hashana? We will examine several texts commenting on this ritual - anthropological, spiritual, literary, and feminist interpretations - in order to better understand the meaning of the shofar and its connection to Rosh Hashana.

12.45 Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Golfand - West End Office**

Ne'ilah: Reflections on the meaning of the Closing of Gates

The day of Yom Kippur is filled with high drama. The opening moments with the iconic Kol Nidre, the powerful Torah readings, the intensity of emotion which accompanies Yizkor, Unetanei Tokef and the breathless moments of closing when the feeling of slipping in before the Gates close are evoked. Our panel of Rabbis will reflect on the meaning of the ‘closing of the gates' and what we should do with that.

8.00 pm Rabbi Shoshana Boyd Gelfand, Rabbi Colin Eimer, Rabbi Dr Michael Shire - The Sternberg Centre

** Because of security considerations, for further information please contact: Annie Simmons    

We will request a donation of £5 per session

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