While the High Holy Days are often thought to begin with Rosh Hashanah, the preceding month of Elul holds special significance.  It’s a time for introspection, a moment to pause and reflect upon the past year, and to examine our words and deeds so that we may seek forgiveness and step into the Jewish New Year with a clean slate and renewed purpose. During this sacred month of Elul, on the Saturday before Rosh Hashanah, Temple Judea will come together as a congregation to observe the Holy Day of Selichot, translating to “forgiveness”. Selichot serves as a vital "warm-up" - a communal gathering and study session focused on themes of repentance and forgiveness. It’s an occasion to prepare our hearts collectively for the imminent High Holy Days. 

As the sun sets this Saturday evening, September 9, at 8 pm, our clergy will guide us through an evening of inspiration and worship, drawing from Dr. Erica Brown’s "In the Narrow Places" to prepare our hearts and minds for the High Holy Days. Afterward, we’ll come together for a shared nosh, building connections that echo the spirit of forgiveness and unity. 

As the night unfolds, we’ll step into the Goor Sanctuary for a moving Selichot service. In this communal space, we will share a moment of vulnerability, strength, and a commitment to growth and healing. In a collective voice, invoking divine mercy and compassion, we’ll recite the Selichot prayers and seek forgiveness for ourselves and our community. And alongside past Temple Judea Presidents, we’ll witness the changing of the Torah mantles to their pristine white covers specially designed for this sacred season – a symbolic act of transformation and renewal. 

Whether you join in person, or participate with us by streaming the service online, we encourage you to grab hold of this opportunity to delve inward, bridge divides, find words left unspoken, and embrace personal revelations as we gather as a community to embrace forgiveness, growth, and the promise of a new year together!