Rosh Hashana
— 1-2 Tishri
The RAC of Reform Judaism's resource for incorporating social
action activities into the High Holidays focuses on three crucial themes: hunger,
environment, and the judicial system. There is also "Kick-Off Programs"—long-term
projects that can be launched during the High Holiday season. Actions Matter—Act
Now.
Good news for those who can't afford High Holiday tickets or
are unaffiliated but want to attend services. An increasing number of shuls are
opening their doors for free during Rosh Hashanah/Yom Kippur. For example, the New York Metropolitan Conference of the Men
of Reform Judaism sponsors free High Holiday services in NYC for college students,
young adults away from home, and others. Check out extensively researched web sites
that list free or low-cost High Holiday services!
By RABBI DAVID ROSENN
If this country had to confess its sins, what would they be?
Who should make the confession?
By RABBI SHARON COHEN ANISFELD
Hagar had to resist despair to see the alternative that would
save her child. Abraham had to resist something else – the blinding certainty of
one who believes that he has heard the voice of God.
By RABBI ARTHUR WASKOW
Jewish and Arab groups, in Israel and elsewhere, should hold
public ceremonies of grief and mourning for both Israelis and Palestinians who have
died violently in the conflict.
Yom Kippur — 10 Tishri
By RABBI STEVE GREENBERG
The traditional reading of Leviticus during the Yom Kippur Service,
which in part deals with sexual prohibitions and violations, can be difficult, isolating,
and painful for the Jewish gay population in a congregation. Rabbi Steve Greenberg,
author of Wrestling with God and Men:
Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition writes that "with the proper acknowledgement,
the reading can become a call to greater empathy and understanding." He introduces
a prayer, co-authored by Danny Wohl, to accompany the afternoon Torah service on
Yom Kippur, in the hope that Jewish communities everywhere might "embrace their
gay and lesbian sons and daughters."
By RABBI JOY LEVITT
'We ask forgiveness on Yom Kippur for the sin of despair – preceded
by the sin of baseless hatred. One leads to another. I said the al het for
losing heart over and over.'
By JONATHAN SPIRA-SAVETT
Isaiah's words, speaking for God, are part of the Yom Kippur
service: 'This is the fast I desire: To unlock the fetters of wickedness, and to
share your bread with the hungry.' In response, a man stands and calls out: 'We
can't continue this service while people are oppressed and hungry.'
