High Holy Days 2021/5782

During the course of each year the synagogue receives many requests for donations for various causes. We tend to keep these until the High Holy Days and then ask the various charities to make an application to us, preferably with a project. A tzedukah group, made up of people from the community, men and women and of different age groups, then meets and chooses from those applications, charities to support which they believe will speak to all interests in the community.
This year we sent out application packs to 22 charities and received 18 back to consider. The charities were divided into 3 categories: – Tikkun Atzmi, Tikkun Ami & Tikkun Olam.
The tzedukah group recommends the following charities for the coming appeal:

Tikkun Atzmi – the repair & improvement of ourselves & our local community
EHRS Community Needs Fund enabling us to support our own members with an urgent welfare/financial need. (This is not to pay the shul bill, but some other crisis help). The CNF incorporates the EHRS Jewish Participation Fund which enables EHRS children to enjoy Jewish Life (summer camps, RSY-Netzer, etc) and adults (Limmud, more costly EHRS activities) who live with challenging financial circumstances.
Camp Simcha – Arts At Home therapeutic sessions helping children with serious medical conditions express difficult feelings via a creative outlet where they may not previously have been able to communicate their emotions. Sessions also provide distraction from pain, as well as build self-esteem and confidence.
Jewish Blind & Disabled – Physical Exercise /Wellbeing project helping tenants in JBD homes maintain their independence and mental health by being helped to maintain physical health, giving a sense of purpose and belonging and becoming less isolated.

Tikkun Ami – the support of Jews both in the UK and abroad
Leo Baeck Education Center (Haifa) – Arab/Jewish Summer Camp creating a safe environment where Arab and Jewish 6-11 year olds learn about each other’s culture and customs, breaking down mutual fears, building trust and lasting friendships.
Myisrael – Ben Yossi project. Ben Yossi is a therapeutic home for families in crisis and distress in Ashdod. It’s aim is to return these families to functioning and active members of their community by working intensely with children and parents, both separately and together.
Magen David Adom – Defibrillator Project, aims to place machines on the streets of Israel to enable members of the public to begin lifesaving treatment in the crucial few minutes after a patient suffers cardiac arrest, before a paramedic or first responder arrives.

Tikkun Olam – helping to repair the wider world
Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice – Sensory Discovery Trail – Woodland Way. A trail in the garden reserve to help children in end of life care to discover nature and the world around them, enabling families to create positive memories together.
Goods for Goods – mobilising UK businesses and communities to collect unwanted and unsold goods to redistribute them to 20,000 vulnerable people in London and the South East, improving their quality of life, restoring dignity and protecting the environment.

To read more about these charities please click here, and to make your donation please click here

As we approach Rosh Hashanah, I feel the time is right to speak of new beginnings. The synagogue has not just survived the past tumultuous 18 months, but has thrived, and now is an apposite time to look to the future together. As the building comes back to life, this can also be seen as a new beginning, and an ideal time to grow together. We are in the perfect space and time to talk about new gatherings, new ways of doing things, new approaches. I believe that as we take our histories and journeys from the past, now is the time to move forward together as a community into the New Year and whatever that brings. I am excited to be back in our beautiful synagogue, to pray together, to learn together, and just be together.

As we start a new Jewish month and year, we also start a new council year. The New Year will bring challenges to all of us, but I’m sure we will face them as we have faced the most recent challenges thrown at us. This is a time of reflections,of hopes and dreams – a time when we ask God to be good to us for another year. It is a time for looking forward, fresh-faced and thankful to enjoy being together once again. As we start another new year, I wish you all a healthy one, a good one.

I am looking forward to a time when I see you all in person at shul, may the year ahead bring you all that you wish for yourselves, may your new beginning be everything it should be.

MONDAY 6 SEPTEMBER – EREV ROSH HASHANAH

Erev Rosh Hashanah Service, 19:00-20:10
Beit Tefillah and on the Classic Channel
We open with the service which brings us into the High Holy Days, led by all of our Rabbis. Sermon given by Rabbi Roberta Harris-Eckstein.

New Year – New Beginnings Discussion, 19:30-20:00
Upper Synagogue and on Zoom
Join Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers in person or on Zoom. What does the New Year mean for you? What new beginnings are you hoping to make? Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

TUESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER – FIRST DAY ROSH HASHANAH

Kitzur (Shortened) Shacharit and Musaf (Additional) Service
Beit Tefillah, 08:30-10:00
A shortened service in the Beit Tefillah only with the main features of Rosh Hashanah morning condensed into 90 minutes. Includes one of our two Torah readings and the calls of the Shofar.

Early Years Service, 09:00-09:45
Upper Synagogue, on the LeDor VaDor Family Channel
This service is created for children aged 0-6 and their families, led by Rabbi Debbie and Miriam Goldsmith. Have some apple and honey ready to taste the sweetness of the New Year and enjoy this active service with songs and stories and Shofar especially for you.

Stay & Schmooze, 09:45-10:45
Ground Floor Community Centre
We invite you to hang out following the Early Years Service or before the Primary Years Service, for a cuppa and conversation for adults, and crafts for the children.

Primary Years Service, 10:15-11:15
Upper Synagogue and on the LeDor VaDor Family Channel
Our family service for anyone aged 6-11 and their families, led by Rabbi Mark, with our up close Torah reading using EHRS’s own TorahCam. Please send a video clip of yourself showing anything that is new in your life in the past year to Rabbi Mark, rabbi.mark@ehrs.uk, to appear in our compilation.  Here is Rabbi Mark’s example:  Rabbi Mark’s new this year video

Shacharit and Musaf (Additional) Service, 10:30-13:00
Beit Tefillah, Community Centre and on the Classic Channel
The full morning service which includes the reading of Torah, the story of Hagar and Ishmael, and Haftarah and with the sermon given by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, followed by the special service for Rosh Hashanah where we hear the haunting and inspiring sound of the Shofar and recognise the significance of the New Year.

Youth Service, 11:30-12:15
Upper Synagogue, on the LeDor VaDor Family Channel and on Zoom
Especially for people aged 11-18 and their families, Rabbi Debbie and EHRS Youth Leader Sara Moon lead our service that takes you into the next year of your life. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Rosh Hashanah Musaf BaBayit, 12:35-13:00
On the EHRS Facebook page and on Zoom
Join Rabbi Mark LIVE on the EHRS Facebook page, to add your comments, or on Zoom for Rosh Hashanah BaBayit, for an informal meditation and experience of the Shofar, its sound and significance as we step together over the threshold of the New Year. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Rosh Hashanah Kiddush, 13:00
On Zoom
Just like on Shabbat, we come together as a community for Kiddush on Zoom. We get the chance to speak with each other and create a sense of community for those who were not able to attend Synagogue in person. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

WEDNESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER – SECOND DAY ROSH HASHANAH

Shacharit and Musaf Service, 10:30-12:45
Beit Tefillah and on the Classic Channel
The morning service which includes the reading of Torah, the Akedah, with Abraham and Isaac, and Haftarah and with the D’var Torah given by Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers, continuing with the special service for Rosh Hashanah where we again hear the haunting and inspiring sound of the Shofar and build upon the significance of the New Year.

Bite of Apple and Honey Torah Portion Study, 10:30-11:10
Upper Synagogue, on the LeDor VaDor Channel and on Zoom
Every Rosh Hashanah the story of the binding of Isaac is told. This year join Rabbi Roberta as we go deeper into the text of the Akedah and the tough issues the story raises. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Earth’s Birthday Family Service, 10:30-11:30
First Floor Community Centre
This service is created for young people of all ages and their families, led by Rabbi Debbie and Marian Cohen. Together we are going to create a birthday for the world in the tradition of Rosh Hashanah. What would you want to give to the world to make her better?

New Year 5782 Voices Across the Continent, 12:00-12:45
Upper Synagogue, on the LeDor VaDor Channel and on Zoom
Rabbi Mark is joined live by Rabbi Ofek Meir from the Leo Baeck Center in Haifa, Israel, and Student Rabbi Martina Lorregian of Congregation Lev Chadash in Milan, Italy. What do we think the New Year may hold? What has the past year taught us? Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

WEDNESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER – KOL NIDRE
FAST BEGINS 19:01

Kol Nidre Service, 19:30-21:40
Beit Tefillah, Community Centre and on the Classic Channel
Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, opens with the plaintive song Kol Nidre in this service which sets the pattern for the day. Sermon given by Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers.

Teen Nidre, 19:40-20:10
Upper Synagogue
This one-of-a-kind in person only service, led by EHRS Youth Worker, Sara Moon, features art, poetry, modern music and discussion to help our teens and their families find a spiritually nourishing place to start their Yom Kippur experience for this year. Led by EHRS , this service is perfect for those who are looking for something out of the ordinary.

Kal Nidre, 20:20-21:30
Upper Synagogue and on the LeDor VaDor Family Channel
Featuring Samuel Weinstein – Cello scholar at Cambridge, join Rabbi Mark for a reflective service, including moments for learning and exploration of the task ahead as we begin our 25 hour journey together.

THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – YOM KIPPUR
FAST ENDS 20:01

CLASSIC SERVICES

Shacharit, 10:30-13:30
Beit Tefillah, Community Centre and on the Classic Channel
The morning service to take us on a journey of Teshuvah, Atonement, which includes the reading of Torah and Haftarah. The Sermon given by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith and the Community Address will be given by our Chairman Janet Brand.

Musaf, 13:45-15:35
Beit Tefillah and on the Classic Channel
Our Musaf service as always is the dramatic service in which we remember the Temple service for Yom Kippur and as part of recognising the loss and development from this ritual, we remember those who lost or dedicated their lives for Kiddush HaShem (the sanctification of God’s name). We will include new remembrances from the upcoming Reform Judaism Machzor.

Minchah, 15:40-17:15
Beit Tefillah and on the Classic Channel
The Yom Kippur Afternoon service focuses around the reading of the Book of Jonah. Led by EHRS Emeritus Rabbi Danny Smith and Rabbi Roberta Harris-Eckstein.

Mind the Gap, 17:15-17:55
Beit Tefillah and on the Classic Channel
Rabbi Mark helps us remain in the spiritual space for Yom Kippur with poetry, readings and song on this especially long Yom Kippur day.

Yizkor, 17:55-18:45
Beit Tefillah, Community Centre and on the Classic Channel
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE MEMORIAL LEAFLET
Our memorial service to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us including the reading of the names of those we have lost this year. Led by EHRS Emeritus Rabbi Steven Katz and Rabbi Roberta Harris-Eckstein in the Beit Tefillah with sermon given by Rabbi Steven. Also led by Rabbi Mark Goldsmith in the Community Centre with sermon given by Rabbi Roberta Harris-Eckstein.

Neilah, 18:55-20:00
Beit Tefillah and on the Classic Channel
Our concluding service for Yom Kippur – as the Gates of Repentance draw to a close.

Havdallah, 20:01-20:06
In the Sukkah and on the Classic Channel
At the end of the Yom Kippur fast we all join together for the short concluding ceremony for Yom Kippur, led by EHRS’s Young People.

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Early Years Service, 09:30-10:15
Upper Synagogue and on the LeDor VaDor Family Channel
This service is created for children aged 0-6 and their families, led by Rabbi Mark. If you can, please email rabbi.mark@ehrs.uk or send to EHRS your own picture of Jonah inside the whale, by Tuesday 14 September, to help illustrate our central story and enjoy this active service with songs and Shofar.

Stay and Schmooze, 10:15-11:15
Ground Floor Community Centre
We invite you to hang out following the Early Years Service or before the Primary Years Service, for conversation for adults and craft for the children.

Primary Years Service, 10:45-11:45
Upper Synagogue and on the LeDor VaDor Family Channel
Our family service for anyone aged 6-11 and their families, led by Rabbi Debbie, with our up close Torah reading using EHRS’s own TorahCam.

Youth Service, 12:00-13:00
Upper Synagogue, on the LeDor VaDor Family Channel and on Zoom
Especially for people aged 11-18 and their families, Rabbi Debbie and EHRS Youth Worker, Sara Moon, lead this musical Yom Kippur service with real life stories on the theme of forgiveness. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Yom Kippur Open Space with EHRS Youth, 14:00-15:25
Beit Midrash
Drop in for ten minutes or the whole session with Sara Moon and Marian Cohen, with all kinds of activities for Yom Kippur to help to give the day meaning and interest to young people.

Kuddle-Up Story Time Live, 15:45-16:15
Beit Midrash and on Zoom
Rabbi Debbie and Sarah Koster share a story and songs completing our week of story videos, created by our Rabbis and Youth and Education Team. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

When life sends you Lemons, 16:30-17:10
Beit Midrash and on Zoom
This year has been especially hard for teens in our community who have had to miss out on extra-curricular activities, parties and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, along with coping with challenges to mental health for so many of us. Rabbi Debbie and Claire Graham are here to listen and to help you find some meaning in the toughest challenges in life. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Yizkor for Teens: Remembering a Year, 17:55-18:45
Beit Midrash
Join Youth-Worker Sara Moon and Art Therapist Barbara Pietrzykowski for a special Yizkor remembering the year gone by in these extraordinary times. Co-creating a temporary ‘art piece’, we will ask  what is permanent in impermanence? How do we carry what we have learned from the last year in to our next year? How do we honour what we have lost and celebrate what we have gained?

Neilah for Young People, 18:45-20:00
Beit Midrsah
EHRS Youth Worker Sara Moon and Marian Cohen bring Yom Kippur to a close with a special session of talk, prayer and craft to help young people of all ages to end Yom Kippur with meaning. They will also help to create Havdallah for the whole community at 20:01 in the Sukkah.

FOR ADULTS PARALLEL TO CLASSIC SERVICES

Yom Kippur BaBayit, 12:00-13:00
EHRS Facebook Page and on Zoom
Join EHRS members Kevin Darvill and Andie Lucas for Yom Kippur BaBayit, an engaging morning experience with talk, stories, and reflections. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

No Beer Still a Shiur, 13:45-14:30
(PLEASE NOTE THE AMENDED TIME ABOVE FROM WHAT IS PUBLISHED IN THE PRINTED BROCHURE)
Upper Synagogue, the LeDor VaDor Channel and on Zoom
Our Young Adult learning space invites you to join Rabbi Debbie in exploring What is all the fuss about Jonah? Wasn’t he the worst prophet? Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Neshamah Avodah, 14:40-15:25
Upper Synagogue and on Zoom
Experience a meditative journey through the Yom Kippur Temple service using Yoga and Jewish meditation with Lisa Morris and Rabbi Mark. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Talmud Study Session, 15:40-16:25
Upper Synagogue, the LeDor VaDor Channel and on Zoom
Rabbi Mark will take you into the discussions of our Rabbis two thousand years ago into what they meant by fasting on Yom Kippur. In the style of EHRS’s fortnightly popular Talmud Class. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Yom Kippur Discussion, 16:30-17:15
Upper Synagogue, the LeDor VaDor Channel and on Zoom
Join Rabbi Debbie on Zoom for an open discussion following the example of those led for many years by Rabbi Neil Kraft z’’l. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

This Year I am remembering – a personal Yizkor, 17:55-18:45
Upper Synagogue, the LeDor VaDor Channel and on Zoom
A special Yizkor service, led by Rabbi Debbie, in which we will pray and take time in small groups to remember those we have lost. For those who attended our Soul Candles session in Elul this can be an opportunity to light your candle. Please email admin@ehrs.uk for Zoom details.

Meditative Neilah, 18:55-20:00
Upper Synagogue and on the LeDor VaDor Channel
Join our Rabbis for an opportunity to experience the closing of the gates in a quiet space with prayer, poetry, Kabbalistic mystical text and Jewish meditation, enabling us to take the closing hour into our souls.