Hidden High Holydays
August 12, 2009
When we imagine what to expect during this year’s upcoming High Holyday services, now only a few days away, the scene conjured is likely one of our synagogue filled from front to back; of fellow Temple members dressed in formal solemnity, and of the awesome majesty of the pulpit, liturgy, sermons and music. The “Days of Awe” evoke a heightened sense of grandeur, and as such, are for many of us, the peak of spiritual beauty. But for others in our community, that same majesty can be an imposing hindrance to spiritual elevation. I know that for some, the formality, the crowds, and even the duration of worship doesn’t quite serve the higher purpose. Perhaps that is why, as the years go by, more and more of our congregants experience their favorite High Holyday moments through the more modest and quiet services of the season.
The first such example would be our annual Selichot service (this year to be observed Saturday evening, September 12th). Selichot means “Penitential Worship”, and originally, the Selichot service was observed at midnight at the end of the last Shabbat preceding Rosh Hashanah as a means of anticipating and even entering into the spirit of the Holyday season. And although we have established the tradition of worshipping at the somewhat earlier hour of 10:00pm, the special time of quiet and reflection affords a unique opportunity for contemplation that may be more difficult to experience during the bigger services of the season.
The Selichot service includes most of the primary themes of the season, and although it is intended to set the stage for the High Holydays to follow, I know that for many of our members, it is truly one of the highlights. It has also become our custom, during that service, to dress the Torah Scrolls in their white mantles for the season. And yes, the service is somewhat brief – generally only a half-hour or so in duration.
Another such example of a more “hidden” service of the season would be our annual “Kever Avot” – a memorial service shared at our Temple Emanu-El Memorial Park in anticipation of the High Holydays. (This year, the service will be held on Sunday, September 13th at 12:00noon.) The service of “Kever Avot” (meaning “at our ancestors’ resting place”) is rooted in the longstanding practice of visiting the gravesites of loved ones during the High Holyday season. Some medieval, folk-beliefs held that our departed dear ones might have the ability to intercede on High on behalf of the living, particularly for the blessings of health, prosperity and goodness for the year to come.
Naturally, at the New Year, as at all festive seasons and occasions, our thoughts turn to our departed dear ones. We long for their nearness, while at the same time, feel close to them in our thoughts and prayers. So while our Cemetery Memorial Service lacks the formality and grandeur of the Yizkor on Yom Kippur afternoon, many find that the simplicity of the setting, and closeness of those gathered in our Memorial Park’s meditation garden is a moving and special highlight of the season.
All of us at Temple Emanu-El wish our members and their families a meaningful and inspiring High Holyday season ahead, and hope that the variety of opportunities for worship, reflection, and observance will enrich our entire community.
L’shanah Tovah!
