The Institute for Judaic Studies (IJSS) greeted the New Year welcoming congregants, clergy and guests.
Rabbi Sanford Seltzer led us throughout the High Holidays with prayer, liturgy and thoughts commensurate with the High Holy Days. Eliyanah Powers, our Cantorial Solist, Powers guided us through our prayers with her glorious voice and melodies. Dr. Josh Nichols is our new accompanist. Dr. Nichols is a composer, organist and pianist experienced in his role of religious music with the ability to elevate the service and ritual will bring many aspects to our services.
Important Dates in September
Rosh Hashanah evening services began at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 15.
Rosh Hashanah morning services were held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 16.
Tashlich services were held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 at the SaddleBrooke Golf Course Lake (HOA1, Hole 2 Water Pond) on SaddleBrooke Boulevard.
Yom Kippur Services (Kol Nidre) were held on Sunday, September 24 at 7 p.m.
Yom Kippur Services were held throughout the day and began at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 25. Afternoon services began at 4 p.m.
An Oneg was held after Rosh Hashanah services on Friday, September 15.
Kol Nidre began our Yom Kippur service at 7 p.m. on Saturday, September 24. The prayer ‘Kol Nidre’ (All Vows) is to many the single piece of liturgy that best represents Yom Kippur. A haunting melody often played by a cellist causes all present to delve deeply into their heart and soul, looking for forgiveness. We are fortunate that Robert Marshall, Cellist, again, provided us with his musical abilities by playing Bruch’s Kol Nidre at the beginning of the service.
A full High Holy Day schedule was sent to Congregants.
Contributions to IJSS are always welcome. Please think of us as you make plans for the coming year.
A SaddleBrooke Community Event
All residents of SaddleBrooke are welcome to hear Rabbi Seltzer speak to ‘Who Did What to Whom in The Garden Of Eden? Does It Matter? Jewish, Christian, Muslim Views of Adam, Eve and The Serpent.‘ This event is open to the community. It will take place at the Activity Center on October 24 at 7 p.m. Seating is limited!
Getting Together
A Community Celebration on Wednesday, August 23 was sponsored by IJSS. We gathered to reconnect and prepare for the Jewish High Holy Days. Attended by Rabbi Seltzer and Eliyanah Powers (and her dog). Rabbi Seltzer gave us a very quick briefing on the preparations for services. Food was plentiful, conversation vibrant. Reacquainting with many and making new friends was relaxing and enjoyable.
Upcoming Important Dates
Shabbat Dates
2023: October 20, November 17 and December 15.
2024: January 26, February 23, March 22 and April 19.
The Annual Meeting will be held in December. All members are invited to come.
IJSS is a small and welcoming congregation. We value our members and their needs. If you have questions or wish to join our congregation, please feel free to contact Esta Goldstein (520) 825-1181) or Seth Eisner (520) 818-6340) for information.
Shanah Tovah to all! (Happy New Year!)
