L’shanah tovah – High Holy Days Congregational Announcement

Dear Friends,

With increasing numbers of COVID cases and heightened restrictions in LA County, Temple Beth El leadership made the challenging decision to hold virtual High Holy Days services this year. While it will not be the same as in years past, we are confident that we can create a meaningful High Holy Days experience which integrates tradition with innovation, and personal reflection with communal connection.

Your feedback on the most important components of High Holy Days worship has been invaluable as we put together an exciting array of offerings – from Elul reflections to traditional services and everything in between. A dedicated High Holy Days task force is working alongside Rabbi Cassi and Cantor Ilan to provide the best possible High Holy Days experience.

Our services will be virtual and our doors are closed, but our Temple Beth El hearts are fully open. Thanks to technology, we can bring into your homes the beauty of our sanctuary and the choral music that speaks to our souls. We can create opportunities for social connection and for exciting children programs. We can create moments for meaningful learning, innovation, and reflection.

Over the next several weeks you will see a dedicated weekly email about what to expect and how to enrich this High Holy Days season. Information on our Elul programs, New Year’s Cards, Yizkor books, High Holy Days schedule and how to prepare our homes for the occasion will be coming. We hope that you will find these messages helpful and inspiring. Our tech team continues to stand ready to help anyone who needs assistance.

In this first email, Rabbi Cassi is putting out the call for shofar blowers to participate in virtual programs throughout the month of Elul. Please contact Rabbi Cassi to sign up.

This year the medium of our worship will be different, but its substance remains the same. Temple Beth El’s leadership looks forward to beginning the year 5781 with you.

L’Shalom,

Rabbi Cassi Kail

Linda Rubin & Marla Shwarts
Co-Presidents

High Holy Days Task Force Members
Gail Burch, Cantor Davidson, Catherine Mummert, Raye Murphy, Sandy Pickar, Ben Pogorelsky, Sandy Sherman