During a conversation about the High Holy Days with some distant cousins this summer, that turned to the subject of tickets and seating, their very close up, long time reserved seats for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur at their historic synagogue, my cousins' very young daughter innocently offered, “We’re temple nepo babies.” First, I needed to confirm what she meant. By “nepo babies,” she was somewhat calling out their generational privilege, specifically here referring to the proprietary aspects of long-term synagogue membership and significant financial support. But in the follow up, she shrugged her shoulders and said with a bit of resignation, "Like, what are you gonna do?”
Now, while I do not believe that CSK’s non-building, non-membership, non-dues model is the way forward for all American synagogues, I am so proud that for the 11th time since our founding, we are able to welcome everyone to our High Holy Days services. And your seating (this year in the Kaplan Theater at the JCC) is “first come, first served.”
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with Congregation Shma Koleinu are open to all Jews, Jewish families, and those who love them. We welcome anyone and everyone who may wish to see what our “fuss” is all about. CSK’s High Holy Days are professionally produced, moving, meaningful, and entertaining. And while “produced” may sound like an impolitic term for a religious experience, trust us when we say, “produced.” High Holy Days for any Jewish organization is one of the biggest lifts of the year. Now add the voluntary financial support that makes it all possible, as well as the “pop up” nature of CSK, and you’ll get a sense of what’s involved.
And we love it. It’s a glorious and precious time of year when we seek to embrace, inspire, and create for you a modern Jewish pathway to a soulful and endearing experience, drawing on the beauty of our tradition mixed with a modern-day language and aesthetic.
We hope you will join us this year for our High Holy Days experience.
Who? Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss, Rabbi Laura Sheinkopf, Hannah Madeleine Goodman (soloist), Tiffany Halfon (Program and Operations Manager), Andrew Lienhard (pianist), Kelly Dean (woodwinds), Daphnee Johnson (cello), Darrell Lacy (bass and guitar), and Leo Hernandez (trumpet and shofar).
What? The Jewish way into community gathering, self-reflection, and inspiration.
Where? This year, in the Kaplan Theater at the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center.
When? October 2-3, 11-12 (Details click HERE)
Why? Because an in-person Jewish spiritual experience is what your soul needs. Give it voice, give it attention, and give it time – we promise that the stuff keeping you bound will untangle and release, and then, watch yourself fly!
