THEMES OF THE SEASON: A Meaningful Exploration of the High Holy Days

This four-session virtual course will guide us through the preparatory month of Elul, and the holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, so that we can approach the High Holiday season with the awe, contemplation, joy and renewal of this most extraordinary period of the Jewish Year.

Wednesdays, Sept. 4, 11, 18, 25 | 10:00-11:30 am ET (virtual)

Session One - September 4

Elul & Slichot - A Spiritual Jaunt through the Days Before Rosh Hashanah

With Rabbi Dr. Leon Weissberg

Elul, the last month before Rosh Hashanah, and Slichot, the last post-Shabbat prayer before the High Holidays, is full of mystical and historical meaning unknown to most Jews. In this session we will take a deep dive into this month of the Jewish calendar.

Session Two - September 11

Beyond L'Shanah Tovah - Exploring the Philosophical Underpinnings of Rosh Hashanah

With Dr. Sandra Lilienthal

Rosh Hashanah is the New Year (or one of the new years) of the Jewish calendar. Yet, its philosophical themes go much deeper than just the start of a New Year. It prepares us for a future that can only come if change happens -- change in ourselves, in our communities and in the world. We will discuss many of the themes that make Rosh Hashanah such a theologically and spiritually important holiday.

Session Three - September 18

Yom Kippur: "I’m Sorry, So Sorry" Please Accept My Apology

With Rabbi Norman Lipson

"Repentance, Prayer, Tzedakah, avert the harshness of the decree.” תשובה, תפילה, וצדקה, מעבירים את רוע הגזרה

Prayer? I read the prayer book. Tzedakah? I donate to charity. Repentance? How do I do that?!?

Join Rabbi Lipson (with apologies to Brenda Lee) in exploring of the open-ended process of performing Teshuva/ Repentance for sins committed or for actions not taken, for sins against God or against our brothers and sisters, against nature, the world around us and yes, even against ourselves

Session Four - September 25

One Year Later: Finding Joy in the Festival of Joy

With Dr. Bella Tendler Krieger

Sukkot is known as the Festival of Joy. Simchat Torah, which we celebrate at the conclusion of Sukkot, literally means “Rejoicing with the Torah.” One year after Hamas’ devastating October 7 attack on Israel, which took place on this holiday, it is hard to imagine finding joy in this festival. This session will explore insights for how this can be done and seek inspiration from the efforts of contemporary Israelis valiantly fighting to rekindle joy.

Learn more & Register at tinyurl.com/hhd-2024