Temple Anshe Amunim to Celebrate High Holy Days
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Temple Anshe Amunim, located at 26 Broad St., will celebrate the Jewish High Holy Days with a full schedule of services in a newly renovated temple.
“This new year marks a unique milestone for our community,” said Rabbi Josh Breindel. “Our sanctuary has been completely remodeled to reflect a modern esthetic. Even more importantly, with our new elevator and redesigned bimah (raised ritual space), everyone can participate equally in our worship.
Also new this year, Cantorial Soloist Dara Rosenblatt will join Rabbi Breindel and the temple choir to help lead the musical portions of the service.
The High Holy Days season begins with Selichot – a contemplative service featuring stories, music and guided meditations.
“Selichot is one of the most beautiful moments in our annual cycle,” Rabbi Josh said. “We all fall short of our own ethical standards from time to time. This service reminds me that I can make amends for my shortcomings. It reassures me that I have the strength to reach out and make things better.”
Selichot services will take place on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m., followed by a dessert reception.
On Sunday, Sept. 13, Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) Evening Services will be held at 7:30 p.m., followed by an oneg (festive reception). On Monday, Sept. 14, Rosh Hashanah family services will be held at 9 a.m. (one service will be for preschoolers and another will be held for grade-schoolers) with the congregational services beginning at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to celebrate the Second Day of Rosh Hashanah in nature, at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox. In its third year, this innovative service offers an opportunity for participants to connect spiritually with nature.
On Sunday, Sept. 20, Rabbi Josh will lead a memorial Service of Faith at 10:30 a.m. at Pittsfield Cemetery.
Yom Kippur (The Jewish Day of Atonement) will begin with a Kol Nidre service on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 7:30 p.m. Services on Wednesday, Sept. 23, include family Services at 9 a.m., Congregational Services at 10:30 a.m., a Study Session at 1:30 p.m., and an Afternoon Service at 3 p.m. Yizkor (memorial) and Ne’ilah (closing) Services will take place at 5 p.m. and will be followed by a Break-the-Fast reception. Those attending the Break-the-Fast are asked to RSVP to the temple office at 413-442-5910.
Renovations to the Temple offer full accessibility, with a new walkway to the front door, new elevator, and restrooms on the first floor and social levels.
Temple Anshe Amunim is a Reform Jewish congregation that promotes engaging and widespread participation in services, education, and social action programs. For more information, contact the Temple Anshe Amunim office at 413-442-5910, email templeoffice@ansheamunim.org or visit www.ansheanumim.org.
