Elul Reflections - High Holy Days 2024
Joan Neer
As summer approaches I begin thinking about the High Holy Days (because that’s what happens when you work in a synagogue). This allows me to get an early start on reflecting about what they will bring and how I’m going to prepare myself for them. I like to take time to evaluate my actions and thoughts and set goals for the coming year. I do this while keeping in mind Mussar, which teaches me to think about my shortcomings and strengths. This year I am excited about challenging myself by reading more books on Judaism and spirituality.
I always look forward to being with my temple community during services, seeing old and new faces, connecting with people I haven’t seen in a long time, and I love being able to share this sacred time with my husband, Michael. I think the best part of this year's High Holy Days experience for me will be the chance to concentrate on and hopefully strengthen my spirituality.
Joan Neer
Executive Assistant
Marci Beliak
I love Elul and the promise of what can be.
While holiday preparation at the synagogue (and personally) can be very hectic, I look forward to the High Holiday season. There is a rhythm and flow to the holidays that culminate with Simchat Torah and great celebration. The services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are filled with pomp and circumstance and melodies that touch my soul and stir memories of times long ago. I look forward to Rosh Hashanah meals (of course) with my family and friends, creating new and special memories. But the thing I most look forward to is Succot when we construct our small but mighty succah and adorn it with decorations - some new and others accumulated over the years. Hosting meals in this sacred space is my favorite, and I love inviting Ushpizin to dwell among us. Dining in the succah, I can once again reflect on the abundance of blessings in my life while looking back at the roads and choices that have led me to this point and looking forward to the person I hope to be in the coming year.
Marci Beliak
Executive Assistant, Shalom Center
As summer approaches I begin thinking about the High Holy Days (because that’s what happens when you work in a synagogue). This allows me to get an early start on reflecting about what they will bring and how I’m going to prepare myself for them. I like to take time to evaluate my actions and thoughts and set goals for the coming year. I do this while keeping in mind Mussar, which teaches me to think about my shortcomings and strengths. This year I am excited about challenging myself by reading more books on Judaism and spirituality.
I always look forward to being with my temple community during services, seeing old and new faces, connecting with people I haven’t seen in a long time, and I love being able to share this sacred time with my husband, Michael. I think the best part of this year's High Holy Days experience for me will be the chance to concentrate on and hopefully strengthen my spirituality.
Joan Neer
Executive Assistant
Marci Beliak
I love Elul and the promise of what can be.
While holiday preparation at the synagogue (and personally) can be very hectic, I look forward to the High Holiday season. There is a rhythm and flow to the holidays that culminate with Simchat Torah and great celebration. The services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are filled with pomp and circumstance and melodies that touch my soul and stir memories of times long ago. I look forward to Rosh Hashanah meals (of course) with my family and friends, creating new and special memories. But the thing I most look forward to is Succot when we construct our small but mighty succah and adorn it with decorations - some new and others accumulated over the years. Hosting meals in this sacred space is my favorite, and I love inviting Ushpizin to dwell among us. Dining in the succah, I can once again reflect on the abundance of blessings in my life while looking back at the roads and choices that have led me to this point and looking forward to the person I hope to be in the coming year.
Marci Beliak
Executive Assistant, Shalom Center
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