As on Rosh Hashanah morning, services don’t start until 11:45 for us (we have late services*), so I thought I would give a report on last night’s services. Yes, I’m on the computer (you need to remember: I’m not that observant, although I do know what the strictures are).
Last night, after a brief detour so that S&F could see the Karate Kid, we went to services. The detour deserves some mention, as for the first time in a long while, S&F was able to recognize an out-of-control incident starting… and calm down enough to stop it. Yeah for Small and Feisty!
Shortly after services started, gf_guruilla left the sanctuary. We’re still not sure why; it appears to have been some combination of panic attack and food poisoning. She spent the service in the foyer resting on the sofa. S&F went downstairs and checked on her; she just needed the rest—and she told S&F to stop hovering over her like I would have done, and sent her back up!
So, it was basically S&F and I that attended services. I must compliment S&F for being so well behaved—even though tired and with a loose tooth bothering her, she made it through the entire service. I was able to explain Yom Kippur to her, and she seemed to understand—I think it hit her during the Al Chayts (“For the sin that we have sinned against you by….**). S&F was also touched during Kol Nidre, when the holocaust Torah that the temple has was held on the bima by a congregation member who had not only survived the camps, but had watched their parents and siblings be drowned. Rabbi Jim did the congregation appeal, where we learned we are up to 798 member families and still growing [unlike our last cong., which was around 60], and that they have actually balanced their budget and are on a reasonable financial plan (but of course, still need contributions) [unlike our last congregation, which ran 5-figure deficits].
The sermon was given by Rabbi Sarah, who spoke about their Kehillat Chesed (Caring Community), that brings flowers to home-bound congregants, talks to people who need support, welcomes newcomers. We’ll bring in some vases for them, but S&F wants to be a part of this, especially to talk to folks facing open heart surgery (she had an ASD repair when she was 4). I think, in some sense, I do this caring here in LJ—I know a few folks of late to whom I’ve just been extending support. In any case, we’ll try to get her involved.
So services were good. I don’t know what will happen this morning. If gf_guruilla is still out of it, S&F will probably go to adult services with me. We may sneak her in anyway. I’m not doing a full fast (I normally drink water anyway, and I’m on meds that must be taken with food, so I”ll eat sufficient food for those meds).
As I’ve said before, and I’ll say again: For those that fast, have an easy fast. For those I have wronged or hurt through my words or deeds, I apologize, and if there’s any way I can make amends, please let me know. And to everyone reading this: May this day be one where you find one way where you can “turn around” and become a better person. For t’shuvah, turning around, is always possible.
G’mar Chatimah Tovah / Shabbat Shalom. May you be written and sealed for a good year.
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*: In some congregations, instead of (or in addition to) renting outside facilities, congregations run two shifts of services in order to accomodate all congregants. Our congregation, with 798 member families, does that. The early services are 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM evenings, 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM mornings. That was too early for us. We’re on the late track, which is 8:45 PM to 10:30 PM and 11:45 AM to 2:15 PM.
**: For those unfamiliar with the HHD liturgy: The Al Chayts are part of a communal recitation of sin. Instead of embarrassing an individual by making them state what they have personally done wrong, we do it as a community, both for ourselves and for those unable to speak.
