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INSPIRATIONS FOR ELUL

Traditionally, we spend the month of Elul in preparation for the High Holy Day season. We reflect, we learn and we pray together as we ready our hearts and minds for the intensity of the Days of Awe. Today, we also emphasize the importance of being together as a community, and the strength we gain from one another through this reflection process. We will learn from our clergy, staff, and fellow congregants. Join us for any and all of our Month of Elul programs this year. 

ACTIVITIES

Personal Journaling

Get a writing prompt
for every day of the month.

Click here
for journal prompts.

Read Psalm 27

It is customary to read Psalm 27 each day from the beginning of Elul through Hoshana Rabbah, which is the last day of Sukkot

Visit Loved Ones' Graves

Honor loved ones' memories and reflect on our own lives and what we will leave to others. Make sure visitors are allowed during COVID.

Blow the Shofar!

Traditionally the shofar is blown each morning (excluding Shabbat) from the first day of Elul to the day before Rosh HaShanah.

ONLINE EVENTS

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THE ART OF DYING WELL WITH KATY BUTLER

Thur, Sept 3, 7:00pm

The last third of life poses challenges as well as gifts, but acceptance, community, and planning can relieve worry. Join us to hear bestselling journalist Katy Butler share from her handbook of step by step preparations to help you drink deeply from the life that remains. Presented by Temple Sinai Oakland's Wise Aging Committee.
 

Preregistration Required

FREE

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HOW TO BLOW THE SHOFAR WITH PHIL AND DAN

Thurs, Sept 10, 7:00pm

Grab your shofar and learn from experienced amateurs Phil Rubin and Dan Fendel. The attached readings may help you prepare to learn about sounding the shofar. Two concern the meaning of the individual sounds, about which there are many views. The third, from Rabbi Alan Lew, addresses the emotional preparation and state of mind for someone who is sounding the shofar.

The Shofar Sounds

Shofar Sound Meanings

Rabbi Alan Lew on the Shofar

Meeting ID: 843 9344 3540 

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MAKING TEIGLACH

WITH TERRIE GOREN 

Tues, Sept 15, 7:00pm

Teiglach, a traditional Rosh HaShanah treat, literally means “little dough” in Yiddish and has its history in the Lithuanian Jewish community. While boiling dough in honey seems a bit odd, the dough cooks up crunchy like a cookie covered in a sticky honey syrup. The ingredients are quite basic, and the process is quite simple, but the result is oddly addicting. Join Terrie Goren, executive director, as she presents a demonstration on making this traditional holiday treat. Get recipe to follow along here

Meeting ID: 875 0189 1634

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GUIDED MEDITATION WITH STEVE GOLDSTEIN

Sat, Sept 5, 10:30am

Connecting to Gratitude and the Resolve to Change. During the Hebrew month of Elul, the month before the High Holy Days, we enter into a period of self-reflection. 

 

Steve Goldstein will lead us through guided meditations on themes of the High Holy Days. 

Meeting ID: 169-589-870

Password: 123079

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S'LICHOT DISCUSSION AND SERVICE

Sat, Sept 12, 7:00pm

As preparation for our S'lichot service, we will have a study session using the principles of mussar — the ancient yet modern tradition of personal ethical study — to examine our behavior.

 

The discussion will be presented by the Wise Aging Committee (but suitable for all ages), and will include breakout groups for sharing. 

Meeting ID: 880 3289 7243

+1 669 900 9128 US

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SOUND THE SHOFAR!

Sun, Sept 20, 3:30pm

Let's connect with as many Bay Area Jewish organizations as we can to sound the Shofar at the same time — 3:00pm on the 2nd day of Rosh HaShanah, September 20, 2020. Wherever you are, blow the Shofar!

Registration is optional.

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BAKING HONEY CAKE WITH LAURIE LEIBER

Wed, Sept 9, 3:30 - 5:30pm

This event requires pre-registration. Please click here to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Download recipe here to follow along while you bake!

Preregistration Required

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PREPARING THE HEART FOR ROSH HASHANAH

Tues, Sept 15, 4:00pm

The High Holy Days are a vibrant time of celebration and contemplation. We can sweeten our intentions for the upcoming year through deep reflection. Join congregant and Familial founder, Aviva Black, as she leads us through guided reflection and journal writing. Perhaps this will be the start of a new Elul tradition!

Meeting ID: 825 3926 0542

+1 669 900 9128

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#SHOFAR TOGETHER

Sept 19 – Sept 26, 7:00pm

Every day, people are drawing on newfound wellsprings of creativity, and finding ways to create moments of unity together. Be part of a community-focused twist on the traditional shofar blast sounded at Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur every year. At 7:00pm, Saturday, 9/19 through Saturday, 9/26 blow your shofar from wherever you'd like. Don't forget to post your photos and videos of your shofar solidarity with the hashtag #ShofarTogether!

Registration not required.

No Registration
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