This is a special pre-High Holiday newsletter announcing classes that I am teaching on a Hasidic notion of Teshuvah and a Contemplative High Holiday service that I am leading. The class is being offered in person at the JCC in Manhattan and online through Ritual Well. The service is only in person under the auspices of the SAJ. Descriptions and details are below. Any questions contact me: mjstrassfeld@gmail.com
The regular weekly newsletter will return on Sept. 4th.
Shanah Tovah--a good year michael ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class on the Hasidic notion of Teshuvah
Each High Holidays we are asked to engage in the challenging process of Teshuvah/change or repentance. The classic rabbinic notion of Teshuvah could be summed up as “Just say no!,” suggesting that, faced with the temptation to do something wrong, you should stop yourself. Hasidism offers a different path, suggesting you acknowledge and accept that you have made mistakes and then seek to change yourself to align with your vision of who you deeply want to be. I believe while rabbinic Judaism is focused on behavioral change, Hasidism calls for a transformation of your self in the renewal possible in this New Year.
In this three session program, we will explore the Hasidic notion of change through the study of texts and discussion.
No previous background required. Hebrew and English versions of the text will be provided.
Please note: The Ritual Well class is online and begins 9/5 at noon. The JCC class is in person and begins 9/14 at 7 pm.
Ritual Well
Session schedule TUES, SEPT 5-TUES, SEPT 19 Number of Sessions 3; sessions will be recorded and available 12-1:15 p.m. EDT cost $36
Cosponsored by B'nai Jeshurun, Central Synagogue, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, Fort Tryon Jewish Center, Park Avenue Synagogue, Romemu, SAJ - Judaism That Stands for All, and West End Synagogue.
CONTEMPLATIVE HIGH HOLIDAY SERVICE
Through readings, highlights of the liturgy, spiritual teachings, wordless melodies (niggunim), and quiet reflection, we will explore our inner life as we consider the themes of these holy days. New this year, we will particularly focus on how to engage in the challenging process of teshuvah/change through the teachings of Hasidic texts (in translation). A number of these short texts will be scattered throughout the Yom Kippur service and will serve as kavvanot/intentions for us. We will also practice meditative singing (repeating a melody over and over) as an aid to our experience.
The contemplative services take place for one hour and a half on first day
Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur. We will be using a handout for the service, (which you are invited to keep). There will be shofar blowing during the Rosh Hashanah service and Yizkor during the Yom Kippur service.
I hope you can join us and feel free to invite friends to come as well.
Shanah Tova--- wishing you a year of sweetness and light
Rabbi Michael
Location: Marlene Meyerson JCC, 7th floor Beit Midrash
334 Amsterdam Ave at W. 76th St.
Dates and Times:
Rosh Hashanah Day 1 – Saturday, September 16
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Kol Nidre – Sunday, September 24
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Yom Kippur Day -Monday, September 25
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Suggested donation: $50
For more info., go to the website: SAJ Judaism that stands for all or call the SAJ 212-724-7000
