September is a special time for the Jewish community. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, begins on September 15, 2023, at sundown and it concludes at nightfall on September 17, 2023. It’s packed with mitzvahs, special foods and traditions, and it’s one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, follows 10 days later on September 24.
Rosh Hashanah is a subdued and contemplative holiday. It commemorates the creation of the world and marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, a 10-day period of introspection and repentance that culminates in the Yom Kippur holiday. During Rosh Hashanah circular foods such as Challah bread braided in a circle, are served to represent the year. Honey cake is also a tradition, as are apples and honey, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
The time between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is a time of teshuvah, a Hebrew term to describe the act of self-reflection and turning inward, “We look back and ask ourselves: ‘What could we have done better?’ and ‘Who can we say sorry to’?” explained Rabbi Janine Jankovitz, who has served as the Rabbi at Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid in Broomall for the past three years.
Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement, begins at sundown on September 24 and lasts until sundown the following day. Yom Kippur is a day devoted to self-examination, and the chance to begin the New Year with a clean slate. “By this day, we are expected to have gotten our repentance in order,” added Rabbi Jankovitz. “We plead to God to forgive us for anything we weren’t able to do in the past year. It’s a special feeling that is both solemn and joyous at the same time.” “For the Jewish community this is our holiest time of year,” added Marissa Kimmel, the Member and Youth Engagement Coordinator at Temple Sholom. “We are starting fresh for the New Year.”
Academy students and CBENT members at “Our Closet,” where they
sorted and packed clothing and created heartfelt cards for the
recipients. Photo courtesy of Rabbi Janine Jankovitz
Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid and Temple Sholom are both located in Marple and are places where the Jewish community can gather to give thanks, offer respect, and stay connected to the ancient and modern traditions that shape Jewish life and identity. Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid, located on Paxon Hollow Road, is an inclusive Jewish community blending the traditions of the Conservative movement with Reconstructionist teachings. They will offer online services the first evening on September 15th and in-person services on the 16th and 17th of the month. On September 17th, members can gather at New Ardmore Park for Tashlich, an outdoor tradition whose origins go back to the Middle Ages. “The goal of Tashlich is to cast our sins into a body of water,” Rabbi Jankovitz added. “It’s a beautiful service where children can be outside and there will be songs of hope for the New Year.”
Rabbi Jankovitz said she is proud to be part of such a committed, warm and inviting Jewish community. Their congregation embraces all identities, genders, races, ethnicities, ages and abilities. This coming year, Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid has the honor of being selected for the Scientists in Synagogues cohort. “Through classes, seminars, lectures, videos and writings, this program helps create a vision of religion that embraces critical thinking and scientific inquiry,” she explained. “It also gives meaning to people’s lives and helps them make a positive impact on society.” In partnership with Jewish Family and Children’s Services, the Mensch Making Academy and members of Congregation Beth El-Ner Tamid also volunteer their time at Our Closet in Broomall, an organization that provides clothing and dignity to people in need throughout Philadelphia and the suburbs.
volunteering with Rabbi Rigler and education director Lori Green
at Kids Against Hunger in Broomall. Photo courtesy of Marissa Kimmel
Temple Sholom, located on Church Rd, is the only Reform congregation in Delaware County. Known for its long-standing practice of inclusion, they serve members throughout their cycles of life; from infancy through death. They welcome interfaith, interracial and LGBTQIA families as well. “Our clergy want everyone to feel like this is a home away from home,” said Marissa. Temple Sholom has an active pre-school, a religious school and numerous programs for all ages including a Sisterhood, Brotherhood, and Hilltoppers and a Culture Club for empty nesters. Social justice and activism are important to the congregation and they partner with Kids Against Hunger as well as the Life Center of Delaware County.
At Temple Sholom, the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are filled with beautiful and inspired music, meaningful worship, engaging sermons and memorable family experiences. Adult, family and tot services will be offered including a Tashlich service at Merry Place Park on September 16th. “It’s our holiest time of the year,” said Marissa. “Although everyone observes a little differently, it’s a meaningful time to turn inward.” You can find a list of their programs and services on their website and Facebook pages. All services are free to anyone including non-members. Due to a high volume, they request that tickets to high holiday services be requested in advance by contacting the synagogue.
For more information about our local synagogues in our area visit Temple-Sholom.org and CBENT.org.