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High Holidays

OUR PRAYER SERVICES

The Jewish New Year (Rosh Ha-Shanah) and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) are referred to as the “Days of Awe” (Yamim Nora’im). Our prayers on these days pose questions of ultimate concern: “Who shall live and who shall die?” or, in a contemporary paraphrase, “Who shall be truly alive and who shall merely exist?” On Rosh Ha-Shanah, we celebrate together and hope for sweetness and health in the coming year. On Yom Kippur, we confront our own mortality, reflect on our behaviour over the last year, and vow to do better in the coming year. High Holidays at Congregation Dorshei Emet are participatory, uplifting, moving, and meaningful. Services are led by the rabbis and congregants, and are enhanced by our volunteer High Holiday Choir for Kol Nidre. Readings in English supplement the traditional Hebrew texts, explanations and intentions are given throughout the service, and we use Rabbi Ron’s contemporary Reconstructionist high holiday prayer book (mahzor), Hadesh Yameinu. As during the year, men and women participate equally in the service. Participation in High Holiday Services is open to members in good standing and to their out-of-town guests. Non-members who are exploring our approach to Judaism may purchase High Holiday passes on a one-time basis. Students and out-of-town guests are welcome to arrange for entrance passes through the office. We have childrens programs on the first   and second day of Rosh Ha-Shanah and Yom Kippur.

HIGH HOLIDAY SECURITY

For security purposes, no one will be allowed into the building without a pass. Please show your pass at the synagogue entrance. If you forget your pass, please speak to the usher at the front entrance. Passes can be picked up from the synagogue at our Coffee,Tea and Ticket night on September 12 2019 at 6:30-8:30pm and the remaining passes will be mailed out. Purses and tallit bags may be inspected for security reasons at the synagogue entrance. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

PARKING

We strongly recommend that members park in Decarie Square and take a leisurely walk to synagogue. Please remember that the Hampstead Public Works lot (next door to the synagogue) cannot be used for parking. The synagogue parking lot will be available only to those members with a disability sticker, and the security team will enforce this rule strictly.

SEATING

There is no reserved seating at Dorshei Emet, during the year or during High Holidays. Except for disability seating and seats reserved for Parnassim and choir, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis in both the Sanctuary and the Social Hall. People with disabilities may reserve two seats by contacting the office, (514) 486-9400, by September 20th. The two seats will be left available only as long as there are other seats available in the Sanctuary on the main floor and balcony. If you have an Aliyah or other honour, please arrive at least 45 minutes in advance and identify yourself to a Parnass upon your arrival. Please bring your own tallit and kippah, if you have them.

KEVOD HAMAKOM

Please help to create an atmosphere of sanctity and consideration for others. Please do not eat, chew gum, smoke, or use your cell phone anywhere in the synagogue, on the front steps, walkways, parking lot, or grounds. Please keep your voice down when standing in the lobby. No one may enter or exit the Sanctuary or Balcony during the Rabbi’s sermons, except for Security, Parnassim or Ushers.

Tue, March 19 2024 9 Adar II 5784