Philipstown Reform Synagogue (PRS) High Holiday observances begin Saturday Sept. 24 with an evening of S’lichot (Hebrew for forgiveness). Rabbi Michael Rothbaum (Rabbi Mike) will begin the evening at 7 p.m. with a Havdalah service, bringing a close to Shabbat with the lighting of the braided candle. The evening will continue with a Shabbat dinner hosted by the PRS Board of Trustees during which Rabbi Mike will lead a teaching and discussion to help participants prepare for the High Holy Days process of introspection, forgiveness, and transformation. The evening will conclude with a traditional S’lichot service at 9:30 p.m. The evening is free and open to the community, but an RSVP by telephone or e-mail to the synagogue by Sept. 17 is appreciated, to appropriately plan for the dinner.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur observances will be led by Rabbi Mike (Kol Nidre only) and Cantor Shoshana Lash, accompanied by Doug Keilitz on the organ, along with members of the congregation.
Schedule of Services
On Wednesday, 9/28, Rosh Hashanah evening services begin at 8 p.m. and conclude with a Kiddush of apples and honey.
On Thursday, 9/29, Rosh Hashanah morning services begin at 10 a.m. and conclude around noon with a walk to the Hudson River for Tashlich, the ceremonial casting away of sins.
On Friday, 10/7, Kol Nidre begins at 8 p.m. No refreshments will be served to respect those beginning their fast.
On Saturday, Oct. 8, Yom Kippur services begin at 10 a.m. The day includes a discussion group during a midday recess, and concludes with afternoon Yizkor and N’ilah services. A Communal Break Fast will take place following services.
There is a fee for the Break Fast meal ($35 per person/$20 for children 10 years and younger), otherwise all services are free and open to the public. Reservations for the Break Fast are needed by Sept. 24.
As is the PRS tradition, those less fortunate are remembered during a Yom Kippur Food Drive. Please bring dry and canned goods to any of the High Holy Days Services; all donations will be delivered to the Philipstown Food Pantry.
All High Holy Days Services will take place at the Parish House at the St. Mary’s in the Highlands, located at the corners of Routes 9D and 301 (Main Street) in Cold Spring. PRS is grateful to St. Mary’s in the Highlands for making the Parish House available for its High Holy Days Services. For more information and to make Break Fast reservations, contact the PRS at 845-265-8011, by e-mail at [email protected] or via their website.
Photo by A. Rooney
