High Holy Day observances start Sept. 4
The Philipstown Reform Synagogue (PRS) invites the community to join with it to observe the Jewish High Holy Days and mark the beginning of the Hebrew calendar year 5774. PRS is delighted to announce that Paul Kaye will once again lead this year’s High Holy Days services, accompanied by the warm and melodic PRS holiday choir. A fully transliterated prayer book, The Wings of Awe, will be used so that everyone can follow along and participate. As always, the Synagogue’s doors will be open to anyone and everyone – no tickets, no charge.
The holiday services start early this year with Rosh Hashanah evening Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 8 p.m. A Kiddush of apples and honey will follow the evening service. Rosh Hashanah morning services will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, concluding around 12:30 p.m. with a walk to the Hudson River for Tashlich, the ceremonial casting away of one’s sins.
Yom Kippur observances will begin with the lofty melody of Kol Nidre Friday, Sept. 13, at 8 p.m. No refreshments will be served to respect those beginning their fast. On Saturday, Sept. 14, Yom Kippur services begin at 10 a.m. and will continue until approximately 1:30 in the afternoon. Services will resume at 4:30 p.m. and will include the traditional Yizkor Memorial Services. As the sun begins to set around 7:30 p.m., the day’s observances will end with the candles, spices and shadows of a Havdalah service. A light Break Fast of juice and bagels will be hosted by the PRS Board of Trustees.
There will be a Book of Remembrance to honor loved ones. If you would like to have someone listed, please mail names to PRS at P.O. Box 94, Cold Spring, NY 10516 – a $20 donation is appreciated for your listings. We consider those less fortunate by holding a Yom Kippur Food Drive. Dry and canned goods will be collected at all of the High Holy Days Services, which in turn will be delivered to the Philipstown Food Pantry.
All of the High Holy Days Services will take place at the beautiful Parish House of St. Mary’s Church in the Highlands, located at the corners of Routes 9D (Chestnut Street) and Main Street (301), Cold Spring. For more information or to let PRS know you are coming, please call 845-265-8011 or e-mail [email protected].
PRS was founded in 2002 with the purpose of creating an inclusive venue to investigate the practice of Judaism, both intellectually and spiritually. PRS hosts monthly services, provides religious education and offers opportunities to participate in social welfare activities. Visit philipstownreformsynagogue.org.
