Services mark the beginning of Hebrew calendar year 5775
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 5775. PRS announced that Paul Kaye, along with Noah Kaye and Cathy Duke, will lead this year’s High Holy Days services, accompanied by the PRS holiday choir. A fully transliterated prayer book, The Wings of Awe, will be used so that everyone can follow along and participate. The synagogue’s doors will be open to everyone — no tickets, no charge.
In advance of the services, PRS will co-host Selichot observances on Saturday, Sept. 20, with Beacon Hebrew Alliance at their Beacon location. Services, led by Rabbi Brent Spodek, will begin at 7 p.m. followed by a reading of Hurricane, a new play being developed by Brooke Berman, which explores themes of contemporary life in America. Visit beaconhebrewalliance.org.
The PRS holiday services will begin with Rosh Hashanah services at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24. A kiddush of apples and honey will follow the service. Rosh Hashanah morning services will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 25, 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 begin with Kol Nidre at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3. No refreshments will be served to respect those beginning their fast. On Saturday, Oct. 4, Yom Kippur services begin at 10 a.m. and continue until approximately 1:30 p.m. Services resume at 4:30 p.m. and will include the traditional Yizkor. As the sun begins to set, observances will end with 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.
A Book of Remembrance will honor loved ones. Mail names to PRS, P.O. Box 94, Cold Spring, NY 10516 — a $20 donation is appreciated. A Yom Kippur Food Drive will be held. Dry and canned goods will be collected at High Holy Days Services, to be delivered to Philipstown Food Pantry.
High Holy Days Services take place at the Parish House of St. Mary’s Church in the Highlands, at the corners of Routes 9D (Chestnut Street) and 301 (Main Street), Cold Spring. To let PRS know you are coming, call 845-265-8011 or e-mail [email protected].
