Experiencing the High Holy Days at Congregation Am HaYam
2023 High Holy Day Forms – Bottom of this Page
S’lichot :
S’lichot is the service that inaugurates the High Holy Days. It is a wonderful mix of Biblical passages, ancient and modern poetry, and haunting melodies that create the environment in which we can better express our yearnings, concerns, hopes, and aspirations for the New Year, for ourselves, our families, our community, and the world.
We hold our S’lichot services via Zoom, and surround it with study and communal discussion.
Rosh HaShanah: Rosh HaShanah is a two-day holy day that ushers in the Jewish New Year. These days constitute the beginning of the Ten Days of Penitence, during which we examine our character and our deeds, looking for ways to improve ourselves. As we do so, we reach out to those whom we may have hurt, offering our apologies and seeking reconciliation. This call to better ourselves is emphasized by hearing the blasts of the shofar (ram’s horn), the world’s oldest musical instrument still in use.
At Am HaYam we celebrate with :
- Traditional services, contemporary readings, and a modern sensibility.
- We send special packages of Apples, Honey, and other goodies to each other, a signature program of our community.
- Have a communal luncheon on the first morning of Rosh HaShanah. Please click on the flyer below to find out the details for this year’s luncheon.
- Do Tashlikh, a short ceremony where we symbolically cast away our wrongdoings and less sanguine character tics, by casting bread crumbs into the Channel Islands.
On these days the shofar (ram’s horn) calls us to reflect on our past deeds, atone, and commit to do better in the coming year through the study of the Torah, worship of HaShem, and performance of acts of kindness Traditionally, we dip apples and honey to symbolize our hope for a sweet year and during Tashlich, following the first day’s morning service, symbolically cast our sins into the ocean.
Yom Kippur: Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year. Known as the Day of Atonement, it is the culmination of the High Holy Day season. It is a day of fasting and introspection, a time for reconciliation with G!d and with each other, and an opportunity to start the New Year with more focused intention and determination to become a better person, a more self-actualized person.
Yom Kippur contains several liturgical highlights, including the haunting Kol Nidre which inaugurates Yom Kippur evening and the Yizkor service to remember deceased loved ones. The final shofar blasts signal an end to Yom Kippur and the High Holy Days. At Am HaYam, we conclude with a special break-the-fast meal. Please click on the flyer below to find out details for this year’s break-the-fast.
High Holy Days Forms -2023
The High Holy Days are just around the corner. Whether you are new to the area or a long-time member, we look forward to welcoming you and being together on these most important days. This year we will again be in our home at CAH for those who have been fully vaccinated and have shown their vaccination card, as well as via our YouTube live stream. Please find the dowloadable forms with all the information linked below.
2023 Attendance and Ticket Request Form
2023 Apples and Honey information and order form
Rosh HaShanah Luncheon and Yom Kippur Break-the-Fast info
2023 Book of Life Remembrance Request Form
Memorial Board Plaque Request Form