Preparing for the Days of Awe

I have spoken words of tradition,
But this silence belongs to me.
To whatever is Eternal amid ceaseless ebb and flow;
To the Root of goodness-
to Being itself, ever-present, ever-emerging,
Expressed in the bodies of all living things;
To the Indwelling Presence
That powers my own pulse-beat;
To the Giver of life, who is with me all my days-
I address myself in reverence:
Hineini
I set before You this day
All that I am and wish to be.
Hineini-
Receive the offering of my heart.

-Mishkan HaNefesh, Yom Kippur: Afternoon Service page 411

During the summer months of June and July members of our community began to deepen their High Holy Day experience a little bit earlier than most. Over the course of six weeks, these chalutzim (pioneers) immersed into the depths of both volumes of the new Reform machzor (High Holy Day prayerbook), Mishkan HaNefesh, and emerged with a new understanding of and appreciation for the Days of Awe and the timeless beauty of the liturgy through which this holy time is guided.

How often do we find ourselves moving through our lives, dutifully fulfilling obligations, blindly repeating patterns that are comfortable, yet keep us in a “stuck” or “narrow” place? As it is written in Psalm 119:18 “uncover my eyes and I shall look at wonders from Your Torah.”

Everyone came to this experience differently, but all came away changed. As one student shared,

“In preparation for the High Holy Days with the wide lens of 75 years of life experience, I have become totally enamored with Mishkan Hanefesh Machzor for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The creative repetition in each prayer book on the left side of the page ushers me directly into a reminder of the common threads of the services by weaving and creating a tapestry of ah ha moments of connected familiarity. But most of all is to let my heart and soul be spiritually enriched by the shaded boxes that lift me into a beautiful panorama of colors, tastes, textures, prayers, visions, and blessings.” With deep gratitude for these beautiful prayerbooks.” S.O.

For some who brought a long history of Reform Jewish experience, as well as, an analytical eye, the process of studying the juxtaposition of traditional liturgy in far more accessible manner was life changing. Interestingly, more traditional Yom Kippur liturgy has been reintroduced within Mishkan HaNefesh, including portions of the Avodah service and the martyrology, in a way that helps a service goer understand the meaning of the text and the significance of the the ancient service as it resonates in modern times.

“Thank you for introducing us to Mishkan Hanefesh. The structure of the machzor is a marked improvement over Gates of Repentance.
I find having the Hebrew text, translation, transliteration, accompanying commentary, references, interpretation, and poetry supporting a particular portion of the service quite user friendly. It is nice to have it all in one place. It provides opportunity for more meaningful connection with the service. The books are so content rich that there will always be a chance for a new learning experience. I applaud the decision to migrate to this new machzor.” M.G.

Probably the most satisfying experiences for me, as a teacher, were the moments when the spark of a new insight flashed across a class member’s eyes, when an “aha” moment occurred in connection to a prayer moment remembered through the gauze of a child’s memory, but in reality was seen by the eyes of on adult approaching eighty. Watching the joy of classmates debating the evolution of a prayer because it was finally possible to understand and relate to it with a previously unknown clarity was completely energizing.

Change is difficult for most of us, but the long held vision of those who supported the acquisition of Mishkan HaNefesh not only brought us into the 21st century, but have simultaneously transported us back through the millennia of Jewish experience. One classmate said it best,

“The acquisition of our Mishkan Hanefesh Machzorim for the Reform congregation is truly a blessing. Cantor Jacki, while teaching her classes has been our ”tour guide” taking us on a journey through the High Holy Day services. Along the way, we have learned the origins of prayers, been exposed to various interpretations and had the pleasure of reading some really beautiful poetry and meditations. This is no ordinary prayer book but an educational resource for the beginner to advanced scholar in Judaism. This year, I will not just be attending High Holiday services, but immersing myself in the experience.” L.N.

Mitch and I wish each of you and your families Shana tovah u’metukah – a sweet New Year filled with goodness, good health, and love,

Cantor Jacki Menaker
Reform Spiritual Leader
Shirat Hayam