It begins in Bozeman on the evening of Sunday, October 2…and at the same time in London, Sydney, Helsinki, Jerusalem, in towns and cities all over the globe. People of the Jewish faith will make their way to their places of worship to begin the ten-day observance of their High Holy Days: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Rosh Hashanah, also referred to as the Jewish New Year, marks the beginning of this observance with evening prayer services on the 2nd and morning services the following two days. This is a celebration by Jews of what is considered to be the anniversary of the creation of the world. More importantly in most peoples’ minds, it is also the day that G-d is believed to decide the fate of all those of the Jewish faith for the coming year.
Yom Kippur, observed ten days later is the holiest of the Holy days and is also observed by services both the evening before–this year on Tuesday night, October 11–and all day the following day. Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur emphasizes repentance and atonement before G-d as the fates that were written on Rosh Hashanah are sealed by the Deity on this final day of the observance. A form of atonement for those who are able is a 24-hour abstinence from food and other forms of pleasure as they pray to be absolved of whatever sins they might have committed during the year just ended.
And so it will occur at Temple Beth Shalom, a Jewish community of over 100 families, who will gather in prayer for their holiest of holidays led by Rabbi Ed Stafman. Founded in 1981, the congregation is a center-point where members, adults and children, can, in the words of its vision statement:
“…come together to learn about the spiritual offerings of Jewish
tradition”.
In addition to prayer services, Congregation Beth Shalom has classes and lectures held regularly throughout the year as well as myriad social events. The temple is located at 2010 West Koch Street in Bozeman. For information about classes and services please call 556-0528 or consult the temple website at www.bethshalombozeman.org.