Dear Friends of Bayit Shelanu,
In just five short weeks, we will gather to welcome 5787 together.
Our Rosh Hashanah Morning Service begins on Saturday morning, September 12, as we once again celebrate at our beloved Synagogue by the Sea, held at the Annenberg Community Beach House on Pacific Coast Highway, or join together live via zoom.
Approaching this next Hebrew month of Elul, our tradition gently invites us to slow down and prepare – not simply for the turning of the calendar, but for the turning of our hearts. Elul is the season that invites honest reflection on our past year’s choices. We begin reaching out to those we may have hurt, expressing our desire for forgiveness, and reflecting on how we want to repair ruptures and renew what matters most in our lives. Introspection and renewal always travel hand in hand. Every new year offers us another opportunity to reconnect
– with one another, with our community, and with the best version of ourselves.
Rabbi Hillel offered timeless wisdom that feels especially meaningful as we prepare for these Days of Awe:
“Im ein ani li, mi li?”
If I am not for myself, who will be for me?
Yet he immediately reminds us that life is never meant to be lived only for ourselves:
“U’chshe’ani l’atzmi, mah ani?”
But if I am only for myself, what am I?
Judaism calls us to seek that sacred balance – between caring for ourselves and caring for others. And then Hillel leaves us with one final challenge:
“V’im lo achshav, eymatai?”
If not now, when?
Now is the time.
Join us for these High Holy Days. You may reserve your in-person seats or register for our online livestream right here.
Let us welcome a New Year of hope, healing, gratitude, and connection – together.
Shabbat Shalom,
Jan
