Shabbat Shalom from from Rabbi Bradley Solmsen.

When eating at a restaurant, it's common to start the meal with an appetizer. The origin of this practice had something to do with getting our taste buds ready for the “main event.”?

Before we start playing a sport, musical instrument, or even singing, it’s always a good idea to warm up.?

So, too, with the #HighHolidays. Starting with the month we are in now, the month of #Elul, Jews add a #shofar blast to weekday morning services. We also add additional prayers of forgiveness. All of this is to remind us that anything important is even more meaningful if we invest the time to prepare, reflect, and get ready ahead of time.?

One week before #RoshHashanah, we gather for a unique service: #Selihot (Hebrew for “prayers of forgiveness”).?

Everyone in our community might find these High Holidays to be more meaningful if we take some time to get ready internally – from our two-year-olds to our 92-year-olds. I invite you to think about some of these prompts:?

• Is there someone you have been out of touch with whom you would like to reconnect??
• Take some time to make a gratitude list starting with a year ago.?

• Think about a way you want to be more involved in the community (here at PAS or elsewhere).?
• Begin to think about one or two things you would like to try to improve within yourself.?

None of this is easy. Our liturgy is meant to help us, our clergy is here to support us, and we will be coming together to experience a sense of community.?

As part of our Selihot commemorations this year, we are excited to be installing Cantor Davis, an evening that begins with a concert on Saturday, September 9, at 7:00 pm. We hope you will be able to join us for what we know will be a moving and meaningful time together.?

#ShanahTovah!?