Appreciating and Enjoying High Holy Day Services
Written by Hannah Heller
Endless hours. Drudgery. Tedium. Boredom. Sounds like a description of a speech or a program one does not enjoy or a job we do not want to do, right? Unfortunately, these words also often describe an observance that is widely practiced – attending High Holy Day services in our synagogues. Anticipating the experience of attending High Holiday services in this way is something we may not want to admit, but unfortunately this is often our association. However, we do have this obligation to be in the synagogue each year. Why do we force ourselves to experience something that we find so unfulfilling? Over the years, I have made a tremendous change in my outlook, and have come to appreciate and actually look forward to these synagogue services. You can, too.
Transforming your experiences into something more meaningful is all about figuring out what works for you and planning your attendance and participation in that direction. For example, if you do not read Hebrew well, remember that you can pray in whatever language is most comfortable for you. Our Creator understands all of them. If the print in the machzor (holiday prayer book) is too small for you or it is just too overwhelming, you do not have to read every single word of the service. Selecting a few prayers that are very meaningful to you can make the entire service special. I bring a book of Jewish thought related to the High Holy Days for the times when I am tired of participating. A really helpful tool is The Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Survival Book by Rabbi Shimon Apisdorf. Rabbi Apisdorf challenges the reader to consider the direction and focus of our lives and explains why we pray on the High Holy Days and throughout the year. There are many other books related to prayer and to Judaism that can be helpful resources during the time in the synagogue. Books of Jewish stories can also be motivational and inspiring. Reading the introductions and commentaries inside the machzor can also be useful and informative.
Attending or listening to classes about the holidays ahead of time is very helpful in becoming more motivated and focused on the mood of starting a new year and reconnecting with God. If sitting in the synagogue for long services is difficult, one can pray at home and perhaps attend the synagogue just to hear the shofar blowing. Many communities offer shofar blowing in various neighborhoods for those who will not be able to attend services in a shul. You can also attend shul and take breaks from the services as needed. If you are
worried about people staring at you leaving in the middle, make an exit when people are standing and you will not be noticed as much. A friend once referred to the High Holy Days as Yoyo Yom Tovim as we are constantly transitioning between standing and sitting for the various times the ark is opened and closed. There are many of these transitions and opportunities to keep us alert and awake.
Instead of worrying about reciting every word, you can meditate on the purpose of these holidays. I often consider the way we are united with Jews throughout the world, who are also praying in their different environments and languages. It is important to reflect on our experiences of the past year and consider how we want to live in the new year. We ponder what we want to change about ourselves and what we want to accomplish.
The theme of Rosh Hashanah is reestablishing God as our Creator and as king over the entire universe. We use this time to strengthen our relationship with Hashem, and there are many ways to accomplish this. Yom Kippur is all about asking forgiveness for our sins against God and against our fellow human beings. We actually begin working on this process a month earlier on Rosh Chodesh Elul, the beginning of the last month of each Jewish calendar year.
Knowing more about these holidays can guide us into the best way to structure our experiences. Search for a synagogue where the services are meaningful to you. I find that services where the congregation sings along with the person leading the services is meaningful and inspirational. I look forward to joining in the catchy tunes and being an active participant. Some people prefer to listen to a cantor with a beautiful voice
chanting the prayers. It is helpful to get in touch with what kind of service is the best fit for you.
Look around the synagogue during the services. Know that each person you see has their own challenges in life. Resolve to get to know people who are not in your circle of close friends. Reach out a helping hand to someone who needs assistance. After services, introduce yourself to someone new. This will enhance your synagogue experience.
Find out who will be delivering the High Holy Day sermons in the synagogue you plan to attend, and ask yourself if this person inspires you. If the answer is no, consider attending a different synagogue. People often do not attend their regular synagogue at the time of the High Holy Days and opt for a place that is more convenient or where the schedule is more in line with their needs.
Many synagogues offer child care, allowing parents to attend services. Be sure you are comfortable with the quality of the child care before committing to a particular synagogue. In some shuls, child care providers might read High Holy Day stories to the children and share the meaning of these Days of Awe.
In whatever way you celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is important to plan ahead and to transform these holidays into something you anticipate with joy rather than something burdensome and dreadful. Set the tone for the Jewish New Year on the right note. Having a positive experience on the High Holy Days will give you the strength to deal with the challenges ahead in the upcoming year.
May everyone be privileged to enjoy many happy, healthy and successful years ahead. Shana Tova!
Transforming your experiences into something more meaningful is all about figuring out what works for you and planning your attendance and participation in that direction.
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