Joyce Spartonos
The Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation (SLJC) was hoping against hope that they would be able to conduct in-person services for the High Holidays. Unfortunately, this is not to be the case this year. As you can imagine, this decision was not made lightly. However, taking in all the facts and info available to us at this time, SLJC felt it was most important to err on the side of caution and keep you all as safe and healthy as we can.
SLJC has come up with the following plan for members to partake in services. Members will be sent the link to YouTube on which everything will take place. Though all the services will be virtual, we’ll try to come as close as possible as making each and every one of you feel as though you’re actually in Temple.
Services will begin with Erev Rosh Hashanah on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. and continue on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 10 a.m. Kol Nidre will take place on Sunday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m. Yom Kippur will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 28. Rabbi Wiener will, as usual, set aside 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for discussion, as well as answering any questions members may have. (Rabbi is just requesting that the questions be sent to him ahead of time at [email protected].) Concluding services, including Yizkor, will begin at 4 p.m. on the 28th.
All relevant portions of the Torah will be read, even though there won’t be an actual Torah procession, and each of the services should run approximately 90 minutes. While SLJC realizes this isn’t ideal, we are so grateful and blessed that we have the technical marvels available to allow us to bring the services directly to you in your own home. It proves that there’s always something to be thankful for, no matter what!
While SLJC would normally be offering their wonderful Break Fast buffet following Yom Kippur services, that, of course, isn’t feasible this year. However, here’s the alternative the congregation has come up with—a Box Supper! The boxes will contain bagels, breads, Nova lox, tuna and egg salads, creamed herring, cheese platters and cheese spreads, tossed green salad, and condiments—all that for only $15 per person! As always, for children three and under, there’s no charge. The boxes will be ready for pick-up starting at 5:30 p.m. on the 28th at the Cottonwood Ballroom, 25630 S. Brentwood Drive in Sun Lakes. Your reservation and check has to reach Susie at 24117 S. Lakeway Circle NE, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248, no later than Sept. 16, and any questions should be directed to Diana at 480-883-1995.
Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation wants to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a beautiful, thankful, and most of all, a very healthy and safe New Year! We look forward to the time we can all once again gather in person!