OU’S RABBI WEIL TO LEAD EXPLANATORY SERVICES FOR HIGH HOLY DAYS AT CONGREGATION KETER TORAH IN TEANECK
Rabbi Steven Weil, Executive Vice President of the Orthodox Union and former Senior Rabbi of Congregation Beth Jacob in Beverly Hills, CA, will lead unique explanatory services on the High Holy Days at Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck, NJ. Titled The “I Wish I Understood Everything I Was Saying” Service, it will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on each day of Rosh Hashana, and throughout Yom Kippur.
Participants are welcome to attend for all or just part of the services. The blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn) will commence at approximately 10:30 am.
The service, designed for both experienced synagogue attendees and newcomers, was created by Rabbi Weil in California, based on ideas developed with L.A.-based writer and congregant Michael Borkow. According to Rabbi Weil, “The goal of the service is to provide both beginners, as well as those with a significant background, with an understanding of the specific prayers, the overall structure, and the themes of the prayerbook.”
Rabbi Weil and his family will be joining the community for their first holiday as residents of Teaneck, as they move from their home in Beverly Hills this summer.
“We are very excited to have Rabbi Weil lead this service,” said Rabbi Shalom Baum, Rabbi of Congregation Keter Torah. “I am confident that his combined intellect and warm personality will generate a wonderful response from the participants. I have found that there is a growing interest to have a better understanding of the prayers. This service will bring together experienced synagogue attendees with beginners who are looking for a meaningful and understandable service.”
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are the holiest days of the year for Jews. It is on these days that Heavenly decrees for the coming year can be influenced or revoked, based upon three actions: prayer, charity and repentance.
Rosh Hashana will take place on Wednesday evening, September 8 through Friday, September 10. Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Friday, September 17.
Participants are required to reserve a seat at the synagogue and are recommended to bring their own prayerbook with English translation. When making reservations, please indicate your choice of this specific program. For more information, contact Howard Gruenspecht at HOWARD@KETERTORAH.ORG.
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