As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic restricting gathering and severely limiting travel, synagogues everywhere are working to provide their communities with a meaningful alternative to face-to-face worship.
Working together with the Progressive Congregation of the ACTJC, I have embraced the challenge and created a new Zoom paradigm that marries aspects of traditional worship with creative, online resources and interactive technology. Accordingly, this year’s program for the Days of Awe which I will lead from my home in Sydney, will feature a variety of diverse online sessions of differing natures and lengths. Session duration has been limited in most cases to allow for breaks away from the screen. Akin to a conference, the program reflects the interests of different cohorts; from children and young families to adults of every age.
You are invited to be with us throughout the holidays to share in this experience. Come and hear the Shofar. Worship from the new Progressive Machzor. Engage in discussion, enjoy and be inspired by timely, high-quality video content from rabbis, chazzanim and educators from around the world. It is natural that those accustomed to joining physically with the congregation on the High Holy Days, may have misgivings, or wonder whether this format is for them. Fair enough. But as Progressive Jews, we are pledged to be responsive not only to the demands of the Tradition, but also to the needs of our people. And at this time of Covid-19, we need to be together however that may be possible.
Indeed, at this season and throughout the Jewish world, Progressive congregations are adapting, creating new platforms for prayer and study, fashioning a blessing from a curse, and providing people from near and far a sense of community and an elevated sense of spirituality this New Year.
Click HERE to receive your Zoom invitation and take a moment to tell your friends and family members about this special opportunity.