At the turn of the night, the gates of forgiveness begin to open.

On Saturday, August 31, Congregation Bonai Shalom at 1527 Cherryvale Rd., Boulder, will observe the season’s first recital of Selichot, prayers of penitence that precede the High Holidays. In the Ashkenazic tradition, recitations begin in the late evening, These prayers, which change from day to day from this time until Yom Kippur, center around the 13 Attributes of G-d.

The evening begins with Havdalah at 8:45 pm. As a unique approach to the season, Bonai will then screen the 1991 Albert Brooks film “Defending Your Life.” In it, Brooks plays an advertising executive who finds himself in the afterlife – on trial for choices he did and did not make during his lifetime. Co-starring Meryl Streep and Rip Torn, it’s a hilarious yet searching comedy. Refreshments and discussion follow.

Finally, at 11:30 pm, the assembled will chant the Selichot service. Join us as we intone these impassioned and sublime words together!

For more information, please contact Bonai at 303-442-6605 or at office@bonaishalom.org.