High Holidays

Correct Sin-Tax

Teshuva is the Jewish way to pay our ‘sin taxes.’ Aveira is one of the Hebrew words for transgression. In my mind, it resonates with the English word, ‘over.’

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Kapparot: The Yom Kippur Tradition of Chicken Twirling

A mother, father, son and daughter. The father holds a rooster over the son's head.

For some 1,000 years, many Ashkenazi Jews have observed the same ritual every Yom Kippur Eve — waving a chicken over their head. From the start, the practice was controversial among rabbinical scholars, and even today, it continues to ruffle feathers. (Sorry, couldn't resist).

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What Do Jews Mean by Repentance (Teshuvah)?

The sound of the shofar at Rosh Hashanah, the great 12th-century Jewish thinker Moses Maimonides wrote, is a wake-up call for the soul. Its message: "Arise from your slumber! Search your ways and return in teshuvah and remember your Creator!"

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Shofar in the Park on Monday!

To accommodate those who would otherwise not participate in formal Rosh Hashanah synagogue services, Rabbi Scheiner of Boulder Center for Judaism is promoting a brief, open-to-all, Rosh Hashanah ceremony that includes the primary observances of the holiday. There will be a special activity for kids and a small holiday gift takeaway.

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A Riddle for You

Our sages teach the power of Rosh Hashanah: This is when G-d bestows the world, and each individual creature, with all of the divine blessings for the upcoming year. He opens new channels to allow our unique gifts to enter our lives.

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Ready For Something New? Experience Yom Kippur Humanistically!

The Beth Ami – Colorado Congregation for Humanistic Judaism community will observe Yom Kippur LIVE under the leadership of our madrikha (leader), Sheila Malcolm. We will gather together at the Martin Park Picnic Shelter, near Table Mesa & Broadway in Boulder.

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Want a 21st Century Rosh Hashanah Challenge? Ask Robo Rabbi

The fundamental goal of the project is to help guide our participants in being their best selves and giving back during the Ten Days of Repentance, which is accomplished through completion of Robo Rabbi's 10 daily challenges that encourage such behavior.

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Shofar in the Park – Alternative Rosh Hashanah Celebration

To accommodate those who would otherwise not participate in formal Rosh Hashanah synagogue services, Rabbi Scheiner of Boulder Center for Judaism is promoting a brief, open to all, Rosh Hashanah ceremony that includes the primary observances of the holiday. There will be a special activity for kids and a small holiday gift takeaway.

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Time for a Change? Observe Tashlich Humanistically!

.  Our madrikha (leader), Sheila Malcolm, will lead us in a Humanistic Tashlich service at Viele Lake and the Harlow Platts Picnic Shelter in South Boulder (1360 Gillaspie Dr, Boulder 80305).  This will be followed by an optional BYO lunch.

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The High Holidays: Why Are We Here?

Formal prayer is an acquired taste, and its acquisition is best achieved with frequency and familiarity. Hence the Jewish Catch 22: many Jews only show up to pray on the two days a year when the prayers are by far the most long-winded and daunting.

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