As the sun set this past Saturday evening, we welcomed the holiday of Selichot. While the holiday’s purpose contains many meanings, perhaps its greatest purpose is to grab our attention and declare, “Rosh Hashanah is coming!” It is sort of the High Holy Day version of Paul Revere. And just like with Revere’s ride, the message is: We must prepare.
When contemplating preparations for this coming High Holy Days, I’m struck by how truly different our preparations are this year. Therefore, to help you at home, I wanted to provide some thoughts and suggestions to prepare for a most meaningful and memorable High Holy Days. In general, I believe that to have a meaningful experience, we must look at these Holy Day services unlike any other “Zoom service.” We must work to make them special. The only way that we can do that is to prepare. While it is true, sure, you can just click on the Zoom link and kick back on your living room couch in your pajamas. However, I think that we run the risk of missing the keynotes of awe and sanctity. In order for us to receive these motifs, I think we’re going to have to take some extra steps.
Prepare Your Space: Make your space special. When thinking about your space for our High Holy Day services, perhaps consider finding a space that feels special. For some, that might mean using the living room instead of the family room. For others, it might mean cleaning up the space that will be used. Whatever this looks like for you, focus on the idea that it is “High Holy Day” worthy (Only you know what that means for yourself). All that I ask is that you consider the space.
Make the space comfortable. I know that for many, the Yorktown Stage chairs were quite uncomfortable. The luxury of your own seating is a plus for this year. Though the services will be shorter than in years past, you still should find a cozy chair. We will be together for a little while.
Make the space spiritual. Ambience is extremely important when thinking about connecting, not only with your community on the Holy Days, but also connecting with God. When we are at the stage, we think a lot about lighting and sound. For some of us, candles help make us feel spiritual. For others, formality makes us feel special. And even for others, lit incense or a diffused essential oil helps center us and enables us to open that spiritual part of ourselves. Whatever it is that helps you feel more spiritual, more connected with the community and the sacred, begin thinking about that now. Set it up so you are ready to begin the Holy Days.
Things not to forget: After your space has been prepared, the last thing to do should be gathering the essentials for High Holy Day services. Specifically, before Rosh Hashanah begins, consider placing your High Holy Day Prayerbook in your space. What also might be a good idea is setting your Tallit in your space. That way it is ready to go for morning services. Lastly, grab that Shofar and place it with your other essentials in your special space. Just like at the stage, we plan to do a communal “tekiah gedolah.” If you have your shofar ready, you’ll be able to join in the fun.
The best way to experience the High Holy Days is to prepare for them. It is not only about ordering the brisket or prepping the matzoh balls. It is also about preparing our spaces and our spirits. I hope that you will take the next few days and do the best that you can in preparing for these incredibly unique and extremely special High Holy Days of 5781.
