Jews around the world begin observing the High Holidays at sundown on the evening of Sunday, September 13th. This is the beginning of the two-day commemoration of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). Then, 10 days later, Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) will begin at sundown on Tuesday, September 22nd. While there is no formal temple or synagogue in Mariposa, Tuolumne or Calaveras counties, the Mother Lode Jewish Community (MLJC) will be holding a Shabbat Shuvah gathering on the Saturday that falls between the two on Saturday, September 19th from 11 a.m. until around 4 p.m. at a member’s home in the Murphys area. This Shabbat of Return, which falls during the Ten Days of Repentance focuses on Torah, prayer, and reflection on repentance. MLJC member Rabbi Andra Greenwald will be conducting the religious and educational portions of the day’s activities, which also includes a potluck Brunch. Yom Kippur, which means “Day of Atonement,” is considered Judaism’s holiest day of the year. It is a day where you make amends and reflect upon how you might change in the coming year. It is also a time to remember family members and friends who have passed away and to pray for peace, prosperity and health throughout the world. It is a somber yet uplifting 24-hour period.”
The Mother Lode Jewish Community welcomes members and nonmembers alike to its services and events. For more information, call 209-533-1650 or check out the motherlodejewishcommunity.org website.
