blogs/brentspodek

As we approach Labor Day Weekend, the end of summer, and the return of children to the classroom, our thoughts inevitably also turn to the Days of Awe.  Rosh Hashanah begins this year at sundown on Sunday, September 26.  Kol Nidrei begins at sundown on Tuesday, October 4th.

For the first time since 2019, we will be celebrating the holidays this year in our historic and spiritual home, the Beacon Hebrew Alliance building, and we hope you will join us.

In the spirit & tradition of BHA, everyone is welcome for this period of introspection and prayer.  We do not charge for High Holiday tickets, however, the BHA sanctuary has limited seating and registration is mandatory for adults and children to attend any of our services.  Registration is now open to BHA Members, and opens to the public September 12, on a space-available basis.  Visit here to register.

While there is no specific fee for participating in the Days of Awe at BHA, we invite you to contribute to the Kol Nidrei Campaign to support our synagogue.  If you would like to become a member of BHA, please visit here for more information.  It is our policy that nobody will be denied membership on account of their financial situation, so if you plan on joining us for the holidays we encourage you to consider membership at whatever level you are comfortable as an option.

Our Hazzan for the Holidays and Shabbat Mornings

We are excited to announce that Zachary Bernstein has agreed to serve as our Hazzan for the Days of Awe this year.  Zachary is a rising second year student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and comes to us with a strong history as a spiritual leader and teacher.  He also has a great voice!  

In addition to his role for the holidays, Zachary will be joining our community once a month to lead Shabbat morning services, teach and work with our kids in Masa.

We hope you will join us for Shabbat on September 16 & 17 when Zachary will join us for services Friday evening and Saturday morning so we can welcome him to BHA and get to know him prior to the holidays!

BHA Centennial Birthday Picnic

BHA is 100 and we're throwing a party! Please come celebrate with us on Sunday, September 11, from 12-3 pm at Beacon's beautiful Long Dock Park. We will have food, softdrinks, two kinds of birthday cake, and fun activities for all ages. Please bring a blanket and chairs, or whatever you need to feel comfortable for an afternoon picnic in the park. We can't wait to celebrate with you! Click here to register, and we encourage you to register so we know how much cake to have on hand!

BHA COVID Policies

Since the start of the pandemic, we have always done our best to follow the guidance of government health experts.  As such, based upon current New York State guidelines, we have the following policies in place for all BHA activities:

• BHA members & visitors are encouraged to follow the recommended COVID Vaccine guidelines for their own health.

• For the protection of the community, BHA requests that anyone who is feeling unwell - and especially if they are experiencing COVID-like symptoms or have tested positive for COVID - to stay home and not attend services or other BHA programs.

• Masks are not required at services or other BHA events.  You are welcome to wear a mask if you prefer.

• For the Days of Awe, a live-stream simulcast of services will be available for those who would rather not - or are unable to - attend services in person.

Please note that BHA COVID guidelines are subject to change at any time, based on updated government recommendations.

Volunteers Needed!

BHA runs on volunteers, and we need your help!  Specifically, we are looking at this time for people who can help out as ushers and greeters at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services.  Full training will be provided, and it’s a great way to get to know the wide variety of people who make up the BHA community!  Please email Faith at faith@beaconhebrewalliance.org to volunteer.

As always, the board welcomes your questions, comments, and concerns.  We look forward to seeing you soon!

BHA Board of Directors,

Jesse (jesse@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Ashley (ashley@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Jamie (jamie@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Celia (celia@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Aaron (aaronp@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Karen (karen@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Jenny (jenny@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Dan (dan@beaconhebrewalliance.org)

Micah (micah@beaconhebrewalliance.org)