Selichot
Community-wide Selichot Program and Service
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Participate in a community-wide Selichot program and service on Saturday, September 24, at Congregation Beth Torah, 6100 W. 127th. The Selichot service will begin at 10:00 p.m. and is designed to help worshipers begin to spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Selichot is an opportunity to examine one’s deeds of the past year, directing one’s heart and mind to the process of teshuvah, and seeking forgiveness. Some of the prayers and music found in the Selichot service are taken from the High Holy Day liturgy, thus providing a musical transition between the “old year” and the New Year.
Prior to the Selichot service, a dessert reception sponsored by Congregational Sisterhoods will take place at 8:00 and will be followed at 8:30 with Havdalah.
Rabbis will lead sessions exploring themes of spiritual preparation from 8:50-9:50.
“Jews customarily shroud ourselves in white clothing for the High Holy Days,” comments Rabbi Mark Levin. “The custom penetrates to the heart of the season of repentance. Human spirituality and mortality are constant companions as we consider our deeds, because if we lived infinite lives we would never have to prioritize our actions. There would always be another tomorrow. Join the community's rabbis at Selichot for study, conversation and worship for spiritual ramifications of our limited lives. As Isaiah put it, "Come, let us reach an understanding." (Isaiah 1:18)
For course descriptions and additional information, click here or contact Annette Fish, Rabbinical Association Administrator. Those attending are asked to respond with their session choice by email to afprogram@aol.com or by phone to 913-327-4622.
The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City sponsors the Selichot program with generous support from The Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
Selichot services also take place at 12:15a.m. at Kehilath Israel and 1:10 a.m. at Beth Israel Abraham and Voliner.
Vocalists invited to participate in Selichot
A community choir is being assembled for this year’s Selichot service, which will take place on Saturday, September 24 at Congregation Beth Torah. The Selichot service begins at 10:00 p.m. Members of the Jewish community who have an interest in being a part of the community choir should contact Linda Sweenie, Music Director at Congregation Beth Torah, lsweenie@beth-torah.org or 913-498-2212. Vocalists should have choir experience and be available for two rehearsals on September 12 and 19 from 7:30–8:15 p.m. at Congregation Beth Torah.