Rabbinic Reflection: Rabbi Eliza McCarroll

Shalom Holy Blossom Temple,

It is incredible to think that, just yesterday, we stood on the Bathurst Street Plaza as we ended Yom Kippur way in the best way possible – with Havdallah, honeycake, glowsticks, and sweet wine – and most importantly of all – together.

Being my first High Holy Days at Holy Blossom Temple, I was completely blown away, and full of gratitude, at the way our congregation came together to express the value of being in community and celebrating our holy days with such gusto. It was truly moving to see our children completely mesmerized by the Shofar, to hear the haunting melody of Kol Nidre in a full Main Sanctuary, to remember our loved ones in solemnity, to study with friends of the congregation – and too many more remarkable, reflective moments to name.

Now, in our Jewish calendar, we move from reflection to rejoicing, as we turn our hearts and minds to  “Z’man Simchateinu”, the time of our rejoicing, with Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah. Click here for our full Fall Festivals 5783 listing.

We have so many wonderful opportunities throughout the next phase of our sacred time of the High Holy days to continue bringing that indelible spirit of community that Holy Blossom excels at.

There are offerings for everyone, from our Dorot-Wisdom Generation Sukkah Experience, and our multigenerational festival services, with breakout room options for our children with our Shinshinit, Ella, as well as dancing with the Torah on Simchat Torah itself.

I’d like to draw special attention to our Tot Shabbat in the Sukkah, Friday 14 October at 5.30 pm, and our first Family Service of the year, with a special Sukkot twist, on Saturday 15 October, at 11:00 am, followed by the congregational kiddush.

With so many options for all life stages and ages, please look at all the details throughout this special edition of “On the Horizon”, and we can’t wait to see you for these fun and joyous occasions!

Chag Sameach!

Rabbi Eliza McCarroll