CKI to celebrate Rosh Hodesh at Anderson Gardens

Elgin's Congregation Kneseth Israel will be going to the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford on Saturday, Sept. 3, to celebrate Rosh Hodesh Elul. Some will gather at Congregation Kneseth Israel, 330 Division St., at 12:30 p.m., while others will join the group at Anderson Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, at 1:30 p.m.

Rosh Hodesh means the beginning of a new month. Judaism's calendar is a modified lunar calendar so that holidays are kept in their appointed seasons. Rosh Hodesh was a half holiday given especially to women since they did not give up their gold to make the golden calf.

Rosh Hodesh Elul is the start of the High Holiday season. These are days of preparation and reflection. The First of Elul is when Moses went back up the mountain smashing the Ten Commandments and after the Golden Calf. The letters stand for the Hebrew phrase, "Ani L'dodi V'dodi Li, I am My Beloved's and My Beloved's is Mine," an expression of love from the "Song of Songs."

At Anderson Gardens, members of the congregation will walk around the reflecting pool and pause in a quiet grove for a brief afternoon service for Shabbat and Rosh Hodesh during which they will explore the theme of the month of new beginnings.

"I have been captivated by the beauty of Anderson Gardens for several years and have dreamed of having a service here. Why wouldn't we want to experience the sacred outdoors in nature, to really experience the beauty of G-D's glorious creation. I am hoping for a real wow! moment. It has never disappointed. I can't wait to share it. Come explore this jewel with me," said Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein.

Admission to Anderson Japanese Gardens is $8, $7 for seniors, age 62 or older, or $6 for children. Kids, age 5 and under, are admitted free. In order to comply with Shabbat observance, the synagogue is making arrangements to prepay.

To RSVP, call the synagogue office at (847) 741-5656 or email the rabbi at rabbi@ckielgin.org.