Suburban synagogues prepare for high holy days

As one of the highest holy days in the Jewish faith begins at sundown today, synagogues and temples throughout the suburbs are preparing services and programs to honor Rosh Hashana's theme of renewal.

"We're trying to take advantage of our traditions to make this time of year as special as we can," said Larry Glickman, executive director of Temple Chai in Long Grove.

Rosh Hashana celebrates the Jewish New Year, which is 5770 this year and begins at sundown tonight and ends at nightfall Sunday.

The high holy days will culminate with Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, starting at sundown Sept. 27 and ending at nightfall Sept. 28. Yom Kippur aims to bring about reconciliation between people, as well as between worshippers and God, and requires 25 hours of fasting for adults and young teens.

Michele Miller, a staff member and longtime congregant at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, said this 10-day period is a hopeful time of reflection.

"A big theme throughout our celebration is that each person is to be inscribed in the book of life for another year," Miller said. "It's a time for introspection, reflection, making amends and starting with a clean slate."

To bring this idea to life, synagogues are expanding services and, in many cases, adding new programming. Both Congregation Beth Shalom in Naperville and Etz Chaim in Lombard will sponsor food drives to benefit area pantries.

Miller said the food drive at Etz Chaim is inspired by Yom Kippur fasting, since most congregants will have extra food as a result. It also teaches members of the senior youth group, who run the food drive, about service to others.

Temple Chai's Chai Center for Enrichment and Renewal, an organization within the temple, is offering free holiday programs that explore inner wellness. They include events that focus on the Tashlich, symbolically casting your sins into the waters, and a Shabbat service that will use song and meditation to seek inner strength and peace.

And at Beth Shalom in Naperville, holiday services will include a special performance by a 25-member chorus. Rabbi Marc D. Rudolph also said officials will announce plans for the synagogue's first trip to Israel set for next June.

Rudolph said all the special touches congregations are adding help to add to the joy of the season.

"Everyone shows up on Rosh Hashana and we get to see people we haven't seen in months," he said. "It's a sense of renewal for individuals, and for the community as well."