Congregation Kneseth Israel celebrates High Holy Days with new family services
Jews around the world are beginning the most holy time of the year, the Days of Awe, where they pause to reflect, make amends and celebrate the new Jewish year.
At Congregation Kneseth Israel, the preparations are in full swing.
"For 125 years, there have been Jewish services for the High Holy Days here in Elgin but every week someone tells me they didn't know there is a synagogue here," said Rabbi Margaret Frisch Klein. "The challenge for us as a community, is to respect and honor the traditions while being cognizant of the modern world. I see myself as a bridge so that people can find meaning in the beauty of this ancient tradition."
To that end, Kneseth Israel is adding some new traditions in among the old favorites.
Music director Stew Levin has composed a new setting of the traditional "Adonai, Adonai" penitential prayers.
Central to the holy days, this setting will be premiered on Selichot Saturday night, Sept. 21, and then chanted again during the Kol Nidre service.
On Tuesday evening, Oct. 8, just before sunset, Kol Nidre will feature the haunting sound of the traditional Kol Nidre melody performed masterfully on the cello by Sara Sitzer of the Elgin Symphony Orchestra.
Used to set the spiritual tone of this important evening, the melody will provide the backdrop as the Torahs are paraded to the bimah by the Bar and Bat Mitzvah students and handed to the leaders of the congregation.
Leadership is important in a synagogue life. As part of the celebration of this High Holy Day season, there will be brief remarks by some of Elgin's leaders about how they see leadership. Speakers include Tony Sanders, CEO of Elgin Area School District U-46; Ana Lalley, Elgin Chief of Police; Linda Deering, president of Advocate Sherman Health; and the Rev. Jeff Mikyska, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, CKI's neighbor.
There will be ample activities for children of all ages during the days when services are held.
Children will be joining the main service on Rosh Hashanah to sing a modern rendition of Eitz Chayim following a traditional version sung by the choir.
"Our children are our future," said Heather Weiser, education director. "We wanted to make sure that they are visible and that they feel they have a part in our service. When the congregation sees them, that's when everybody smiles. They bring us such joy and 'ruach' spirit. It was great seeing all the kids practicing with their shofars."
This year, Congregation Kneseth Israel is also introducing special, new family services at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, and Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Tashlich, an atonement service by open water, will be held at Lords Park on the second day of Rosh Hashanah at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1.
The season wraps up with a lovely "break-the-fast" meal in the social hall at sunset on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
A full schedule of services is available online at www.ckielgin.org. Services are free and open to the public. You don't need a ticket, although donations are welcome. Parking is available in the lot, 330 Division St., and in the adjacent parking lots at Holy Trinity or at Leetz Funeral Home.