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'Focus our attention on forgiveness': Glenbrook-area synagogues observe Yom Kippur

Glenbrook-area synagogues are observing the holiest day on the Jewish calendar for a second time in a pandemic, but still in much the same way as they always have: with introspection and prayer.

Yom Kippur started sundown on Wednesday and continues the next 25 hours with services and prayer, concluding with the breaking of fast at sundown tonight.

"I remind them that this is a day we fast, not to punish ourselves, but to really focus our attention on forgiveness, to focus not just on forgiving others, but also to forgive ourselves," said Rabbi-Cantor Nancy Landsman of Glenview's Congregation Ahavat Olam, a synagogue with a small membership that meets virtually.

Through her work as a counselor, Landsman has found that many people are hurting, and the message of her morning sermon will be that it's OK for people to acknowledge that they are hurting, and that others have hurt them.

"And I'm here for them, and the people in our community are here for them," Landsman said.

Northbrook Community Synagogue, which has over 200 "member units" - individuals, families and seniors - is navigating ways to provide services during this second year of COVID-19. The synagogue was created from a merger of three congregations in 2011, one of which occupied the current space on Jasper Court.

Services are indoors at the spacious facility, with mitigations such as masks and social distancing in place, and a prerecorded virtual option as well. Rabbi Aaron Braun said 100%, in-person attendance is not expected, and congregants can attend services according to their personal comfort levels.

"I think we're all balancing the feeling of pandemic fatigue with the need to come back to normalcy, and (a return to) these events where we're together with family and friends," Braun said. "People are hopeful that it can be a meaningful service, and that it feels (to be) back in person at least somewhat like we're heading back toward some normalcy."

In addition, the Yizkor service, memorial prayers for loved ones lost in the past year, will be held outdoors at a nearby park. Admission is free and no registration is required.

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