HIGH HOLIDAYS

This year our High Holiday theme is: Strengthening Your Inner Sanctuary / Creating Sustainable Action with Others

We are living in challenging times. As we approach the High Holidays, our lives are so impacted with relentless, negative news, frightening changes, and the upsetting realities we experience or witness in the world. This year we will look at our silences, communal prayers, and learning with intentionality: How might they help strengthen our inner and communal selves? How might our time together provide us with renewed strength, purpose and courage to continue making “good noise” after the High Holidays are over.

We hope that our time of prayer and reflection will strengthen our inner lives and enhance our resilience. We also hope that as we embrace each other in communal prayer, we find paths, callings and ways to positively interact with and influence the outer world.

Our Study Session theme is: “Ladders, Bridges and Narrow Places.” 

During much of Jewish history, we have found ourselves living with adversity, challenges, danger and limited alternatives. What were the approaches of some of our teachers to these trials over the ages? What passionate and thoughtful interpretations and advice did they share? How do these perspectives sit with you now? Mixed into the discussion will be our own good thoughts and ideas.

A NOTE ABOUT COMING TOGETHER SAFELY We are so fortunate to have our Jewish community as a source of strength and love, and the opportunity to celebrate together. COVID is back, more and more each day. To protect everyone, especially our elders and vulnerable folks, please comply with these guidelines: 1) If you have recently had COVID, be sure you test negative two days in a row before attending HH services. 2) If you have been exposed to someone with COVID, please isolate for five days and test negative before attending services. 3) If you want to wear a mask, please bring one with you. See https://assure-test.com/2025/04/04/covid-19-isolation-guidelines-what-to-do-in-april-2025/ for CDC guidelines.

ROSH HASHANA

Erev Rosh Hashana(and Dessert Potluck)	Monday	9/22	6:30 pm
Rosh Hashana Day Discussion	Tuesday	9/23	1 pm
Tashlich	Tuesday	9/23	3:45 pm

YOM KIPPUR

Erev Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre	Wednesday	10/1	6:30 pm
Yizkor	Thursday	10/2	2:30 pm
Neilah(and Break-the-Fast)	Thursday	10/2	5:30 pm

FOOD DONATIONS: As is our caring tradition, there will be a food donation box for Helpline House at Services.

If you are interested in attending services please reach out to us at (206)567-9414.

Shalom!

Chavurat Shir Hayam is a Jewish community from the Bainbridge Island/North Kitsap/Seattle area that draws inspiration from many Jewish traditions and movements including Jewish Renewal, Reconstructionist, Reform and others. In the Chavurah tradition, we often meet in the warmth of members’ homes (rather than a synagogue) and participate in leading Jewish rituals along with visiting/guest rabbis and teachers.

Our community stands on three principles – the nurturing of Jewish spirituality and observance, the importance of learning and the responsibility of Tikkun Olam (social action).

• We explore ways to make Jewish prayer, ritual, study, traditions, social action and mitzvah joyous and meaningful so that our lives and those of our children are enriched and strong Jewish identities are forged.
• We hope that through our deeds we will build a solid and compassionate Jewish community that positively impacts the broader community.
• We value the knowledge, creativity, wisdom and support of each member.
• We welcome and encourage the full and equal participation of every member, Jewish and non-Jewish, in all we do.

In addition to observing and celebrating the full calendar of Jewish holidays and life cycle events, we sponsor community events, actively participate in community service projects and offer Adult Education.

We welcome you to join us and look forward to meeting you. Send us a message via our Contact Form, or call 206-567-9414 for more information.