The officers and board of Temple Emanuel of Great Neck invite all members of the congregation and community to attend its Selihot Service with music, Saturday, Sept. 21, at 8:00 p.m.
“We launch the Holy Day season with a special service that is held before Rosh Hashanah,” explained Rabbi Robert S. Widom, Emanuel’s senior rabbi. “It is called Selihot, after the Hebrew word, selihah, which means ‘to pardon.’ The content of the Selihot liturgy directs us to look upon the changes that have taken place within ourselves and to be grateful for our personal achievements and all of the joys that we usually take for granted. But,” Rabbi Widom continued, “it also calls us to focus on our losses and defeats that perhaps were even greater than our triumphs—and also, our shortcomings. In spite of it all, it urges us to deal compassionately and lovingly, not only with our dear ones but also with those who need our support.”
Rabbi Widom, Rabbi Ronnie Kehati, and Rabbi Charles Agin will conduct the service. Cantor Bernard Fitch, choir members, and instrumentalists have broadened the Selihot service to include musical offerings, which, Rabbi Widom added, “are not only beautiful but germane to the theme of Selihot.”
A dessert reception follows the service, to which all members of the community are welcome. Temple Emanuel of Great Neck is located at 150 Hicks Lane. Call 516-482-5701 for further information.
