High Holy Day Services

The Institute for Judaic Services and Studies (IJSS) invites the congregation to High Holiday Services.

Important Dates: Rosh Hashanah evening services will begin on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah morning services will be held on Sept. 16 at 9 a.m.

Tashlich services will be held on Sept. 16 at the SaddleBrooke Golf Course lake on SaddleBrooke Boulevard at 4 p.m. (Remember to bring your bread crumbs!)

Yom Kippur Services (Kol Nidre) will be held on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m.

Yom Kippur Services will be held throughout the day on Sept. 25 beginning at 9 a.m.

Congregants will be sent the full High Holy Day schedule.

Rabbi Sanford Seltzer will lead us throughout the High Holidays with prayer, liturgy, and thoughts commensurate with the High Holy Days. Our cantorial soloist Eliyanah Powers will guide us through our prayers with her uncanny voice and melodies. Joining us is our new accompanist, Dr. Josh Nichols. Dr. Nichols is a composer, organist, pianist, and teacher. Currently, his studies are continuing at University of Arizona’s Fred Fox School of Music in Composition. Josh brings a variety of talents to IJSS. Experienced in his role of religious music with the ability to elevate the service and ritual will bring many flavors to our services.

Kol Nidre will begin our Yom Kippur service at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24. The prayer “Kol Nidre” (All Vows) is to many the single piece of liturgy that best represents Yom Kippur. A haunting melody often played by a cellist causes all present to delve deeply into their heart and soul, looking for forgiveness. We are fortunate that Robert Marshall, cellist, will again provide us with his musical abilities by playing Bruch’s “Kol Nidre” at the beginning of the service. For those of you who remember, it’s a beautiful musical composition played by an excellent musician. Mr. Marshall’s experience is extensive and his talent wide, including being the principal cellist of the SASO (Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra), among other professional roles locally and worldwide.

We are asking that volunteers come forward to assist us during this time to help with the many tasks needed to provide to our community. Please contact Esta Goldstein at [email protected].

Traditionally, those who have passed are thought of in the Book of Remembrance. Members should provide us with the name(s) they would like recalled on Yom Kippur and printed in the Book of Remembrance. The last day we will be able to accept names will be Sept. 10. Please contact Seth Eisner at [email protected] with the names of your loved ones.

Contributions to IJSS are always welcome. Recently, we have received information that charitable donations can be made from your IRA account. There is an article on the IRS website entitled “Reminder to IRA owners aged 70-1/2 or over: Qualified charitable distributions are great options for making tax-free gifts to charity.” The article gives instructions on Qualified Charitable Distributions. If you would like more information, please contact Seth Eisner, IJSS treasurer, at [email protected]. Of course, for any donation, please seek the advisement of your legal and/or financial professionals.

IJSS is a small and welcoming congregation. We value our members and their needs. If you have questions or wish to join our congregation, please feel free to contact Esta Goldstein at 520-825-1181 or Seth Eisner at 520-818-6340 for information.

Shanah Tovah (Happy New Year) to all!