Jewish high holy day services at Hawaiian Queen coffee garden
Rosh Hashana (literally “head of the year”) marks the time when Jews begin the annual process of renewal. The sound of the shofar (ram’s horn) announces the birthday of the world. The 10 “Days of Awe” from Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur is the time to ask forgiveness from any persons one may have offended, and from God for any spiritual transgressions. The sages believed that during this time the name of every person is written into the Book of Life, or not. Jews therefore greet one another this week with the words: “L’shana tovah tikateivu” (May you be written into the Book of Life). Rosh Hashana begins at sunset on Sunday, Sept. 9.
Rabbi Daniel Lev will conduct services for congregation Kona Beth Shalom. Rabbi Lev began serving the Jewish communities in Northern California and the San Francisco Bay Area 37 years ago. As both a Rabbi and Maggid (Jewish story teller), he was inspired by his mentors, Rabbis Shlomo Carlebach, and Zalman Schachter Shalomi, to dedicate himself to sharing the wild joy and earthy delight of Jewishness with everyone. He uses song, story, Jewish ritual, meditation, and lots of humor to convey the everyday holiness of Jewish tradition.
On the evening of Sept. 18, Kol Nidre starts at 6 p.m. This ancient Aramaic chant asks God for forgiveness from any sins, even those committed unwittingly. The Yom Kippur service starts at 10 a.m. the next day. There will be a break in the early afternoon and the Yizkor (memorial) service will commence at 4 p.m. The service concludes with sounding the shofar at sunset. That is the moment when the Book of Life is sealed for the coming year. Hawaii’s congregations, being the farthest west on this planet, have the unique privilege (and responsibility) of being the last congregations on the Earth that can “get in a good word” before that final moment. Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services will be at the Hawaiian Queen Coffee Garden, 75-1048 Henry St. in Kailua-Kona.
Admission to all high holiday services is free of charge for members of Congregation Kona Beth Shalom. There are no tickets. Non-members who wish to attend are asked to make a contribution to help defray the costs of bringing the Rabbi to Kona. No one will be turned away for inability to contribute.
For additional information, visit www.konabethshalom.org.