On Saturday evening, September 4th, Congregation Etz Chaim

will gather to usher in the Days of Awe—the Jewish High Holy Days. Rabbi Andrea J. Cosnowsky will lead a study program at 9:30 pm, followed by ‘Selichot,’ a penitential prayer service.

“During the study session,” explains Rabbi Cosnowsky, “we will screen excerpts from the film Dim Sum Funeral.” The screening will be followed by a text study and discussion about the meaning of repentance, forgiveness, and harmony. “This will be an exciting opportunity for self reflection and community study while we usher in the High Holiday season,” continues Rabbi Cosnowsky.  

Conducted by candlelight in the sanctuary at 11:30 pm, the Selichot (pronounced “slee-khoat”) service is a prelude to the liturgy of the High Holidays—the period from Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, through Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Together, the High Holidays are the holiest days on the Jewish calendar, a period of reflection, repentance and renewal.

Congregation Etz Chaim, a Reform community which has served the western suburbs for 50 years, is located at 1710 S. Highland Avenue, Lombard. Its membership includes 550 families representing more than 50 different communities throughout DuPage and surrounding counties. For more information, please call the synagogue office at (630) 627-3912 or go to www.CongEtzChaim.org