On Rosh Hashanah, we pray the words, “Ha-yom Harat Olam. Today is the day when the world was born.”  Rosh Hashanah commemorates how all of creation is called together under God’s compassionate rule.  In that spirit, the Jewish New Year encourages us to consider our connections to our personal families, to our entire Jewish family, and to our broader human family.

Embracing the glorious diversity of the Jewish family, and its representation in the synagogue, in the fall Hazzan Shamash of Temple Israel led congregants in a Selihot service, co-sponsored with SHAI, that incorporated melodies and traditions from throughout the Jewish world, including the renowned Sephardic prayer “Adon Ha’Selihot.” Master of forgiveness, we have sinned before you. Have compassion on us.