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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday September 20, 2006 - 3 Synagogue opens doors for high holiday services By Howard Mozel OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF While Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky encourages all those of his faith to attend upcoming high holiday services at Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, he stresses that everyone ­ regardless of religion ­ is more than welcome. After all, said Sidlofsky, as the beginning of the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana (Sept. 22-24) has much in keeping with its secular counterpart. No, there's isn't any heavy drinking, but it does provide a focal point in time from which to exert positive change in one's life. "It is a very important time and the services are very moving and beautiful," said Sidlofsky, adding that the values on which the holidays are based are ones all humans share. Rosh Hashanah takes place from sunset Sept. 22 to nightfall on Sept. 24. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, "head of the year" or "first of the year." Like the making of secular resolutions, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, look back at the mistakes of the past year and plan the changes to make in the new year. The high holidays end with Yom Kippur, the most important holiday of the Jewish year, which takes place from sunset Oct. 1 to nightfall Oct. 2. Yom Kippur means "Day of Atonement" and is set aside to atone for the sins of the past year. According to the Talmud, Yom Kippur atones only for sins between man and God, not for sins against another person. To do that, you must first seek reconciliation with that person, righting the wrongs you committed against them if possible. That must all be done before Yom Kippur. Sidlofsky explained tradition holds that all our deeds are recorded in books by God and on Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in these books is sealed. As a result, this day is essentially a person's last chance to change the judgment, to demonstrate their repentance and make amends. "It is a time of reflection and repentance," said Sidlofsky. "Sin" sounds like a heavy word, he continued, but in Hebrew "cheyt" means "to miss the mark," or an intentional or unintentional human error. Sidlofsky explained it is simply not enough to say you're sorry. You must truly make amends through "teshuvah," or repentance. It's not coincidental, he added, that this turning over of a new leaf transpires in autumn. "You come into the high holy period with a heavy heart then move to a more RON KUZYK / OAKVILLE BEAVER GETTING READY: Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky of Shaarei-Beth El Congregation stands with apples that are to be dipped in honey -- symbolic of having a sweet and healthy new year ­ in preparation for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. In the foreground is the shofar, a ram's horn blown like a trumpet. The sound is essentially a wake-up call, says Sidlofsky, a "spiritual alarm clock." hopeful outlook," he said. "God will always take us back." For Rosh Hashana, a shofar, or ram's horn, is blown like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue. (The ram symbolizes the sacrifice Abraham made at God's request rather than his own son.) The sound is essentially a wake-up call, said Sidlofsky, something which makes one stop and take notice. "It's like a spiritual alarm clock," he added. Another popular observance during this holiday is eating apples dipped in honey, symbolic of having a sweet and healthy new year, said Sidlofsky. Another popular practice of the holiday is Tashlich, or "casting off," a ceremony during which bread crumbs are tossed into running water, symbolically shedding one's sins. This event is particularly special at Shaarei-Beth El Congregation, since Morrison Creek courses right through its property. Barring health considerations, fasting on Yom Kippur is another important component, a form of denial which Sidlofsky says focuses attention on not taking for granted all that we have. So doing, participants will end the process the better for it. Unlike the secular greeting "happy new year," Jews use the term "shana tova," or have a "good year." After all, said Sidlofsky, given the ups and downs of life, consistent happiness is unlikely. Personal growth and giving back ultimately makes the coming year a good one. Of course, many observances and special blessings occur in the home as well, said Sidlofsky, since home is the focal point of Jewish life, more important than even synagogue. Those who wish to attend observances at Shaarei-Beth El Congregation are encouraged to call 905-849-6000. Due to the popularity of these occasions, and for security reasons, tickets must be obtained in advance. Sidlofsky explained that such traditions ­ teachings which are "timeless and universal" - help form a solid foundation on which Jewish life can flourish. Having said that, he maintains that Jews also believe in change and adaptability in their relations with ethical questions and their dealings with one another. They also create moral guideposts for coping with modern-day situations undreamed of when the Talmud was written. In short, Sidlofsky added, striking a careful balance is vital. "We need both roots and wings," he said. Shaarei-Beth El Congregation first took root in 1955 Shaarei-Beth El is a Reform synagogue with a traditional orientation. In 1955, a small group of families founded a congregation under the name of Beth El, which became affiliated with the Conservative movement, enjoyed moderate growth and by 1962 erected its own synagogue at 186 Morrison Rd. In 1982, the Burlington Jewish community formally merged with the congregation, and a new entity under the current name of Shaarei-Beth El was born. In July 1982, there were approximately 30 families. By June 1986, membership had grown to more than 70 families and a new sanctuary/social hall was added to the original structure. The congregation became formally affiliated with the Reform movement in 1988. In November 1999, membership stood at approximately 125 families. Beginning in the summer of 2000, the congregation once again saw tremendous growth, standing at about 160 families by the following spring. As a Reform congregation with a traditional background, a spirit of openness and acceptance characterizes its congregation. Members come from varying Jewish backgrounds and from widely disparate communities from across Halton and beyond. They include many interfaith families. Rabbi Paul Sidlofsky is particularly pleased with the synagogue itself - a structure accented by colourful glass windows and nestled in a treed lot adjacent to Morrison Creek ­ and all the programs and services it provides. "We are very proud of what we have accomplished," he said.