Rabbis prepare for Jewish New Year

Area synagogues are getting ready for the high holy days. These holidays, which celebrate the Jewish New Year, start with Rosh Hashanah on the night of Sept. 24 and end with Yom Kippur on Oct. 4.

Rabbi Levi Gurkov of Chabad of Oceanside said that his sermon for these days would be very localized with a focus on the present life of the individual and their actions.

“I’m not going to bring politics into the synagogue,” Gurkov said.

Chabad of Oceanside is expecting between 700 and 900 people at services. It’s recommended to reserve a seat in advance but everyone is welcome. “There are no strings attached,” said Gurkov. “No preconditions, no affiliation of any particular denomination.”

At Oceanside Jewish Center, Rabbi Mark Greenspan plans to talk about the conflict in Israel on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and social justice and engagement with the larger community on the second day. “I think the two sermons sort of compliment one another,” Greenspan said. “Heaven knows with so much going on in the world there’s just a lot that needs to be addressed. I think that’s really on people’s minds.”

Oceanside Jewish Center has two services – the traditional service and the family-oriented Dorot service. The temple expects 1100 people at these services. Temple members are given tickets for both holidays. “It’s for all three days,” said temple president Ian Brecher. “It’s sold as a package deal, per say.”

Nearby at Temple Avodah, Rabbi Uri Goren plans to speak about time at his high holy days sermon. “The value of time the value of living in the present,” said Goren. “Not only worrying about the future but being concerned and enjoying and living in the present.”

Temple Avodah expects 700 to 800 people at their service. “We have plenty of room,” said Goren.

At Young Israel of Oceanside, 500 people have already signed up for services. Tickets are required and can be received by contacting the synagogue.

“We have an established prayer routine for traditional orthodox synagogue,” said Sandy Glaser, president of the temple.