High Holidays

Dear Friends,

As the High Holidays approach, I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt invitation to you and your family to join us at Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel for this sacred season of reflection, renewal, and reconnection.

This year, our services have been thoughtfully crafted to be shorter, more uplifting, and deeply spiritual. We’ve focused on preserving the depth and beauty of the liturgy while making the experience more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for all.

We’ll be starting our services a little later (9:45 AM)  and finishing earlier, making it easier than ever to be part of the entire journey—from the first sound of the shofar to the final words of hope and blessing. We encourage you to come together as a family and as a community, to start the service with us and stay through the end. There is something powerful about standing side by side in prayer, in song, in silence, and in unity.

Now, more than ever, as we face a world filled with uncertainty, disconnection, and rising antisemitism, being together—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is a source of strength and healing. In the words of the philosopher Nietzsche, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” Our “why” is community. Our “why” is tradition. Our “why” is each other.

So come. Rediscover the beauty of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Feel the joy of belonging. Let the music stir your soul, let the prayers speak to your heart, and let the sacred moments we share guide us into a new year of meaning, blessing, and peace.

I promise you—this year’s services will be meaningful, inspiring, and not as long as you remember. But the memories we create together? They’ll last far longer.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Shanah Tovah U’Metukah—may it be a sweet, healthy, and fulfilling New Year.

With warmth and anticipation,
Rabbi David Amar
Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel

   BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR !!!

At Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel, we are thrilled to welcome our members and guests to this year's High Holy Days services. Our staff, leadership, and volunteers have worked diligently to create an inclusive, welcoming, and warm environment. We are delighted to offer in-person services in our Sanctuary, alongside live-streaming options.

We are particularly enthusiastic about this period at the synagogue as we welcome a new spiritual leader. We eagerly anticipate that all who have not yet experienced Rabbi David Amar's chanting will soon have the opportunity to do so. His warmth, generosity, and profound knowledge of Judaism are sure to inspire everyone and cultivate a renewed sense of excitement within our community.

We are honored to have Mike Wikes join Rabbi Amar and our Gabbai, Rich Semaya on the Bimah to lead our High Holy Days services. Those who know Mike are aware of how spiritual and meaningful he makes every holiday and celebration, and we truly appreciate his extra efforts.

Those who have High Holy Days tickets included as a part of their membership will automatically be added to our check-in list.  Our Gan families are not charged to attend services. Associate and Affiliate members will be charged for their tickets as is customary when they register. Tickets for Gan families, Associate and Affiliate members and extended family are available using the enclosed ticket form or registering online at our website.  If family members are visiting who belong to a synagogue elsewhere, they may attend at no charge. Contact the main office to make arrangements.

All services in our Sanctuary can be accessed through a link on our website or can be viewed on Facebook Live at the Rumson Jewish Center at Congregation B’nai Israel page at no charge.

In addition to our regular services, we are also offering our popular in-person “FAMILY TOGETHER SERVICE” held from 2:30pm - 3:30pm on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur day in our Sanctuary – please check your email so you can register for this fun, interactive and meaningful family service.

For those with young children, we are thrilled at the return of “PRAY-GROUND”, a  special holiday-themed program perfect for children ages 2-6 and their parents. It will take place on our playground (in the back of our building) and will be led by our wonderful Gan Director Suzanne Wycoff. In the event of inclement weather we will meet in our gym. This program will be held from 9:00 am - 10am, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mornings.

For those attending by Livestream, there will be electronic access to the Machzor, or you may borrow a hard copy of the Lev Shalom Machzor by contacting the synagogue office. The Memorial Book for Yizkor is available in pdf format. If you have any questions, please contact RJC at CBI’s Executive Director, Tara Siers tara.siers@rumsonjc.org.

On behalf of the Officers and Board of Trustees, we extend best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy and sweet New Year.

SHANAH TOVAH!

Dr. Eric Menell, President