A WELCOME TO NON-MEMBERS FROM RABBI

CONGREGATION HAR-EL
Member, Union for Reform Judaism
WELCOMES NON-MEMBERS
TO BE OUR GUESTS FOR
HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES.

Why?

The High Holy Days and the New Year 5785 are now with us.

At this time, we all desire to attend a synagogue where we might join with others, expressing hopes for a new year of greater peace and harmony for Israel and all humanity.

The Har-El Board and members of our congregation, together with me and our Cantor Joseph Gole, welcome you to our services. You help bring the community to us and we strive to bring our family of congregants to you.

There is a strong exhortation in Judaism to extend welcome to the stranger. In the ancient world, among many cultures, there was suspicion and even hostility shown to the stranger or newcomer. But Judaism was and is different. We are commanded, in the Torah, in Deuteronomy 10:19: “You must befriend the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Your presence allows us to touch each others lives in a warm and caring way and helps us all feel closer to our people and our heritage.

So make yourself at home at our services and please come back often to study, worship and create community.
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateyvu—May you be inscribed in the Book of Life for a happy, healthy New Year.

Rabbi Richard Zionts, Ph.D.
Spiritual Leader and Founding Rabbi of Har-El