Yom Kippur 5774

Congregants and Friends,
We look forward to ushering in Yom Kippur 5774 tonight at 7:15 with the beautiful Kol Nidrei service.  The following morning, starting at 9 am, with Mincha at 5:40 and Neilah at 7pm, with a light break the fast at the conclusion of services.  Please visit our website  schedule at www.bethelaustin.org.
We look forward to seeing everyone and wish you all a meaningful Yom Kippur.

Cantor Ben-Moshe’s Message:

This Shabbat is of course also the Sabbath of Sabbaths, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.  Yom Kippur is the only fast day which is not deferred for Shabbat, as it is itself the Ultimate Shabbat, a day to refrain from all worldly matters to concentrate exclusively on the spiritual.  Although Yom Kippur is a fast day, and a very serious time for introspection, it is far from being sad.  In fact, the Talmud states that there was no day in Israel more joyful than Yom Kippur, when the Jewish People were assured that their contrition was accepted by God.  The afternoon of Yom Kippur was even considered a propitious time for matchmaking in ancient times.   Yom Kippur should move us to a deep spiritual joy, based upon our resolve to improve our characters in the year to come.
 On a more practical note-once again I’d like to remind everyone whose health would be damaged by fasting-please do not fast.  If you are diabetic or hypoglycemic, if you need to take medicine which must be accompanied by food or drink, if you are subject to fainting, or if you have any other medical condition of the sort, Jewish Tradition actually forbids fasting.  Eat or drink enough to preserve your health, so that you can observe, God willing, many Days of Atonement to come.  The fast of Yom Kippur comes second to your health.
 May we all be sealed for good things in the coming year.  Shabbat Shalom and G’mar Hatimah Tovah.
Cantor Yitzhak Ben-Moshe