Enhance your Yom Kippur experience with afternoon options:
12:30 p.m. – 1:20 p.m.
- And the Youth Shall See Visions: Israel Through the Eyes of Our Teens, Barish Sanctuary
We’ll hear the voices of our teens and young adults as they share their diverse perspectives about Israel and this moment for American Jews. Join us to learn from our young members about their experiences on this summer’s Shirley Barish Memorial Israel Experience, at their college campuses, and more. Musical and artistic representations will be interspersed with their remarks.
1:45 p.m. – 2:35 p.m.
- Let’s Discuss: Small Group Conversations about Israel, Rabbi Silk, Oshman Multi-Purpose Room
Join Rabbi Silk and other facilitators in small group conversations about Israel. Share your thoughts about the current state of affairs in Israel though the lens of caring, compassion and our Jewish values.
- I said I’m Sorry… Now What? Self Reflection Through Art Works, Jennifer Pittsford & Cantor Simmons, Youth Lounge
Join us in a relaxed, welcoming space as Houston-based artist Jennifer Pittsford guides us on an artistic journey using mixed media. We will explore what starting fresh in this new year can look like and imagine how to pursue being our best selves. No art experience is necessary. All ages welcome. This session continues in Block 2.
- Please note that advance registration is requested for I said I’m Sorry… Now What? Self Reflection Through Art Works, as space is limited. Click here to register.
- Write Your Personal Mission Statement, Anna Shabtay, Stillman-Lack Library
Take time at the beginning of 5785 to create your personal mission statement to help define the personal, moral, and ethical guidelines to guide you to the being the best version of you. Writing encouraged but not required.
- Meditation, Ann Friedman, Board Room
Experience a guided journey of mindfulness, utilizing the themes of the Days of Awe.
2:35 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.
- Joining the Conversation: Repair and Return, Rabbi Oren Hayon
For more than two millennia, Jews have studied the Torah in community, generating lively debates in our search for meaning and relevance. Together, we will study forgiveness, one of the central themes of our High Holy Days, through the lens of text and tradition.
- Emanu El Votes Forum- Engage with Democracy: A Vital Conversation on Voting
Join us for a powerful session as three expert speakers dive into the critical issues shaping this year’s November 5th election.
Oni Blair, Executive Director of ACLU of Texas, will explore the crucial connection between voting and the health of our democracy. As we prepare to cast our ballots, it’s important to reflect on why we vote, the barriers some communities face, and how voter participation shapes key issues in Texas.
Kyle Cummins, Outreach Community Coordinator for the Harris County Clerk’s office, will break down the Top 10 things you need to know about voting in Harris County this year.
Bob Stein, Professor of Political Science at Rice University, will tackle “Free and Fair Elections: Voter Confidence and Election Laws,” examining the roots of declining trust in U.S. elections and the efforts to restore it.
- Musical Contemplation, Proler Chapel
A string quartet of Shepherd School musicians will create space for personal contemplation and meditation on the themes of the holiday.
