As soon as it became apparent that the pandemic would not subside before the High Holidays, B’nai Jehudah staff, led by Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff, began working on ways to make this a special time, where congregants could gather (virtually, or physically distant in person) together as one community.
“By late May, we knew we needed to begin planning to do the High Holidays differently. And, through a great deal of hard work, partnerships with incredible volunteers and community partners, and even a few stressful moments, we created a very special experience for our congregants,” said Rabbi Nemitoff.
Rosh Hashanah consisted of:
virtual services for Erev Rosh Hashanah and the morning,
a virtual family video experience, complete with the Mesner Theater Puppets and crew, once again generously funded by B’nai Jehudah member Michael Klein,
An outdoor memorial service at Rose Hill Cemetery and
B’nai Jehudah’s first-ever Rosh Hashanah Drive-Thru Tashlich Experience.
The ideas for the events were borne from multiple brainstorming sessions among staff, with input and ideas from dedicated volunteers. The ideas continued to take shape throughout the beginning of summer and were refined all the way up through the week before the holiday.
Working with the videography team at Church of the Resurrection, as well as B’nai Jehudah member Sharon Liese, who is known locally for her award-winning Herizon Productions series, “High School Confidential,” B’nai Jehudah created unforgettable Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur virtual services.
What began as an idea to significantly enhance their regularly streamed services became an unforgettable production, thanks to some outside help.
“The partnership with Herizon Productions, Church of the Resurrection and our small, but dedicated staff has been incredible. We think the strong feeling of community that transpired during Rosh Hashanah was worth every extra detail that was finessed during the process,” said Rabbi Nemitoff.
Rabbi Sarah Smiley agrees. “The production crew worked with us to make sure we felt comfortable in this new style of services. As you can see in the video, I deliver my Erev Rosh Hashanah sermon as a reflection in the mirror. From the comments I have received from congregants, it helped our congregants connect on an even deeper level to the message.”
Drive-Thru Tashlich Experience
What also began as a casual exchange of ideas — and even a few jokes about a parking lot event — came to fruition as B’nai Jehudah’s Drive-Thru Tashlich Experience, spearheaded by Rabbi Josh Leighton, with the help of Dayna Gershon, B’nai Jehudah’s director of Formal and Informal Education, and Abby Magariel, curator/educator of the Michael Klein Collection. The 90-minute event was focused on families with children and allowed more than 135 carloads of B’nai Jehudah members to drive through the approximately 20-minute experience.
The well-planned interactive experiences included tashlich, live music with Musical Director Michelle Cox, fun car games, the chance to leave a message on the “Kotel,” and sweet treats, including apples and honey from B’nai Jehudah’s Sisterhood and cookies and cake-pops from Leslie and Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff.
“The prayers congregants of all ages left on the Kotel were inspiring and heartening. I am pleased to share that we gathered the prayers and they will soon make their way to the real Kotel in Israel,” said Rabbi Smiley.
For those who attended, the best part of the event was coming together as a community.
“While the event was geared toward families, congregants of all ages attended,” said Rabbi Leighton. “There truly was something for everyone, but I can honestly say that the most exciting part for everyone — volunteers, members and staff alike — was the chance to see each other in person. It was nice to feel the togetherness we are so used to during the holidays, in a safe environment.”
At the time this was written, B’nai Jehudah staff and volunteers were gearing up for a similar Yom Kippur experience, created to keep people connected during the pandemic.