At this year’s Selichot program and service, Rabbi Josh Feigelson, president and CEO of the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, will look at how it might feel to approach teshuva as a practice of returning with compassion to our best intentions.
The Sept. 9 program, titled “The Breath of Life: A Jewish Mindfulness Practice of Teshuva,” will include the exploration of texts and a guided practice aimed to enrich and deepen attendees’ experience of the High Holy Days.
Rabbi Feigelson was profiled in Oprah Winfrey’s O Magazine as the founder and executive director of Ask Big Questions, a Hillel International initiative created to bring communities together through sharing and building trust. The organizers of the Selichot program say that they are bringing Rabbi Feigelson for his “great expertise and a unique perspective on repentance and mindfulness to help us prepare for the new year.”
“This time of year can be such an opportunity — and, for many, such a barrier,” Rabbi Feigelson said. “Frequently, we think of this time as about repenting and beating our chests. But the truth is that it’s an amazing chance to reflect, see clearly and return to who, in our heart of hearts, we intend to be. My aim is that no matter your background, you’ll find this year’s Selichot experience to be meaningful and memorable.”
“We are always seeking new ways to connect Jewish Kansas City to their community and their spirituality in relevant, meaningful and impactful ways,” said Rabbi Stephanie Kramer, senior rabbi of The Temple, Congregation B’nai Jehudah. “We are excited to be able to share Rabbi Feigelson’s passion and learning with our community,”
The annual community Selichot program and service will be on Saturday, Sept. 9, at B’nai Jehudah. The evening will begin with a dessert reception at 8 p.m., followed by Havdalah at 8:45 p.m., the “Breath of Life” Selichot program at 9 p.m., and the community Selichot service at 10:10 p.m.
The service is designed to help worshipers begin to spiritually prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The service will be led by Rabbis Doug Alpert, Caitlin Brazner, Javier Cattapan, David Glickman, Larry Karol, Stephanie Kramer, Alan Londy, Beryl Padorr, Rachel Rothstein, Jonathan Rudnick, Linda Steigman and Hazzan Ben-Yehuda; and a musical leadership team of soloists from congregations across the community.
Those interested in attending this multi-access program, in-person or virtually, can go to kcrabbi.org or bit.ly/selichot23. Questions can be directed to Annette Fish, Rabbinical Association administrator, at or (913) 327-8226.
The Rabbinical Association of Greater Kansas City sponsors the Selichot program in collaboration with area congregations and generous support from Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City.
