September 8, 2020, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Join Reform Liturgist Alden Solovy in preparing for the High Holy Days with an exploration of some of the treasures found in the Machzor, our High Holy Day prayer book. Each session will focus on one core prayer: Unetaneh Tokef (Power of the Day), Vidui (Confession), Kol Nidre (Release), and Avinu Malkeinu (Almighty and Merciful). The sessions will include conversation, exploration, and prayer.
Mysteries of the Machzor – Week 1 (8/25) – The Power of the Day
We’ll open our Mysteries of the Machzor series by exploring the Unetaneh Tokef, a four-part masterpiece echoing the themes of the High Holidays. Enter the prayer that is a study in contrasts, and the inspiration for Leonard Cohen’s song ‘Who by Fire.’
Mysteries of the Machzor – Week 2 (9/1)– Confessions Past and Present
This week in our Mysteries of the Machzor class, we’ll examine the unique language of the two traditional confessionals, together known as Vidui – the alphabetic acrostic (Ashamnu) and the longer “For the Sin” (Al Chet) – contrasting them with modern alternatives.
Mysteries of the Machzor – Week 3 (9/8) – Mystic Doorway
In our next Mysteries of the Machzor class, we’ll look at the Kol Nidre, the dramatic mystical doorway into a full day of deep reflection and prayer, a day with the promise of forgiveness.
Mysteries of the Machzor – Week 4 (9/15)– A Spiritual Compass
Our final Mysteries of the Machzor class will explore the Avinu Malkeinu (Almighty and Merciful), a haunting set of supplications which are also a reminder of our relationship to G-d as the source of our blessings.
The class is free for UH members and $40 for non-members
Register here or by calling Angie Klenke at 314-434-3404.
This class is made possible through funds from the Ruzena and Fred Levy Speaker Fund.
