Elul Programs

During the month of Elul, we are called to begin the process of reflection and repentance in preparation for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. We are offering many opportunities for all ages to reflect and study throughout the month.

Register online for all programs or by calling 314-469-0700. 

Welcome Back Picnic
Sunday, August 28
11:00 a.m.– United Hebrew
Come welcome Rabbi Reinhart to United Hebrew as we welcome you back from summer and kick off the year with games, bounce houses, a DJ, and a potluck picnic. We are providing the hot dogs and drinks, you bring a side dish, chips, or dessert!

Preparing for the Holy Days with Rabbi Rosenberg
These classes can be stand alone or a series meant to help you prepare your mind and soul for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Kol Shofar, Kol Yisrael- Whose Voice Are We Hearing? 
Tuesday, August 30
6:30 p.m.—Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
During the month of Elul and on Rosh Hashanah we hear the sound of the shofar.  In this class we’ll explore the various sounds of the shofar and discuss what they mean and how they guide our experience of the Holy Day season.

Akedat Yitzchak – A Look at this Rosh Hashanah text through the lens of Israeli Society 
Tuesday, September 6
6:30 p.m.—Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
The “Binding of Isaac” is a complex and difficult story on its own, but what about when we view it from a variety of different lenses?  In this course we’ll explore this biblical text from the lens of the early Zionists and modern day Israeli society.  What is the story teaching us?  Who is the hero – Abraham? Isaac?

Going on a Whale Watch – Diving Into Jonah 
Tuesday, September 20
6:30 p.m.—Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
Yom Kippur afternoon we read the Book of Jonah and hear the story of a reluctant prophet.  In what ways are we like Jonah?  What can we learn from him as we prepare ourselves to do the hard work of teshuvah?

Apple Strudel Cooking Program
Wednesday, August 31
6:30 p.m.— Messing Auditorium
$5 per person, Early RSVP’s recommended
Get ready for the new year by learning to make Apple Strudel with Fran Balk and her son, Chef Tom Balk!

Avinu Malkeinu – Traditional Understandings of God for the High Holy Days
Thursday, September 1
6:30 p.m.—Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
Join Rabbi Reinhart for a dive into Jewish theology.  We’ll examine some traditional understandings of God as portrayed in the liturgy of the High Holy Days and as depicted in the Torah.  Embrace the name Yisrael, “One who struggles with God,” as we wrestle with the challenges posed by many of these concepts, e.g. theodicy (i.e. why do bad things happen to good people?), anthropomorphism, and divine reward and punishment.

Mindfulness Shabbat
Saturday, September 3
This first Shabbat in Elul we’re excited to offer a variety of activities to help your heart and mind focus on preparing for the upcoming holy day season. Join us for one or all of the offerings.

9:00 a.m. – Torah Study
10:30 a.m. – Singing Bowls Meditation
UH member, Maretta Shaw will lead us in this meditative practice. Singing bowls are used to invoke meditation or relaxation through the resounding vibrations and pleasant sounds it emanates when played. Singing bowls can also be used in sound therapy to induce healing of mind, body, and spirit.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30  p.m.: Welcoming In the New Year DIY Projects
Join Rabbi Rosenberg for crafty DIY projects for the sake of Hiddur Mitzvah – elevating your holiday celebrations.  Projects will include: A welcome mat, candle centerpiece, and challah cover.  Cost: $20 per person/family (this includes 1 of each project)
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.: Lunch break: Bring your own lunch and schmooze or go out and grab something on your own.
2:00—3:30 p.m.: Creating Your Tree of Mindfulness
Cantor Eichaker will explain the 10 Kabbalistic Spheres and invite participants to fill in their own pre-Holy Days sefirot that line up with the 10 original sephirot. This exercise will allow participants to recognize their personal attributes and help to frame these Holy Days in unique and personal way.

“The Fast I Desire” – Modern Understandings of God for Our Time
Thursday, September 8
6:30 p.m.—Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
Building from Isaiah’s message of social responsibility, Rabbi Reinhart will examine multiple understandings of God from modern Jewish thinkers.  From ethical monotheism to relational divinity, these concepts may seem radically different from the “traditional” depictions of God in liturgy and Torah – especially when taken literally – but are deeply Jewish nonetheless.  (All are welcome.  Attendance at previous session is NOT required for participation.)

Israel: A Nation of Innovation
Saturday, September 10
12:30 p.m.—Spielberg Chapel and on Zoom
Cantor Eichaker will explore the State of Israel’s development to what has been referred to by countries around the world as the “Start Up” country. Since Joseph managed the infrastructure of ancient Egypt, Israelites, and later Jews, have been innovating in the areas of logistics, law, science and the arts. Our heritage of survivalism has been part creativity and part a tenacious drive toward solving problems and helping people. Pre-registrants will receive a PDF booklet highlighting some of the most significant innovations and creations that have come out of Israel since 1948.

Honey Cake Bake
Tuesday, September 13
6:00 p.m. – Messing Auditorium
$15 per person, Space is limited
Welcome the sweet new year with Heidi Eichaker’s Honey Cake. Learn from Heidi herself how to make her family’s honey cake recipe. Then while your cake bakes, enjoy a honey tasting while learning all about bees and the honey they create.

Not Your Grandparents’ God – A God Debate for Teens
Thursday, September 22
6:30 p.m.—Jablon Youth Lounge
There’s more to math than 2+2=4.  There’s more to English than the ABCs.  There’s more to music than just Do-Re-Mi.  We don’t stop learning about math, English, or music when we’re kids, so why should we stop talking about God and learning about theology.
There’s more to God than some old dude in the sky who controls the universe or doles out reward and punishment, so let’s talk about that God.  And, yes, this is an open invitation for teens to tell Rabbi Reinhart exactly why they don’t believe in God!
Register

Artist-in-Residence: Alan Goodis
UH is excited to welcome back musician Alan Goodis who will join us for Shabbat leading up to Selichot. Born and raised in Toronto, Alan Goodis is a proud product of URJ Goldman Union Camp Institute. Alan is a strong presence in the Reform Jewish movement and works tirelessly to engage and empower Jewish youth and adults through music.

Friday, September 16
5:30 p.m. – Tot Shabbat
6:30 p.m. – Shabbat Service

Saturday, September 17
10:30 a.m. – Family Shabbat with Alan Goodis
11:30 a.m. – Family Shabbat Project with Rabbi Reinhart
Join us for an a fun family project to get us ready for the Holy Days. Registration coming soon!