Preparing our Hearts and Minds for the Holy Days:

Elul Events at United Hebrew

On the Jewish calendar, the month of Elul is a time when we reflect on where we stand and where we should be going. Traditionally the shofar is blown each morning, from the first day of Elul until the day before Rosh Hashanah. Its sound is intended to awaken the soul and kick start the spiritual accounting that occurs throughout the month.

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

Elul in Israeli Mainstream Music 
Wednesday, September 4 and Monday, September 9 
7-8:30 p.m. 
Join Cantor Richman for a deep dive into liturgy, music, literature, and poetry focusing on Yishay Ribo’s album titled Elul.
Register

CCAR Press Speaker Series: ‘Enter These Gates: Meditations for the Days of Awe’ by Alden Solovy 
Thursday, September 5
6:30 p.m. on Zoom 
As 5785 approaches, join CCAR Press to celebrate the release of ‘Enter These Gates: Meditations for the Days of Awe’ by Alden Solovy. The event will feature a conversation between Alden and Rabbi Brigitte Rosenberg. ‘Enter These Gates’ is a High Holy Day companion for our times, with more than one hundred new poems, prayers, and meditations for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Alden draws from his unique spirit to blend today’s struggles and joys with classic themes, layering a contemporary voice into beloved motifs.
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Painting Elul with Rabbi Rosenberg
Saturdays, September 7, 14, 21 and 28 (each session is stand-alone) 
12:30 p.m. – Jablon Youth Lounge
Get your heart and soul ready for the Holy Days by unleashing your creative potential – no skill needed! Join Rabbi Rosenberg in an exploration of Elul themes through painting and the poetry of Alden Solovy. We’ll be utilizing watercolors. There is a one-time $5 materials fee per person for this class with three more sessions to follow (each session is independent of the others).
Register

Welcome Back Celebration 
Sunday, September 8 
11:00 a.m. – Messing Auditorium 
Let’s welcome back the school and program year in style! Come meet Cantor Shirel Richman and enjoy food, Bounce houses, games and fun! We will provide the hot dogs and ask you to bring either a side dish or dessert to share. The Shofar will be blown to kick off the holy day season.
Register

We are also looking for volunteers to help with set-up and service food.
Volunteer

Whiskey & Wisdom 
Wednesday, September 11
7:30 p.m. – Kaplansky Center 
Join Rabbi Reinhart for an Elul style celebration of Whiskey & Wisdom. We’ll enjoy each other’s company, taste some new whiskeys, and feed our minds with the wisdom of the Elul. So, whether you join for the whiskey or the wisdom, expect the results to be sweet as we prepare to welcome in the New Year.
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Kugel Bake 
Thursday, September 12
7:00 p.m. – Messing Auditorium 
Jenny Stempel will be leading a kugel bake. Everyone will make 2 personal kugels and will choose from a variety of mix-ins to make them their own. Cost $18/person for members and $25/person for non-members.
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Eilu v’Eilu: A Debate on Jewish Values and American Politics
Sunday, September 15
7:00 – 8:30 p.m. at Congregation Shaare Emeth, co-sponsored by UH
UHAs the election draws near, in the spirit of Eilu v’Eilu (principled disagreement; “these and those”), Dr. Tevi Troy and Rabbi David Saperstein debate the merits and weaknesses of liberal and conservative policy in service to the interests of American Jewry, global Jewry, and Israel. At this critical juncture in American history, rife with partisanship and discord, our guests expertly demonstrate how even political protagonists with sharply differing political, religious, and ideological views can engage in respectful and constructive debate.
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Honey Tasting 
Thursday, September 19
7:00 p.m. – Messing Auditorium 
Does honey taste different depending on where it’s from? YES! Learn why from expert beekeeper Lonnie Grosman and get the chance to taste different honeys and test your pallet!
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Screams Before Silence Film Screening 
Monday, September 23
7:30 p.m. – Spielberg Chapel 
ChapelScreams Before Silence sheds light on the multitude of sexual atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists during the attacks on Israel on October 7th, 2023. In this one-hour presenter-led documentary Sheryl Sandberg captures first-person testimony from survivors, first responders, eyewitnesses, released hostages, forensic experts, and advocates who are sharing their experiences mere months later. Their harrowing accounts reveal the uncompromising truth: that Hamas used rape, assault, and mutilation in a brutal rampage of gender-based violence. The film calls on viewers to bear witness, demand justice, raise our voices, and ensure the brutality of October 7th never happens again. Screams Before Silence is a rallying call for everyone who believes that women’s rights are not negotiable. We stand ready to bear witness to these survivors’ stories and work to build a safer, freer world. There will be a discussion about the film after the viewing. The screening is free; however we are requesting registration.
Register

Shabbat Service with UH Artist-in-Residence Joe Buchanan 
Friday, September 27
6:30 p.m. – Millstone Sanctuary and livestream 
We are excited to welcome back Artist-in-Residence Joe Buchanan for a special Shabbat Service. Texas-born and southern-raised, Joe Buchanan makes country music that is steeped in Torah. Grounded in the idea that there is always room at the table, Joe’s music highlights the values, Torah, and history of the Jewish people to deliver stories steeped in the struggle and triumph of the human spirit, all while praising God for the goodness in life. For more information on Joe Buchanan, click Here