Jerusalem Preparing for Yom Kippur

Rosh Hashanah is over.

It is back to work and school and routines

after three days of eating and praying for some,

and trips to state parks and nature reserves for others.

Now in Jerusalem, Israel,

it is time to prepare for Yom Kippur.

The late night Selihot are a major tourist attraction.

These special prayer services are now accompanied by music.

Most of the words are the same as boring recitations of old.

To get you in the mood, and save you hours of sleep,

here are a few short videos from recent years.

I was on my way home from the Kotel, the Western Wall,

going through the Old City late at night,

when I heard the beautiful sounds of these selihot.

I had to stop and listen to Chizki Sofer,

and share the beautiful service he led.

Another star is Yitzhak Meir,

who was invited to lead the services at Beit Hanasi,

the Israeli President’s Residence, two years ago.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin got up to participate.

Last year there was a different musical tradition

with Sephardi Chazan Chaim Israel.

Once again President Rivlin sang, this time

 calling for “charity and good deeds.”

The traditional greeting this time of year

גמר חתימה טובה

May all be sealed for a good year

bus sign Yom Kippur

will again be displayed on Jerusalem buses.

10 thoughts on “Jerusalem Preparing for Yom Kippur

  • September 27, 2017 at 11:19 am
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    kol hakavod Sharon. very inspiring videos. gmar chatima tovah to you and your wonderful family. may you have much nachat from your children and grandchlildren.

    Reply
    • September 27, 2017 at 11:48 am
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      Thank you Joani. All the best to your family, hope to see you all here one day soon. Gmar tov

      Reply
    • September 28, 2017 at 5:26 am
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      Hi. Wishing you a Shana tova. Gmar tov. Have a meaningful and easy fast. Love.
      Yehudit

      Reply
      • September 28, 2017 at 6:15 am
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        Thank you. Gmar Tov Well over the fast and all the best to and for your family.

        Reply
  • September 27, 2017 at 1:19 pm
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    Such a beautiful Yom Tov gift, Sharon – mi ke’amcha Yisrael – May Hashem hear our tefilot and look only at our zechuyot.
    Gmar chatimah tovah lekulam,
    Betty

    Reply
    • September 27, 2017 at 9:28 pm
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      Todah. Amen. I think of you every time I use a holiday bus sign. Gmar Tov.

      Reply
  • September 27, 2017 at 3:43 pm
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    Beautiful. Just beautiful. G’mar chatimah tovah to you, Sharon, u’l’chol Am Yisrael!

    Reply
    • September 27, 2017 at 9:28 pm
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      Thanks. Just thank you! G’mar tov.

      Reply
  • October 1, 2017 at 1:54 am
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    Sharon,
    You outdid yourself.
    I enjoy and appreciate all your emails.
    I trust that you and all your family were inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life.

    Reply
    • October 1, 2017 at 3:45 am
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      Ruth Thank you. Off to good start, new grandson born after Yom Kippur.

      Reply

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