BRATTLEBORO — The Union for Reform Judaism is currently developing a new prayer book for the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, to be ready for use in two years. Part of the process for developing the new book is to have congregations test draft versions of the service.
The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, 151 Greenleaf St., affiliated with URJ, has been asked to test a draft of the Kol Nidre service for the evening of Yom Kippur. At its Friday night service on March 23, BAJC will experiment with the URJ draft of the Kol Nidre service in place of their usual service welcoming Shabbat.
The service will begin promptly at 6 p.m., and will be followed by a potluck supper, during which participants will discuss and critique the proposed Kol Nidre service. Members and guests are invited to participate in the service and in the dinner/discussion afterward. RSVP to Martin Cohn, chair of the BAJC Ritual Committee (bajcpastprez@gmail.com) so he will know how many copies of the service will be needed.
Also, Rabbi Brian Besser of the Jewish Community of Greater Stowe will lead an evening of study and conversation on Thursday, March 29 at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community synagogue.
Examining biblical and rabbinic texts, Rabbi Besser will explore the evolution of symbols and themes of the festival of Passover, which begins this year on April 6. He will conclude with a brief survey of recent additions to the traditional symbols of Passover presented at the seder, the ritual feast commemorating the exodus of the Jews from Egypt, explaining their significance to diverse groups such as feminists, GLBTs, and vegetarians relative to the ongoing human drama of redemption.
Both members and non-members of the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community are invited to attend. A suggested donation of $10 will be appreciated but not required.