Elul is a time to expand your heart, preparing a space for reflection and prayer. It is a moment to transform our community, to reaffirm our values and set an intention for the year ahead. As we celebrate the new year, we are called to heal the world, laying the foundation for a better future. From workshops to sing-alongs, classes to social justice, there are countless opportunities. How will you spend the month of Elul?
Expanding the Heart
Mahzor Moments
Tue, Thu / Weekly through Sep 15 / 4:00 pm
PAS Clergy
Location: Zoom
Join our clergy as they reflect on their favorite moments in the mahzor. Each 30-minute session is a chance to learn more about these special songs and prayers before we encounter them on the High Holidays.
Songs of the Season
Sun / Aug 30 / 6:15 pm
Zoom
Elul is time of introspection not only through study, but also through music. Join members of the PAS Music Center as they present their favorite songs for the season. Lyrics will be provided, so you can sing along as we prepare for the High Holidays.
Creating Your Own Prayer Space
Wed / Sep 2 / 7:00 pm
Ahmane’ Glover
Registration required
How can we bring the beauty and familiarity of PAS into our homes for the High Holidays? Engage your senses (and your soul) as we explore what makes space sacred - and how we can create our own sanctuary for prayer and reflection.
Expanding the Heart - Young Family
Decorating Our Prayer Space
Fri / Aug 28 / 4:30 pm
Ellen Alt
Zoom
As you begin to create your sanctuary at home for the High Holidays, let the kids contribute by doing a special art project that will brighten your prayer space with symbols of the season.
Pre-Holiday Sing-Along with Joanie Leeds
Fri / Aug 28 / 5:00 pm
Joanie Leeds
Zoom
Warm up your vocal cords and your spirit with a sing-along of our favorite Shabbat and holiday songs. The whole family is welcome!
Creating a Prayer Space at Home with Kids
Mon / Aug 31 / 8:00 pm
Ahmane’ Glover
Zoom. Registration required
In this session for parents, grandparents, and guardians of young children, engage your senses (and your soul) as we explore what makes space sacred and how we can create our own sanctuaries that are not only kid friendly, but inspiring for the whole family!
Expanding the Heart - Teens
Make This Holiday Personal
Sacred Space Design Challenge
Wed / Sep 2 / 6:00 pm
Zoom
This year we will celebrate the High Holidays from home. Learn some tips and tricks for turning a corner of your room into a sacred space for reflection and meditation. We’ll post your amazing creations to our IG account #SacredSpacesInSmallPlaces.
Teshuva and Self-Care Workshop
Thu / Sep 10 / 6:00 pm
Zoom
Elul is when we engage in the process of teshuvah: seeking forgiveness from others – and forgiving ourselves. Take some time to reflect on the past year and learn some new activities for self-care
Mighty, Merciful, and Gracious
Transforming Community
The Debate Over Reparations for Racial Injustice
Thu / Aug 27 & Sep 3 / 7:00 pm
Rabbi Zuckerman
Zoom, Registration required
The question of whether and how the U.S. government should grant reparations for slavery and other racist policies goes back for generations. Together, we will consider if the wisdom of our tradition can teach us anything about the subject.
Preparing for the Days of Awe
Wed / Sep 9, 16, 23, 30 / 12:00 pm
Rabbi Savenor and Guests
Zoom
Using specific moments of the high holiday rituals to guide us, Rabbi Savenor will take us on a learning journey from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur.
Bible Study with PACC
Sun / Sep 13; Oct 18; Nov 15; Dec 13 / 10:00 am
PAS and PACC Clergy
Video call. Register for link.
Study sacred text with members and clergy of Park Avenue Synagogue and Park Avenue Christian Church at our first joint bible study. Reading a few verses at each session, we will engage with the ideas and traditions that make us different and discover the bonds that unite us.
Healing the World
Working Together, Making It Better
Slave Play: How We Talk About Race
Wed / Sep 9 / 7:00 pm
Select members of the production team of Slave Play in dialogue with PAS clergy
How do you start a conversation that recognizes the painful history of racism and begins to navigate a path toward healing? Tune in as select members of the Slave Play production team reflect on the impact of the critically acclaimed show that forced its audience – and Broadway – to think about race and racism in America.
Register
Tikkun Olam: How You Can Help
Visit our updated Tikkun Olam page for more information on how you can help. Whether you are contributing your time, talent, or resources, each of us can take part in healing the world.