Purpose, Presence, and the Days of Awe

We gathered as one community for the Days of Awe. Across Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we paused to reflect and recommit to the values that hold us together.

Rosh Hashanah

We entered the season with a focus on living authentically. On Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Glasser’s sermon, "The Risk and Reward of Our Chosen Way," urged us to live with intention. The following morning, Rabbi Englander’s message on "Vulnerability" reminded us that true belonging requires the courage to be open.

Our youngest members experienced the holidays through the lens of Horton Hears a Who, learning that 'every voice matters.' This lesson came to life with special guests from the Jacksonville Zoo, connecting our youth to the joy and responsibility of protecting creation.

Yom Kippur

On the Day of Atonement, the atmosphere shifted to one of sacred weight and collective hope. The Family Service explored the story of Jonah and the Whale, teaching the timeless value of Teshuvah — repentance.

Rabbi Glasser’s sermons called on us to see ourselves as "active links" in the chain of tradition and to embrace the unique blessings of Reform Judaism. This commitment to our future was echoed by President Cathy Winterfield, who shared a vision of moving from stability to vibrancy. Between services, our families gathered to explore Jonah and the Whale. The experience was elevated by the music of our clergy, whose powerful duets of "Yhiyu L'ratzon" and "Hashkivenu" offered a space for deep reflection.

View All Days of Awe services and songs on our Youtube Playlist