High Holy Days Greeting

Dear Temple Family,

Next month begins the Jewish New Year, 5784. We celebrate the Days of Awe beginning on the Erev Rosh Hashanah and continuing until we break the fast on the second night of Yom Kippur. While Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are the High Holy Days, there are several other holidays around this time that we celebrate as well.

These holidays bring joy as we celebrate the New Year, sadness as we reflect on our losses during the previous year, and reflection as we seek atonement for our actions. As we are seeking forgiveness, we must also remember to forgive those who have wronged us. During this time, we pray that our name is written and sealed in the Book of Life for the coming year.

While many of us do not regularly attend Shabbat services, most of us recognize the importance of attending services during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is our greatest chance to seek divine forgiveness, reconnect with our religion in a meaningful and spiritual way, and become closer to our Jewish friends and community.

When you come to Temple Beth Orr for services this year, I ask each of you to focus on your personal experience. Look at the building and understand the Jewish symbolism that it represents. Do not simply hear the Rabbi, the Cantorial Soloist, and the choir, but listen to their words and the meaning in their songs. When you see new and old friends, don't just have idle conversations with them. Find a way to show them how much you care. Feel the spirituality that exists in this Temple. See it, hear it, breathe it in, and know how much you are a part of this amazing experience. There is no one person that makes Temple Beth Orr special – you make Temple Beth Orr special.

The past three years have been hard on all of us; from the pandemic that took so many precious lives from us and altered so many more, to job losses, foreclosures, cost of living increases, interest rate hikes, etc. There have been too many things that we have not been able to trust or depend on. TBO has done everything within its power to remain not only a spiritual home but a beacon of safety and trust. We have not increased the cost of a partnership during this time. This is because we know how important this Temple is, and how important you are to this Temple. Please renew your membership now if you haven't already done so.

Some things to know before you attend services:

→ EVERYONE, including young people, must have a ticket to attend services.
→ There is no reserved seating, all seats are available on a first-come basis.
→ Members receive the same number of tickets as the number of people who live in their household.
→ Each ticket will have the name of the ticket holder on it.
→ Some levels of Chai Society receive additional tickets for free. Please call the office to request these.
→ If you are not a temple member or need additional tickets, please call the TBO office at 954-753-3232.
→ Picture ID is required to ensure the ticket is yours (also for the security of our congregation).


Despite the need to require enhanced security, it is our hope and intention to make your High Holy Day experience memorable and meaningful. We look forward to sharing many hours filled with thoughtfulness and meditation, as well as comfort and understanding.

May the New Year, 5784, be one of enlightenment, enrichment, encouragement, safety, and peace for you, your family, and all of us.

L'Shanah Tovah!

Mathew Meyer, President
Temple Beth Orr