In these uncertain times, we offer an exploration on the theme of atonement and ways we can heal ourselves and the broader world
.“Reflections on Atonement-Healing the World”
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Order of Service
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Gathering and Board Greeting Leslie Kinney
Prelude: “Ani Ma’amin” trad. Jewish melody, arr. by John Leavitt
–from Maimonides’ commentary on the Mishnah (Sanhedrin 10:1)
Tom Baehr, flute; Eva Greene, piano
Chalice Lighting by Joanna Lubkin
“We light this chalice in honor of Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement. May its flame call us to search our souls, sifting through the past year to see where we may have missed the mark. May its light guide us toward the courageous and openhearted apology, toward repair of relationships in our lives. May its heat warm our hearts to offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us, allowing us to release the chains of grudge and blame that have bound us to them. And may its strength help us take the actions that are within our power to make this next year more just, more loving, and more peaceful for our communities and for all of humanity.”
Opening Words: “Tikkun Olam” Karen Tyler
Hymn #219: “Oh Hear, My People”
transl. Commentary by Rabbi Nachman of Breslov;
music, Leon Lewandowski; sung by Eva Greene
Story For All Ages: “New Year At the Pier” by April Halprin Wayland
Reading: from Rabbi Lewis J. Eron Marty Shaw
Hymn #1044: “Eli, Eli” (My Lord) music by David Zehavy, poem by Hannah Szenes
Hannah Szenes (1921-1944) left Hungary for Israel in 1939 and joined a kibbutz. In 1943, she trained as a paratrooper with British forces, parachuted into Yugoslavia and joined a partisan group to help Jews escape. In late 1944, she was discovered and executed by the Nazis.
Marie Gorst, soprano; Bob Wyckoff, trumpet
Offering shared with Brattleboro Community TV
Offertory: “Tzur Mishelo” Sephardic melody: Los Bibilicos
A blessing to thank the Creator for sustenance
Eva Greene, piano
Candles of Joys and Concerns Karen Tyler
Closing Hymn #211: “Jacob’s Ladder” African American spiritual (c. 1750)
sung by Robert Wyckoff
Extinguishing the Chalice:
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” The Talmud
Closing Circle: “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” (sung two times)
Benediction: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank