As the High Holy Days approach, Fran Tannenbaum Kaye gathers her family close to her and asks for forgiveness. It's a very powerful thing for children to see an adult become humble in that way. While turning inward to reflect on themselves, Jews also direct their thoughts outward to family and the importance of holiday rituals. To bring those lessons home, many local families set aside time to prepare and observe together in the days prior to the High Holy Days. This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Sunday, Sept. 20, and Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
Some families read to their children.
Some clean and cook together. Most view the Jewish New Year as a time to celebrate and worship with each other. In the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah, the Kaye family huddles around a computer to search the Internet for illuminating commentaries on the week's parashah. The afternoon before Rosh Hashanah begins, the Oakland family members typically empty their schedules to make space for the coming Holy Day. Kaye's husband, a doctor, turns off his pager.