Rosh Hashanah 2008 by Leslie, on Flickr

Just over a year ago, I published in this space a guest blog post by Carol Rose, about the Rose Family Alternative High Holiday Minyan and its illustrious 35 years of operation. My family and I have been honoured to be participants in this minyan for over a decade. This year, however, is different.

Due to circumstances, Rabbi Neal and Carol Rose cannot hold the services for us this year. We completely understand and respect their decision, but for those of us left behind, we have found ourselves suddenly bereft of our Yom Tov community.

Within a day, an initiative was underway, spearheaded by several long-time participants, to continue with the minyan, even without the physical presence of its founders and guiding spirits.

Volunteers are stepping up to help with various aspects of the service – leading prayers, reading Torah, blowing the Shofar, singing, organising readings and spiritual work. More are needed.

Our host organisation, Congregation Etz Chayim, is offering wonderful support – allowing us to use the space, books and Torah, as well as selling tickets on our behalf ($100 for Etz Chayim members/$120 non-members).

Of course, it won’t be the same without the Roses. How could it be? But we hope to prove that this intimate community can continue to thrive, coming together with the intention of praying, growing and learning together.

If you are interested in joining us, please call Congregation Etz Chayim at (204) 589-6305 to reserve your tickets today.

If you would like to offer your skills, whether ritual or organisational, to help make this vision a reality, please contact Terri Cherniak at schipper@shaw.ca or me, by commenting below, calling (204) 792-3996 or dropping me a line.