Rosh
Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is fast approaching on the calendar. This year,
it takes place from this Friday, September 18, until Sunday
evening, September 20. As one of the holiest celebrations in Judaism, Rosh
Hashanah is a thanksgiving for and commemoration of the genesis of our world.
Though the virus has hit every social space hard, those looking to celebrate
this holiday with their fellows can take solace in the fact that some houses of
worship are at the least allowing services via Zoom congregations. Here are
five such institutions, complete with links to their websites for your further
research.
Temple
Sinai
Having its
roots all the way back to 1870, Temple Sinai on Saint Charles Avenue is not
only the oldest Reform Jewish congregation in our state, but the largest as
well. Zoom links to worship services are available on the front page of the
website, but they also offer other services, such as group Torah studies. 6227
St. Charles Ave., (504) 861-3693, TempleSinainola.com
Touro
Synagogue
Next up is Touro Synagogue, also located on Saint Charles Avenue. Touro Synagogue prides itself on the diversity of its clergy and congregation, encompassing men and women of all orientations, faiths, races, and backgrounds. Much like Temple Sinai, Touro Synagogue is also offering online streams of worship and Shabbat that can be found on their main web page. 4238 Saint Charles Ave., (504) 895-4843,TouroSynagogue.com
Gates
of Prayer
Gates of
Prayer, another Reform Judaism congregation, is located on West Esplanade
Avenue in Metairie. Following the trend of many religious houses of worship,
livestreams for services and Sabbaths are available on their website. Also
available on the front page is a weekly-updated schedule that details events
that will actually be held in person alongside livestreams, so make note of
that. 4000 West Esplanade Ave.,
Metairie, 504-885-2600,GatesofPrayer.org
Chabad
Chabad is a
series of Jewish houses of worship, and the site provided here will give you an
overview of what they are all about as well as various pertinent current
events. You can enter your zip code on their front page to quickly find a
center near you. 7037 Freret St., 504-302-1830, Chabad.org
North
Shore Synagogue
Finally, we
have the North Shore Synagogue. Located in Mandeville on Causeway Boulevard,
this Reform congregation hosts online Shabbat services in addition to offering community
services such as helping to deliver groceries to high-risk families and the
like. Their values are engagement through active worship and diversity. As with
these other places of worship, their website will show you the schedule for
both Sabbath celebrations and Rosh Hashanah events. 1403 North Causeway Blvd., Mandeville, (985) 951-7976, NorthshoreJewish.org
