Havurat Tikvah Re-Opens Its Lay-Led High Holiday Services to the Community

September 2023

By Lainey Millen

After an extended period of time in a members-only mode due to the COVID pandemic, Havurat Tikvah once again extends an open invitation to the Charlotte Jewish community to attend its in-person High Holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services at Avondale Presbyterian Church, MacLean Fellowship Hall, 2821 Park Rd., Charlotte, NC 28209. For those who are unable to attend due to illness or other issues, there will be Zoom options throughout the service schedule. Links can be obtained prior to services by request to admin@havurattikvah.org.

On Sept. 16, Rosh Hashanah services will begin at 10 a.m., followed by Kiddush, hamotzi, and a potluck kosher/veggie/ dairy/parve potluck luncheon. There will be no day two services.

On Sept. 17, congregants and guests will gather for Tashlich at 3:30 p.m. at a location to be announced at a later date. Visit the website for more details as the day nears.

Kol Nidre services will be held on Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. sharp. Attendees must be seated by 6:45 p.m.

On Sept. 25, Yom Kippur services will continue at 10 a.m., with Yizkor services at approximately 1 p.m. Services will continue at 6 p.m. for the healing service after an afternoon break. Services conclude with Ne’ilah beginning at 6:50 p.m. followed by a break-the-fast kosher/veggie/dairy/parve potluck supper at 7:54 p.m.

Members and guests are encouraged to bring a tallit and kippah because there is a limited quantity of both on hand should one wish to wear them. Attendees can bring their own shofar to participate in the concluding service on Yom Kippur.

Masks may be used for those who wish to wear them. Vaccinations are required. COVID testing is appreciated but not required.

There is no childcare offered this year.

As in past years, first-time attendees, including students and active military members, are welcome at no cost to attend services and participate in Tashlich, as well as stay for the luncheon after Rosh Hashanah services and for break-fast after Yom Kippur worship. All others are asked to pay a nominal fee ($54 for individuals, $90 for families). Mail checks to Havurat Tikvah, P.O. Box 12684, Charlotte, NC 28220. Email admin@havurattikvah.org for more details.

Havurat Tikvah is a warm, supportive, and nurturing Jewish Reconstructionist congregation with Shabbat services and a full spectrum of holiday observances, as well as religious educational options for both families and single adults. We are a diverse group of families, singles, Jewish, and interfaith couples who participate in projects that promote social justice.

We value and depend upon member participation and leadership for our religious services, spiritual growth, and governance.

Havurat Tikvah is an affiliate of Reconstructing Judaism.

For more information on upcoming services, programs, membership or other queries, call (980) 225-5330, write to Havurat Tikvah, P.O. Box 12684, Charlotte, NC 28220, email membership@havurattikvah.org or visit havurattikvah.org. Havurat Tikvah is also on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/havurattikvah/.