Elul, the Hebrew month of reflection before the High Holy Days, culminates with S’lichot, when we gather and recite prayers of penitence as a community. The S’lichot liturgy contains some of the finest Jewish religious poetry ever composed, and our moving, inspiring candlelit service urges us to reflect on the year that is ending. It is our custom to honor this holiday with a concert and a service following when we will change our Torah covers from year-round clothing to white dressings for High Holy Days.

Please join Cantors Susan Bortnick and Suzanne Hamstra as we embark on a remarkable musical journey, rediscovering the power of repentance through the timeless melodies of Gary William Friedman’s An American S’lichot Service. Last presented at Washington Hebrew in 2016, this award-winning work is returning with renewed energy and spirit, promising an unforgettable evening of soul-stirring music.

Originally commissioned by Congregation Tifereth Israel of Columbus, Ohio in 1985, An American S’lichot Service embodies a unique collaboration between composer Friedman and Cantor Jack Chomsky. Their shared vision was to create a work honoring Jewish traditions while embracing contemporary musical expressions. The result is a masterpiece that resonates with the emotional core of the modern Jew.

With strains of the High Holy Day melodies, our rabbis, and the beautiful voices of Cantors Bortnick and Hamstra to guide us, we will utter our first confession of the season, as well as Sh’ma Koleinu, asking God to hear our voices.

7:30 pm An American S’lichot Service

Dessert reception follows

This program will take place at Temple inside Kaufmann Sanctuary, and both the concert and service will be livestreamed.

This event is free, but we ask that those attending in person please RSVP below. The evening begins with the Vintage Reflections Wine Tasting Event, you may also use the below form to purchase tickets for that. You do not need to attend the wine tasting to enjoy the S’lichot service.

This evening is sponsored by the Pollin Music Fund, in loving memory of Abe & Irene.