Photoessay #2040 - Kol Nidre

Dennis and I went to Kol Nidre services last night put on by Kol Haneshemah who has a policy of High Holiday services open to everybody free.  I had registered for the service and made a contribution.  They rent a big Presbyterian church downtown.  And they filled it.  This congregation identifies as accepting and diverse especially welcome (but not restricted to) gay families.  Looking at those gathered, it looked like any other congregation to me.  Old and young, some dressed up, some not, some with tallit (prayer shawls) some not.

We went last year with AlanC; we saw  him after the service.  To me, the service was fine.  I've missed a generation of reform practice, now there's a lot more singing of Hebrew.  Some of it is not familiar....

A favorite moment for me is that anticipation, that moment just before the Kol Nidre is done.  Here it IS.  Here it COMES.  Always beautiful.  It's an honor and an obligation to perform the Kol Nidre.  First time was violin, second time violin and cantor, third time just the cantor.  With the traditional melody.

One worrisome fact is the need for security.  Even when I was young, the Sacramento police provided an armed guard and directed traffic.  I think the cities do not provide this any more.  But the usual armed guard was at the entrance.  In fact, many congregations have armed guards every friday night.  It's so crazy.  And creepy.  And, unfortunately, necessary.   I always think, why would anybody want to disrupt the Jewish congregation, they are not threatening.  Dennis says that I'm use to them even if I don't know anybody, it's so familiar to me.

I could see being put off by the armed guard.

Needless to say, the sermon and announcement made much mention of Referendum 74 to re-affirm the same gender marriage law.  I'm a supporter and would like to do more.

I didn't take any pictures, searched the web for some pictures, wow, hard to find.  This picture is used, without permission, from a congregation in San Clarita California.