Jewish families throughout the area are preparing to celebrate the High Holidays later this month, marking the start of a new Jewish year.

Rabbi Michael Shields of Lake Norman Jewish Congregation, the area’s reform congregation, says the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time to take stock. “They’re about taking inventory of our lives, where we are and where we are going,” he said in a message announcing services.

As the High Holidays approach, local congregations Lake Norman Jewish Congregation and Beth Shalom of Lake Norman have listed their services. In some cases, registration may be required soon. For details …

LAKE NORMAN JEWISH CONGREGATION

Rabbi Shields says the challenges of the past year can make it difficult for some to feel good about that “inventory.” He has been speaking with congregants about how Jewish tradition can help them find a place in the world.

“Well, goodness is the ultimate goal of Judaism, and will always remain so.” Says Rabbi Shields. “But in truth we also have a strong and powerful Jewish model for achieving happiness, and for finding hope in troubling times”

Lake Norman Jewish Congregation will hold Rosh Hashanah services Sept. 18 and 19 and Yom Kippur services Sept. 27 and 28. All services are at Fair View United Methodist Church, off N.C. 115 in Mooresville. See www.lakenormanjc.org for details.

The Lake Norman Jewish Congregation continues to grow. With almost 100 member families and the only full time rabbi in the Lake Norman area, the congregation is excited about its future. LNJC religious school begins in late September and will, for the first time, include a youth group for students in 5th grade and older.

BETH SHALOM OF LAKE NORMAN

Beth Shalom of Lake Norman (www.bslkn.org) announced the schedule for its 2009 High Holiday Services, to be led by incoming Gladstein Fellow Rabbi Corey Helfand.  Tamara Wolfson will join Rabbi Helfand as Cantor, leading the recitation of many of the prayers and songs.

(Listen to an audio “4-minute interview” with Rabbi Helfand on DavidsonNews.net.)

Rabbi Helfand led his first services at the local conservative congregation at the end of August.

All services will be held at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 301 Caldwell Lane, except for Rosh Hashanah Day Two (Sept. 20), when services will be held at the Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St.  Here are the dates:
 
FRIDAY, SEPT. 18, 7 p.m., Erev Rosh Hashanah – Services to welcome Shabbat and the Jewish New Year.  Dessert oneg to follow service.
 
SATURDAY, SEPT. 19, 9 a.m.– Rosh Hashanah Day 1 morning services with separate Children’s Service. Following services, a free luncheon will be served. 
 
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20,, 9:30 a.m., – Rosh Hashanah Day 2 morning service. Bring your Shofar to participate in the Shofar Service at 12:15. Following morning service, a Tashlich Family Program and Picnic will be held at Roosevelt Wilson Park in Davidson.
 
SUNDAY, SEPT. 27, 7 p.m. – Kol Nidre evening service.
 
MONDAY, SEPT. 28, 9 a.m. – Yom Kippur morning service and Yizkor memorial service.
 
MONDAY, SEPT. 28, – 6:30 p.m. – Neilah and Havdalah Yom Kippur services, followed by a community Break the Fast dairy potluck dinner beginning at 8 p.m.
 
Ticket reservation forms are available online at www.bslkn.org. Members in good standing of Beth Shalom, Congregation Emanuel in Statesville and Temple Israel in Charlotte, as well as all children under 18, and college students, are admitted free. Child care provided at no additional charge. No one will be turned away because of financial hardship.