We are so excited to gather with you for High Holy Days 5785!
Locations
To help us ensure that our venues have ample space for all who want to participate, please register ASAP. We will share the event locations in late September with all registered participants.
Rosh Hashanah October 3 Tashlich + Kayaking October 6 Yom Kippur October 11-12
Thursday, October 3
Now in our ninth year, Kesher Pittsburgh’s Rosh Hashanah will welcome 5785 with warmth, music, connection and celebration. Whether you are joining us for the first time, or you’ve been with us from the start, there is space for you in our circle.
10:00am ET Musical Shacharit* (morning prayers), Torah service, and Shofar blowing
12:30pm Community Kiddush
3:00pm - 4:15pm High Holidays of Hope at Squirrel Hill JCC packing care kits for Pittsburghers experiencing housing and food insecurity
Sunday, October 6
Kayaking and tashlich
10:00am - 12:00pm Bagel Brunch, Kayaking, and Tashlich for KesherKIDS families and people of all ages!
Friday, October 11
Kol Nidrei, the opening service on erev Yom Kippur, is intended to help us soften our hearts and open to the possibility of being transformed by teshuvah.
7:30pm ET Kol Nidrei* candlelit gathering with a blend of traditional liturgy and heartfelt modern song
Saturday, October 12
Yom Kippur day will offer a variety of modalities through which we can reflect, connect, and make teshuvah (return) including sessions for all ages rooted in prayer chanting, embodied practice, nature-based experiences, art-making, and more.
10:00am Opening Circle
10:30am - 2:30pm Kesher Pittsburgh Yom Kippur Experience: A Creative Day of Reflection and Discovery schedule of sessions TBA. Find more information below.
5:30pm ET Healing Mincha Yizkor Service* with music and poetry to support healing, whether for ourselves, our loved ones, or the state of the world
6:30pm ET Ne’ilah and Havdallah*
*Events that will definitely have Zoom access are marked with an asterisk. If you’re hoping for remote access to other events, please be in touch with us directly.
Kesher Pittsburgh Yom Kippur Experience: A Creative Day of Reflection & Discovery
Finding Our Way Home: A Creative Exploration of Teshuvah through the Jewish Studio Process
Led by Keshira haLev Fife
Join Kohenet Keshira for a creative exploration of yeshivah (return), intended to support participants in reflecting upon where they’ve fallen out of alignment with themselves and how they can return, in preparation for the year ahead. This session will include text study, conversation, and creative practice, and is suitable for those ages 12+. No experience with text or art-making required.
Keshira haLev Fife (she/they pronouns) is a Kohenet (Hebrew Priestess) and a bi-racial, queer Jewish person who delights in serving as davennatrix (shlichat tzibbur), lifespiral ceremony/ritual creatrix, consultant, facilitator, teacher, liturgist and songstress. She serves as Founding Kohenet of Kesher Pittsburgh, Program Director of beloved, Core Faculty Member with the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, and also enjoys working with Kirva, the Avodah Institute for Social Change, The Jewish Studio Project, and the Jewish Learning Collaborative, among other national Jewish organisations. Though both the lands of the Osage & Haudenosaunee people (aka Pittsburgh, PA) and the Gadigal people (Sydney, AUS) feel like home, Keshira and her beloved have been in an extended period of travel since January 2023. www.keshirahalev.com
Morning Chant Shacharit
Led by David P. Goldstein and friends.
Start your day with a gentle morning Shacharit prayer service, featuring beautiful music and rhythms. We will continue to explore the Yom Kippur theme of Teshuvah / Return. Suitable for all ages.
David P. Goldstein (he/him) has been the leader of the Tikkun Chant Circle since 2008 and a recording artist with 6 albums of Hebrew Chant music, and music for the recovery community. He is a composer of sacred choral music and Hebrew chant and a 3 time winner of the Shalshelet International Festival of New Jewish Music. He is an activist and spiritual explorer who lives in western PA with his beloved husband, Jeffry.
Learn more at www.hebrewchant.com
Accounting of the Heart (Intro to Mussar)
Led by Ketzirah Lesser
An introduction to the Jewish spiritual practice of Mussar. We’ll explore some basic concepts and background, but we’ll spend most of our time in active exploration of where our hearts are right now - what is enlivening us and what is challenging us. YK is a great time to not only focus on the communal, but also our personal space within it.
Ketzirah Lesser, haMa’agelet (The Circle Maker), is a maker and teacher of the sacred arts as well as an ordained Kohenet and Celebrant. Through Devotaj Sacred Arts, she explores Jewishly-rooted making, mussar, and magick to connect past, present, & possible future(s); cræfting artifacts for a forgotten future that is more equitable, just, and spiritually alive. She lives in Washington, DC with her husband, two pet rabbits, and a house filled with ensouled teddy bears, enchanted appliances, and magical creatures.
Kol Nidrei: The “Foolish Custom” Rabbis Have Opposed for 1200 Years
Led by Lex Rofeberg
The phrase "Kol Nidrei" is an unbelievably popular one. Many folks, even some who rarely enter synagogue spaces, talk about this famous Yom Kippur declaration, set to a haunting melody. It is so popular, that the entire Yom Kippur evening service has gained the alternate title of...."Kol Nidrei." But...what's this Kol Nidrei declaration actually about? What does it say, and for what reasons?
We'll explore all of these questions together. We'll hone in on why, for over 1,000 years (since the declaration was written), there has been a long lineage of rabbis calling Kol Nidrei a "foolish custom." We'll explore the ways in which it has continued to hold power, even despite those rabbinic objections, and what that power teaches us about Jewish ritual, text, community, and creativity. We'll do all of this in interactive conversation, holding a love for Jewish tradition and Jewish rebellion all at the same time
Lex Rofeberg is a Jewish educator and activist who works for Judaism Unbound, a digital, Jewish organization. He serves as co-host of the Judaism Unbound podcast and as Senior Jewish Educator for Judaism Unbound’s UnYeshiva, a digital center for Jewish learning and unlearning. Lex received his certificate in Interfaith Families Jewish Engagement from Hebrew College, and he was ordained as a rabbi in by ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal. Lex has been active in a variety of Jewish movements for justice, including Open Hillel, IfNotNow, and Never Again Action. He serves on the advisory board of Evolve: Groundbreaking Jewish Conversations, board of directors of Tikkun Olam Productions (the filmmaking collective that produced the 2023 film Israelism) and The Shalom Center. He lives on Narragansett land in Providence, Rhode Island.
Yachad on Yom Kippur
Led by Jennifer Ferris-Glick
This session will focus on the concept of Yachad, or oneness, using yoga and meditation to harmonize the body, mind, and soul with the Divine. The session will begin with a meditative practice called Kavanot (intentional focus). The yoga sequence will then flow through a series of balancing poses, symbolizing the unification of body and soul. We will also allow for movements with another human in a partnered yoga style. The movements will be slow and deliberate, with a focus on mindfulness and presence, drawing attention to the interplay of breath and movement alone and together.
Jennifer Ferris-Glick is the founder of Above to Below, a pre-licensure therapy and consulting practice specialized in integrating mindfulness, CBT, Gestalt, and trauma-informed practices, with a strong focus on the intersection of Judaism and mental health for teens and young adults. Jennifer is pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology at Chatham University while being a Jewish educator, a yoga and mindfulness facilitator, and an EMDR Therapist (in-training).
Turn and Return: Embodying Multigenerational Spirals of Time, Place, and Experience
Led by Yoshi Silverstein
This session will weave together Jewish mysticism and the Hebrew calendar in conversation with contemplative visioning frameworks from the works of teachers such as Thich Nhat Hanh and Joanna Macy through personal reflection and contemplative embodied practice. In the spirit of Yom Kippur as a day of deep personal introspection and contemplation of both life and death, we will turn the spiral of our lives both backward and forward — past, present, and future — in an exploration of our relationship to time, space, and experience in the lives of ourselves, our ancestors, and our future descendants.
Yoshi Silverstein (he/him) is a Chinese-Ashkenazi-American Jew and an educator, designer, speaker, husband, and father. A multidisciplinary practitioner of embodied creative and spiritual expression, he is a recipient of the 2022 Pomegranate Prize for emerging leaders in Jewish education from the Covenant Foundation, and was selected as a 2021 “Grist 50 Fixer” building a more just and equitable future. Yoshi earned his Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture at University of Maryland with a thesis exploring Jewish landscape journey and experience, and holds certificates in spiritual entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, permaculture design, and environmental education. Yoshi sits on the Board of Directors for Repair the World as program committee chair, is an adjunct faculty instructor at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, a Senior Schusterman Fellow, and a student of Resmaa Menakem in the areas of embodied antiracism and somatic abolitionism.
Inspired Flow Workshop
Led by Abby Bolton
A supportive and creative space where anyone, even those who feel “uncreative” can reflect, connect, and enjoy the freedom and wonder of beginner poured painting. In this session, you will:
Identify and share a personal theme for Yom Kippur or the year ahead—a goal, direction, or feeling you want to nurture (e.g., forgiveness, letting go, resilience, connection).
Learn basic poured painting techniques.
Create a painting that represents your chosen theme.
Abby Bolton, a former corporate consultant turned soul-driven artist, specializes in personalized fluid abstract art that represents your personal journey and aspiration OR organization’s brand, mission and values - through commissioned paintings, empowering DIY workshops in her Etna studio/gallery, or both. abbyboltonarts.com
Teshuvah: A Journey into Nature and Ourselves
Led by Ari and Tracy Rapport
Psalm 33 states, "When one loves righteousness and justice, the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Eternal." Our ancient Jewish traditions tie intimately to the earth and the cycles of nature, and as we enter the peak of the High Holiday season, we have an opportunity to reconnect with the natural world as it lets go of the fullness of summer and prepares to withdraw into the stillness of winter.
On this walk of teshuvah, we return to nature and ourselves, explore connections between our own passages and the passages of the seasons, and reconnect more deeply with the themes of Yom Kippur as they relate to our own lives.
Ari’s background in sustainability, yoga, and nature-based experiences provides a rich foundation for spiritual connection and meaningful engagement with the natural world, which he hopes to bring to our journey of Teshuvah on Yom Kippur day, 5785.
Tracy is an early childhood educator with a background in environmental education and hands on learning modalities. She is a strong believer in the importance of connecting nature with education and grounding growth and development in the natural world.
Jewish Magic for the High Holy Days
Led by Olivia Devorah Tucker
Soul Candles, Swinging Chickens, and Superstitious Waters; all magical, marginalized, and/or maligned Jewish folk practices! What resonates with us about them? How might we incorporate or adapt these traditions in our lives? An exploration with space to share about your own mystical High Holy Days rituals!
Olivia Devorah Tucker (they/them) is an aspiring Jewish Demonologist, Talmud educator, theatre collaborator, and challah sculptor. They have been published in Kenden Alfond’s “Feeding Women of the Talmud, Feeding Ourselves” and performed as dramaturg/meturgemon for Ella-Gabriel Mason’s “Queer Jewish: Dancing In Diaspora.” They serve as Program Coordinator for SVARA: A Traditionally Radical Yeshiva, and co-op member of The Glitterbox Theater in their home of Pittsburgh, PA (Shawnee & Haudenosaunee land). Olivia puts the femme in ephemera & the trans in translation!
Yom Kippur Sensory Play (Ages 3-6)
Led by Sandy Stover
Explore themes of Yom Kippur through a variety of stories and sensory play activities. Join in on rescuing Jonah from the belly of the whale, create a collaborative weaving project, and go on a sound walk, to name a few of the activities we will explore.
Sandy Stover (she/her) is a local early childhood educator. She has worked with all ages from infants through kindergarten, and is currently teaching 3 year olds at a school in the North Hills area of Pittsburgh. When she's not at work, you can find her making sensory bins for her four children, driving those children around, and recovering from all of that by reading a book, snuggling a cat, or checking out local restaurants with her husband.
Returning to Ourselves and Each other: A Sharing Circle
Led by Keshira haLev Fife
Through the practices of presence, deep listening and sharing from the heart, we will have the opportunity to witness one another as we reflect on how the current moment (and all that has led to it) is impacting and inspiring us. Suitable for people b’mitzvah age and older, this session is intended as a sharing space for sharing feelings related to Israel and Gaza, and what it feels like to be Jewish in this time. With no need to advise or convince anyone, this is an opportunity to deepen connection through open-hearted sharing and compassionate listening.
Please see Keshira’s bio above.
The Rabbi, the Butcher, and Practical Teshuvah (Ages 7-12)
Led by Caedyn Krahling
When you have hurt someone or someone has hurt you, what are you supposed to do? Using the story of the Rabbi and the Butcher, we will try to figure out the answer and learn about teshuvah.
Caedyn Krahling (they/them) is a relative newcomer to the area, but has jumped joyfully into all that the Pittsburgh Jewish community has to offer. They delight in learning and sharing, studying Torah, and making Judaism accessible for all ages.
Cost
Since Kesher Pittsburgh does not have membership fees, your financial support is critical to sustaining our community throughout the year. Your contribution not only enables the creation of our High Holiday gatherings, it ensures that we can continue to offer programming throughout the year.
This year, we are suggesting three different levels of minimum contribution for High Holiday attendance. This will help us to become more financially sustainable and also makes certain that no one is EVER turned away due to lack of funds.
Suggested High Holiday Contributions:
$360 per adult/$108 per child (with no upper limit!) — for folks with discretionary income, savings accounts, or inherited wealth
$108 per adult/$54 per child — for people on fixed incomes, without savings, or for whom $360 is prohibitive to attendance
$18 - $36 per person — community members with little to no monthly income or who would not otherwise be able to join us
If you have any questions about registration, ability to support KPGH with a monthly contribution, or cost-free registration, please don't hesitate to reach out to Brenna at brenna@kesherpittsburgh.org
Prayer Book Project
We are excited to announce that Kesher Pittsburgh High Holiday prayer books will be available once again this season! If you have not yet reserved your KPGH Prayer Book, make sure to do so to secure one today! We will have a limited number for folks to borrow during services and encourage you to order yours ahead of time. Donations from this project support our ongoing operations through 5785 and we hope that you will help us reach our goal. We are excited to share these books with you in October as a token of our gratitude!