To experience the depth of contemplation of the Yamim nora’im (Days of Awe), create a sanctuary in your own home. Find a space that is less distracting and make it beautiful and meaningful to you. Using Jewish ritual objects, art, flowers, family heirlooms, dedicate your Zoom space to a higher purpose. Invite family members to craft New Year decorations and cards. While we will be missing the communal singing and physical closeness, we can have a meaningful and intense experience of davening together on zoom.
If you have a kippah and tallit, be sure to have them nearby, along with the machzor (High Holy Day prayerbook) that you can pick up at the temple.
This Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, more than ever before, you have the opportunity to create an atmosphere in your home – a makeshift Temple – that can highlight the holiness of the days. Making your space and this unique moment in time holy, however you see fit, will add a new dimension to your holiday observance. Participating can take many forms, but you will feel the difference between being an active participant and a passive spectator. Chant along, hum along, sway along, say the words, read the translation. Bow, stand and sit if you are able. Even if you cannot hear, see, or touch the other participants, you become part of a virtual congregation when you bring your full self to the service.
How to create a Holy Space
Set an intention (Kavanna) that frames the experience you want.
What space in my home can best support the experience I want to create?
What objects are important to me, that help me feel grounded?
Bringing in Nature
Feathers, which hearken back to the words for tzitzit and the wings of your garment
Eucalyptus bark, written on with beet juice Fragrant herbs & spices like lavender, rosemary, vetiver, cinnamon, cloves Elements of the four seasons
Items to Include on your Holy Space
Judaic items like kiddush cup, siddur, candlesticks, shofar, yad, tallit, etc.
Plants, flowers, crystals or stones
Notes of gratitude, wishes for the new year Pictures of people dear to us - ancestors, mentors, teachers
