Beyond Worship
In addition to holiday services, we have planned lectures, conversations, and virtual social gatherings that give you the opportunity to connect with our tradition and each other.
Continue checking back in the following weeks for more ways to deepen your understanding of ritual, participate in meaningful discussions, and engage with your community in a more profound way.
Understanding What We Sing: Three Conversations With Two Extraordinary Cantors
Episodes Available on YouTube
If you missed the wonderful three-part presentation explaining and investigating the backstory of our core High Holiday music, we can’t overstate how fascinating it was to hear our Senior Cantor Daniel Mutlu and one of his mentors Cantor Richard Cohn answer questions from journalist (and congregant) Abby Pogrebin about why we sing what we sing. Click below to sample the episodes about the songs of Elul, Rosh HaShanah, and Yom Kippur – to give you a taste of their dialogue and the cantors’ gorgeous singing.
A Museum Trip to Etrog The Wandering Fruit
Wednesday, October 4, 6:30–7:30 pm
Join Rabbi Sarah Berman for a special Sukkot experience to visit Etrog: The Wandering Fruit at the Bernard Museum of Judaica. We will hear directly from the Museum’s curator about this curious fruit, its connection to the harvest festival of Sukkot, and the beautiful artifacts created to celebrate it.
20s & 30s, and CEJ folks - please check your email for a registration link.
New Year, New Song: “Choose Love” by Shira Kobren
We’re proud to share the world premiere of the music video of Shira Kobren’s new song for the High Holy Days, “Choose Love,” directed by Noam Oren. The song features additional vocals by Cantors Dan Mutlu and Jenna Pearsall, with appearances from Central members and staff. To hear about the inspiration behind the song and video, check out our interview with Shira and Noam.
Virtual Gatherings
If you plan to worship with us virtually this year, we invite you to join Rabbi Andrew Kaplan Mandel and our larger Central community at these two new offerings:
Erev Rosh HaShanah Post-Service Virtual Dinner
Friday, September 15, 8:00 pm, Zoom
Following Erev Rosh HaShanah services, bring your festive meal to our New Year’s Zoom room to explore the transformative power of awe. Connect, kibbitz, and enjoy a special surprise. Pre-reading of UC Berkeley professor Dacher Keltner’s new book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life, is encouraged.
Yom Kippur Virtual Break Fast
Monday, September 25, 7:00 pm, Zoom
After Yom Kippur services, rejoin our New Year’s Zoom room to break the fast, enjoy lively music, meet new people, and share your favorite moments from your High Holy Day experience at Central.
Those who are on our membership waiting list, are part of "The Neighborhood" program, students of Center for Exploring Judaism, and Central’s 20s/30s participants - please check your email for registration links.
Questions?
Email us at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (212) 838-5122.
Accessibility
Learn more about the accommodations available during our High Holy Day events.