Where Quality Matters Spiritual Preparation Selichot offers time to reflect and seek forgiveness. SHELLI LIEBMAN DORFMAN Staff Writer I f Rosh Hashanah is our day in court, how can we show up without proper preparation?" asks Rabbi Elimelech Silberberg of Sara Tugman Bais Chabad Torah Center. That preparation, he said, begins with the Selichot service, a set of prayers of forgiveness recited on the weekdays leading up to, and includ- ing, Yom Kippur. In Ashkenazic syna- gogues, Selichot begins with a late- night service on Saturday, Sept. 20. In the Sephardic tradition, Selichot is said beginning at the start of the Hebrew month of Elul, which this year began the evening of Aug. 28. "Often, people think they can go to shul Rosh Hashanah morning and beg God for a good year and hope His answer is affirmative," Rabbi Silberberg said. "But we don't go to Rosh Hashanah services — our day in court — with- out spending many days preparing. Selichot services constitute that prepa- ration, and sensitize us to what Rosh Hashanah should be: coronation day." The rabbi describes the days when Selichot is said as "a time of medita- tion, pondering and reflection of what it means to be a servant of a king. The theme of judgment is secondary." Fl The Radiant Cut Diamond Classic Emerald cut shape, Brilliancy of the Round David Wachter & Sons Gcedi Z t, International Award Winning Jewelry Designers Since 1922 100 S. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, Michigan 48009 (800) 345-6003 - (248) 540-4622 MATtet . Many of the area synagogues holding Selichot services on Saturday night, Sept. 20, will complement the service with concerts, films and meditation. Contact individual synagogues for information. Among the Selichot programs are www,wachlerjewelers.com • Adat Shalom Synagogue: At 9 p.m., Dr. John Merkle, professor of theol- ogy at the College of Saint Benedict and St. John's 1.iniversity in Minnesota, will speak on "Christian Repentance for Anti-Semifism," fol- lowed by Selichot services at 11 p.m. Grab a little "me time. (30 minutes, to be exact.) • Temple Beth El: An 8:15 p.m. Selichot family concert will feature the temple's new religious school song leader and youth choir director, Caitlin Kiaper, along -with her father, musician-composer Steve Klaper. A 9:30 oneg and a 10 p.m. Selichot healing service follow, with music by Cantor David Montefiore and the temple's High Holy Day Choir. • Congregation Beth Shalom: A 9 p.m. viewing of the film The Outside Chance ofMaximilian Glick will be followed by Selichot services, including healing prayers and reflection focusing on the theme, "Can we forgive and who should we forgive?" Donations welcome. Get One Week FREE* Congregation Chaye Olam: The Interlochen Academy Jazz Ensemble will be featured in a free con- cert beginning at 7:30 p.rn, followed by the Selichot service, led by Cantor Stephen Dubov, at 9:15 p.m. Limited seating. No charge. • Machon UTorah: Jewish Awareness America: The College Kiruv Network will sponsor a pre-Selichot pro- gram beginning at 11:45 p.m., "Charting Our Path to Teshuva, a filmed conversation with Rabbi Moshe 'Weinberger of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Dubov Woodmere, N.Y., follovved by a video presentation of "Flashein Calls: Flow Should We Respond?" featuring lecturer and author, Rabbi Paysach Krohn. Selichot services will follow the program. Qs ca-lungt on first Curves is 30-minute fitness, commonsense weight loss, and all the support you need to achieve your goals. Look for our new book, Curves, everywhere books are sold. Curves The power to amaze yourself - riut fir pvial &mon. www.curvesincernational.com 248-336-9030 248-244-9030 248-355-9030 2985 W. 12 Mile Road Berkley, MI 48072 158 W. Maple Road Troy, MI 48084 23920 W. Nine Mile Road Southfiled, MI 48034 a 'Offer based on first visit. New members only. Not valid with any other promotional offer. Valid only at participating locations. Ittal' ■ * ■ ***XI • ••• **Olt' '112.1111. 11 . ? :■tis * i■ *Jo. * oupoo.o,o4x4xxr****cs4(oo4xon. SUC.CAH C.OM 0 ...THE LEADING DISCOUNT SUPPLIER OF SUCCAHS 8 AND BAMBOO MATS IN THE U.S.! Bamboo Mats * 8 the simple s'chach solution! 8'x12' 6'x8' 8'x10' 5'x12' (- ORDER EARLir) - $110 - $ 55 - $ 92 - $ 69 8'x8' 6'x12' 5'x10' 6'x10' - $ 74 - $ 83 - $ 58 - $ 69 • Check our website for • great succah deals! WWW.SUCCAH.COM • g Or call: 301-990-0466 : E-mail: orders@succah.com VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER Accepted •0. g • ■ FREE SHIPPING x): 1* ***41*******************************************Z= ***440:11:101:11:1* 2003 55