Goat at Yom Kippur Family Services (No Kidding!)

During Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, repentance is achieved by prayer, making amends, and fasting, but in ancient times, repentance involved a goat. The High Priest would take two goats, sacrifice one as a sin offering, and lay hands on the other, the “scapegoat,” transferring all the peoples’ sins to the animal. That second goat would be sent off into the wilderness. At our service, children will have an opportunity to whisper their transgressions into the ear of a goat, which will be sent back home. No animals will be harmed in the process.

ASL interpretation is also available at this service.

Temple Emanu-El’s popular “Be Our Guest” program already offers visitors and guests open access to High Holy Days services. Just call the Temple office at (520) 327-4501 to reserve your admission cards and (for security reasons) be prepared to show a photo ID. No financial contribution or commitment to membership will be required of anyone who has not previously taken advantage of this program. Guests of the Temple may contribute as their hearts dictate and their pocketbooks allow.

Wednesday, October 9th – Yom Kippur

8:00 am -Childcare for children 5 and under in the Strauss ECE

8:30 am – Family Services, Weiner School Auditorium – with our guest Goat!

8:30 am – Tot Yom Kippur Services with ASL interpreting available,

Katz Youth Library

10:00 am – Youth Programming for children in ages 6-11  in the Katz Youth  Library

10:00 am – Main Services, Rubin Family Sanctuary

1:00 pm – Yom Kippur Study Sessions

3:00 pm – Yom Kippur Afternoon, Yizkor and Neilah Services

6:15 pm – Havdallah/Break Fast