Congregation Kol Ami Marks Beginning of 18th Year - Its "Year of Life" - With Contemporary, Socially Relevant High Holy Days Services.

Reform Congregation, Rooted In Tradition but Progressive and Relevant, Stresses Social-Action as Integral Component of Religious Observance

WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- Congregation Kol Ami, a progressive Reform Jewish congregation serving the diverse community of West Hollywood, today said this year's High Holy Days Services will combine current social action issues with contemporary observance rooted in tradition to create a religious experience that is vibrant and meaningful to congregants who have a wide range of backgrounds and beliefs.

The services take on special significance marking the 18th anniversary of the Congregation. In Hebrew numerology the number "18" is made up of letters that spell out the word Chai or "life," giving it important meaning in Jewish culture and special relevance to the Jewish New Year.

"We take our lead from none other than the prophet Isaiah who said our fast, our observance, is to feed the hungry and clothe the poor," said Rabbi Denise L. Eger, spiritual leader of Congregation Kol Ami. "On the High Holy Days, Jews gather together in greater numbers than at any other time of year. This gives us a unique opportunity to enhance our personal introspection with a communal impact. Rosh Hashana to Yom Kippur is a time to examine our lives as individuals and as a community."

The services are planned to be meaningful to members of the community who are spiritual, as well as congregants who are more secular in their approach to Judaism. Traditional prayers will be linked to a progressive call to social justice and a commitment to civil rights.

Rabbi Eger added, "In keeping with our mission to turn our words into actions, we will be participating in the Los Angeles Jewish Community's Fed Up with Hunger campaign, in order to help feed the estimated one million people throughout our area who do not have enough to eat."

The mood of the entire service will be enhanced by an eclectic arrangement of music, augmented this year by the Hollywood Master Chorale. Cantor Mark Saltzman will chant traditional melodies while he also introduces several new pieces of music commissioned for Kol Ami's High Holy Days and its 18th anniversary.

"Our services are also a time to connect and reconnect to members and friends of our diverse, progressive community," said David Levy, Congregation Kol Ami President. "We will bless and welcome our non-Jewish spouses and family members at our New Year services and there will be a service of hope and healing on Yom Kippur afternoon. Our large gathering will be a time to meet old friends and make new ones. Above all, our services will be warm and welcoming."

Many of this year's Kol Ami High Holy Days services will once again take place at the Immanuel Presbyterian Church 3300 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. This large and historical space will allow all members and guests to enjoy the services in one warm communal sanctuary - unlike many other congregations that are forced to segregate and divide their worshipers in a number of areas.

Our services are open to both members and non-members. Tickets can be obtained for either single services or for the entire High Holy Day schedule. For more information and tickets, call [phone] or visit www.kol-ami.org.