WORKSHOP TO DEMYSTIFY HIGH HOLY DAYS.

Byline: Holly J. Andres Staff Writer

Why are the High Holy Days holy? What is a shofar, what is it made of and why is it blown?

Those and many other questions will be asked and answered at a free adult education workshop on the coming Jewish holidays. The two-session workshop will be held Wednesday and Sept. 1 at Temple Solael in West Hills.

``In truth, there are people who, if not afraid, are apprehensive about asking questions. They think they should know the answers,'' said Rabbi Ron Herstik, one of three workshop presenters. ``There is no such thing as a stupid or dumb question. You learn by asking questions.''

The classes will present the historical background and the musical heritage for the High Holy Days, Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and the two holidays that follow, Sukkot and Simhat Torah.

This year, Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, begins at sundown Sept. 10 and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sundown Sept. 19. The second workshop will cover Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, and Simhat Torah, which marks the end and beginning cycles of reading the Torah in the temple. This year Sukkot is observed at sundown Sept. 24 and Simhat Torah at sundown on Oct. 2.

Herstik will present the historical background of the holidays while Cantor Bernard Savitz will explain and sing the traditional melodies of the High Holy Day services. The workshops also will give ideas to celebrate and enhance the holidays with family and friends, Herstik said.

``For example, I will explain some of the significances of Rosh Hashana,'' Herstik said. ``We dip apples in honey as a way of talking about the sweetness of the year to come. The other themes of Rosh Hashana have to do with the beginning of the year, the rebirth of the world, and also the notion of

judgment and turning away from those behaviors that are harmful.''

Herstik said he'll also talk about the tashlik ceremony.

``This ceremony takes place near a body of water. People throw bread crumbs into the water as a symbol of getting rid of negative behaviors as the new year starts,'' Herstik said.

From the musical side, Cantor Bernard Savitz hopes to teach the melodies heard during the High Holy Days and also the words that will enable people to follow along with the choir. He said he has found that many people aren't familiar with the traditional music for the High Holy Days.

``People only hear these melodies once a year, unlike the opportunities to hear the Sabbath melodies all year round. Knowing what you're singing and why just makes for a much more meaningful experience. Music is a very important aspect of these services. The music is very spiritual. It helps people get in the mood of the holidays and it fills people with hope,'' Savitz said.

Savitz plans to hand out song sheets. Along with taking notes, he said, people might want to bring tape recorders to record his singing demonstrations of what to listen for during the services.

The new religious school director, Franci Goldberg, will present the hands-on, how-to cultural information. These fall holidays, she said, can be thought of as holidays of the senses.

Goldberg will talk about traditional foods and dishes to make during the holidays. She expects participants will ask basic questions about why they do certain things for the fall holidays.

``I think there are many people who are observant but they may be Jewishly uneducated,'' Goldberg said.

Goldberg said the free workshops are open to the entire community. The temple is also planning workshops for Hanukkah, Passover and Shabbat.

``I think there is a real searching for traditions and making memories. I'm hoping that we can help people to make joyous Jewish memories.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

Photo: From left, Rabbi Ron Herstik, Franci Goldberg and Cantor Bernard Savitz will present workshops.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer