RCV LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY RE: PLANS FOR YAMIM NORAIM

30 Av 5780

Dear Community,

As we commence the month of Elul, the most common question being posed to Rabbis and Rebbetzins is, “What will happen for Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur this year?”. From both a Halachic and emotional perspective, there is understandable uncertainty and concern about how we will approach these days under current circumstances.

The RCV is working on two separate levels to address these concerns.

1) Government Discussions

We are holding regular discussions with representatives of the Premier’s Department and the Department of Multicultural Affairs to discuss the needs of the Jewish community.

Our aim is for the relevant decision makers to be fully aware of the key dates in our calendar and what they mean for us and require of us as Jews. While nobody knows what the coming weeks will bring, we are working on plans for every possible scenario.

It is our hope that these discussions will enable us to provide the community with clear guidance as to what may be done on Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur this year within the letter and the spirit of government guidelines.

2) Launching "Project High Holydays”

The RCV is committed to bringing a meaningful Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur experience to as many Victorian Jews as possible. Exciting and ambitious planning is already underway to provide a wide variety of in-reach and out-reach programs.

Under the banner of “Project High Holydays”, RCV Rabbis and Rebbetzins will create opportunities to connect with our holiest of days with our minds, our bodies and souls.

In Elul, “The King is in the field”. This Rosh HaShana, even if we cannot spend as much time in our synagogues, let us prepare to welcome The King into every one of our homes.

For more information, please contact your local RCV Rabbi or Rebbetzin. We are here for you.