Star Trek Selichot

September 21, 2019 - September 22, 2019, 8:30 pm - 12:30 am
Beth Jacob Synagogue
375 Aberdeen Avenue
Hamilton, L8P2R7

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Join us for a viewing of 1966’s Star Trek episode, “The Enemy Within”: A transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two halves: one meek and indecisive, the other violent and ill-tempered. Crew members stranded on a freezing planet cannot be beamed up to the ship until the technology, and the leadership crisis, is resolved.

Content warning / parental advisory: fight scenes, alcohol consumption, violent attack on a woman

After the viewing, panellists will discuss the episode from a Jewish lens, with a focus on yetzer tov (‘good’ inclination) and yetzer hara (‘evil’ inclination).

Panelists: Dr. Elliot Biro, Ruth Greenspan MSW., Lyla Miklos, Dr. Roshaya Rodness.
Moderated by Rabbi Hillel.

Schedule:
8:30 pm film (50 minutes)
9:30 pm panel discussion
10:30 pm musical Selichot led by Rabbi Hillel and friends
(Here’s a Youtube sneak-peak of what to expect: https://youtu.be/5lPfpDe3reo)

What is Selichot?

According to ancient tradition, Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, is the day of judgment for all the inhabitants of the world. “People are judged on Rosh Hashana, and their verdict is sealed on Yom Kippur” (Babylonian Talmud, Rosh Hashana 16a).

Given the gravity of the day, we are encouraged to return to good during the weeks leading up to Rosh Hashana, so that we may be considered righteous when we stand before God in judgment.

A custom developed to chant extra prayers called “Selichot” (literally, “Sorrys,” requests for forgiveness) during the month or week preceding Rosh Hashana. Often chanted immediately at midnight or just before dawn, which are both considered auspicious times, these moving, inspirational prayers encourage us to wake up and mend our ways, and ask God to forgive us for past wrongdoings.

At Beth Jacob these prayers are chanted and sung in beautiful, stirring melodies, mostly in Hebrew but punctuated with English poetic readings, both ancient and contemporary, and combining both Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. As it will not be Shabbat or a Biblical holiday at that time, musical instruments may be used as well, to enhance the prayer experience.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend.