On Thursday, October 3 at 5:45 p.m., The Flame in New Rochelle will host a special community Mincha service for Israel and the safe return of our hostages.
Rabbi Mat Hoffman of The Flame explained: “Rosh Hashanah is a time to pray for ourselves, our families and the world. Yet, this year, even though everyone wants peace and the return of the hostages, there is so much divisiveness. Rather than stay in our own cocoons, we thought it was important to come together, no matter what our political beliefs, no matter what our religious beliefs and pray for the welfare of Israel and the hostages. While we may differ on how we get there, we are united in the goal.”
Hoffman said that The Flame is known for its creative programming ideas, which over the years have included Rosh Hashanah services in Eden Wok, followed by free lunch, innovative bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies and having children tutor other children in Jewish studies.
“One of the guiding principles of the Flame is that it does not charge for anything,” he said. “Thus, The Flame provides experienced, trained marriage counselors, one-to-one teaching on any Jewish subject, and home hospitality, all for free.”
The services are designed to be both traditional and creative. Hoffman said: “Of course, there will be new additions to the service, which are especially designed to focus on our longing for peace for Israel and the health and safe return of our hostages.” While several traditional parts of the prayers will be done in Hebrew, transliterations are provided for those who cannot read Hebrew. Moreover, Hoffman explains and analyzes each prayer before it is said so that everyone understands the meaning and historical significance.
George Sokolowski, who has served as the cantor for Flame services for about a decade, will be leading the prayers. “When George sings,” said Hoffman, “you really feel as if your prayers are being heard. When George is accompanied by his son Jonathan, I sometimes feel as if angels are singing.”
For those who did not hear shofar blowing in the morning, there will also be a chance to hear it later on. Hoffman noted: “The shofar represents a clarion call of freedom. … We hope that this year, Israel and the hostages will experience that liberty.”
Returning Flame attendee Steve Solinga said: “I always enjoy going to the services. The prayers may be the same, but when Rabbi Mat explains the prayers, he really brings them down to everyday life.” Solinga described how Hoffman has been inspirational at a nuts-and-bolts level. “During the prayers themselves, it helps my kavana to have him explain to us why we’re saying a prayer and the background of a prayer, and what the purpose of it is. It really lets me focus on why I’m saying something, rather than saying it and not knowing why I’m saying these words.”
The location of the services is available upon reservations only. To register or for additional information, contact Rabbi Mat Hoffman at [email protected]
