Not so Holy High Holidays

By: Rowyn Lambert '22

(Image courtesy of lamag.com)

Several days ago, I woke up on a Saturday morning to my alarm. I got out of my bed and trudged into the kitchen in search of breakfast. After deciding on cereal, I poured myself a bowl and headed into the living room, where my family was. Yawning, I slumped down onto the couch as my dad reached for the remote to turn on the television. However, this wasn’t any typical Saturday morning. It was Rosh Hashanah.

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, social distancing measures have been enforced. Ultimately, this means no gathering in large groups, no socializing with non-family members, and certainly no attending synagogue for High Holiday services - one of the most important traditions in Judaism. Instead, temples are hosting services online, through platforms including YouTube and Facebook.

There are some benefits to attending virtual services. For instance, I don’t have to wake up early. I don’t have to wear a nice outfit or high heels that give me countless blisters. I don’t have to worry about looking like I’ve just rolled out of bed. Nevertheless, while I enjoy the convenience of this new situation, it’s very difficult to adjust to.

Yom Kippur was no different from my experience during Rosh Hashanah. It was another morning spent on the couch, watching the rabbi speak to a camera and listening to the choir sing through their masks. Although it led me to confront how disconnected the services felt. For the first time, I found myself wishing I was actually at temple, even if it did mean waking up at 8 and suffering in heels. Texting my friends my commentary just wasn’t the same as leaning over from my seat to whisper to them.

All things considered, I am grateful that I was able to have the opportunity to partake in virtual services. It allowed me to acknowledge something I have never considered before: nothing can replace the sense of community I feel when I am surrounded by my friends and family at synagogue.