HHD 2020 info

1. Choose your prayer space carefully in advance by spending a few moments of individual contemplation/family discussion. Don’t wait for the last minute!

2. Once you have chosen your space, say a blessing or kavanah (“intention”) over it to mark it as your mikdash m’at. Suggestions for verses and blessings are below.

3. Change where you put your computer from a workspace to a contemplative space by covering the desk or table with a white tablecloth, white runner, or white placemat, and a vase of flowers.

4. Find meaningful objects to grace your space. On Rosh Hashana include holiday objects like candlesticks and Kiddush cup, apples, and honey. On Yom Kippur you can place cherished mementos, family heirlooms, and photos of loved ones to surround you. If you own a shofar, put it where it’s visible.

5. If possible, move the computer space back so that you are watching the screen more than manipulating it. Consider connecting your computer to a TV screen so it feels less like a work device.

6. Try to limit or disconnect auditory distractions. You can turn off your email and text message ping sounds, and/or close your email program and other apps so you can be fully present during the service.

7. Wear clothing that makes you feel as if you are entering a spiritual space. A kippah and tallit are encouraged if they help you express a connection to this special worship.

8. If you have ordered Mishkan HaNefesh, our new High Holy Day prayer book, take some time to look through it, become familiar with the layout, and explore the readings. Perhaps inscribe it with a meaningful phrase for this year.

Verses and blessings to help create your sacred space/mikdash m’at:

1. Birkat Habayit (home blessing):

בְּזֶה הַשַּׁעַר לֹא יָבוֹא צַעַר

בְּזֹאת הַדִּירָה לֹא תָבוֹא צָרָה

בְּזֹאת הַדֶּלֶת לֺא תָבוֹא בֶּהָלָה

בְּזֹאת הַמַּחְלָקָה לֺא תָבוֹא מַחְלוֺקֶת.

בְּזֶה הַמָּקוֺם תְּהִי בְרָכָה וְשָׁלוֺם

Let no sorrow come through this gate.

Let no trouble come in this dwelling.

Let no fright come through this door.

Let no conflict come to this section.

Let there be blessing and peace in this place.
 

 2. Exodus 20:21:

בְּכָל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אַזְכִּ֣יר אֶת־שְׁמִ֔י אָב֥וֹא אֵלֶ֖יךָ וּבֵרַכְתִּֽיךָ

In every place where My name is mentioned, I will come to you and bless you.
 

3. Exodus 3:5

כִּ֣י הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ עוֹמֵ֣ד עָלָ֔יו אַדְמַת־קֹ֖דֶשׁ הֽוּא׃

Indeed, the place on which you stand is holy ground.
 

4. Psalms 121:8

יְֽהוָ֗ה יִשְׁמָר־צֵאתְךָ֥ וּבוֹאֶ֑ךָ מֵֽ֝עַתָּ֗ה וְעַד־עוֹלָֽם׃

Adonai will guard your going and coming, now and forever.
 

 5. The last line of the blessing said at havdalah separating Shabbat from weekday can be used to separate this sacred space:

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה', הַמַבְדִּיל בֵּין קֹדֶשׁ לְחוֹל

Baruch atah Adonai, hamavdil bayn kodesh lechol.  Blessed are You Adonai, who separates between holy and ordinary.