Area services Rosh Hashana

This Rosh Hashana will be distinctive for Beth Israel Synagogue, says Rabbi David Cantor.

The spiritual leader of Bangor’s Conservative synagogue says the traditional blowing of the ram’s horn, or shofar, won’t occur on the first day of the holiday, which begins at sundown Sept. 6.

That’s a Friday, the start of Sabbath, “meaning musical or other instruments aren’t allowed to be played” during services by Conservative and some other expressions of Judaism.

The ram’s horn is trumpeted to commemorate the anniversary of the creation of the world.

Rosh Hashana will usher in the Jewish year of 5763.

It is “the beginning of a period of spiritual renewal for Jews,” says Rabbi Laurence Milder of Congregation Beth El, a Reform congregation in Bangor.

It begins the 10 days of penitence.

“During the 10 days that begin with Rosh Hashana, Jews are supposed to undertake a process of personal introspection, to rebuild relationships with others, make repentance, to re-establish a connection between family, friends and community,” Milder says.

“For that reason, it’s very important to us on a spiritual level,” he says.

At the end of the 10 days comes the holiest day of the Jewish year, Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement. This year it begins at sundown Sunday, Sept. 15.

To Cantor, Yom Kippur is “to get yourself back onto the right track of life.”

It is a day when sins are confessed and amends are made so God and humankind can reconcile.

Following is a list of services during the High Holy Days for three major congregations in Bangor as well as synagogues in Presque Isle and Rockland:

Beth Abraham Synagogue, 145 York St., Bangor (Orthodox):

Rosh Hashana service 6:40 p.m. Sept. 6; services 8 a.m., 6:40 p.m. Sept. 7; services 8 a.m., 6:40 p.m. Sept. 8; Yom Kippur service 6:30 p.m., Sept. 15; 8 a.m. Sept. 16.

Beth Israel Synagogue, 144 York St., Bangor (Conservative):

Selichot service 10 p.m. Aug. 31; Rosh Hashana service 6 p.m., candle lighting 6:45 p.m. Sept. 6; service 8 a.m., 6:30 p.m., candle lighting 7:46 p.m. Sept. 7; service 8 a.m., 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8; Tzom Gedalia service, 6:45 a.m., 5:30 p.m. Sept. 9; Shabbat Shuvah service, 5:30 p.m., candle lighting 6:32 p.m. Sept. 13; service 9 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Sept. 14; Yom Kippur service, 6 p.m., candle lighting 6:28 p.m. Sept. 15; service 8 a.m., 5 p.m. Yizkor, 10 a.m. Break the fast, 7:28 p.m. Sept. 16.

Congregation Beth El, 183 French St., Bangor (Reform):

Rosh Hashana service 7:30 p.m. Sept. 6; service 10 a.m., family service 2 p.m. Sept. 7; Shabbat Shuvah, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 13; Yom Kippur service 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15; service 10 a.m., family service 2 p.m., Sept. 16. 945-4578.

Hebrew Community of Aroostook, Maple Street, Presque Isle:

Rosh Hashana service 7 p.m. Sept. 6; service 10 a.m. Sept. 7; Kol Nidre service 7 p.m. Sept. 15; Yom Kippur service 10 a.m.-noon, 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 16.

Adas Yoshuron Synagogue, 50 Willow St., Rockland:

Erev Rosh Hashana service, 7 p.m. Sept. 6; Rosh Hashana service 9 a.m., 7 p.m., children’s service 9:45 a.m. Sept. 7; Rosh Hashana second day service 9 a.m. Sept. 8; Kol Nidre service 6:30 p.m. Sept. 15; Yom Kippur service 9 a.m., children’s service 9:45 a.m., with Yizkor to be included with the morning portion of service, discussion followed by afternoon service 3 p.m., community break-the-fast meal 7 p.m., fee, reservations required Sept. 16.