Shofar & Sweetness: Our Yom Kippur on the Beach

After a full day of prayer, reflection, and fasting, there is something beautiful about stepping outside and letting the world back in. Every year, we close Yom Kippur together on the beach.

The sky had other plans for us. It was a little rainy, and for a moment I wondered whether we would scatter. But nobody left. We huddled a bit closer and kept going. And to me, the rain made it better. There was so much warmth in our circle that a few drops could not touch it.

Singing and Sharing

We sang together as the day came to its close. Voices rose over the sound of the waves, some strong, some tired from a long day of fasting, all of them sincere.

People shared what the day had meant to them: something they let go of, something they hope for, someone they were holding in their hearts.

There is a particular kind of closeness that comes at the end of Yom Kippur, when everyone is a little tender and a little lighter. You could feel it on that beach.

The Final Shofar

Then Michael lifted the shofar and sounded the final tekiah gedolah, long and strong, rolling out over the water. That last blast is our tradition’s way of saying the gates are closing, the work of the day is done, and a new year is truly beginning. Hearing it with the ocean stretched out in front of us, drizzle and all, was unforgettable. Thank you, Michael.

Havdalah and Something Sweet

We lit the braided havdalah candle, its flame flickering against the damp evening air, and marked the separation between the holy day and the days ahead. And then, of course, we broke our fast the sweetest way possible, sharing treats and drinks and plenty of hugs.

It felt like exactly the right way to begin 5787: together, a little weathered, and full of joy anyway.

Carrying It Into the New Year

Life will not always give us perfect weather. This year may bring its share of storms. But if we keep showing up for each other, singing anyway and holding each other close, I believe it will be an extra special year for our community.

Thank you to everyone who came, stayed, and sang. If you missed it this time, I hope you will join us at our next gathering.

Everything at Neshamah starts with a conversation. We’re here whenever you’re ready.

With love and blessings,

Rabbi Amy