On Sunday, Aug. 16 noon, Glendale Mayor Ara Najarian and Councilmember Laura Friedman will join Rabbi Rick Schechter, Cantor Steve Hummel, and other community leaders at Temple Sinai of Glendale to lead the shofar choir in a Tekiah Gedolah, signaling the start of Jewish New Year 5776 preparations. The shofar, a wind instrument dating back to biblical times, is made from the horn of a ram, and is blown in Jewish communities all over the world in the weeks leading up to Rosh HaShanah, the Jewish New Year. The Tekiah Gedolah is the long unbroken blast of the shofar meant to stir the soul.

“The blowing of the shofar is always special at Temple Sinai,” said Rabbi Schechter. “Traditionally, it is the sound of the shofar which stirs Jews around the world to think of personal and community renewal, and spiritual growth and resolutions of self-improvement. We are also proud of our community Shofar Chorus, with members ranging in age from 8 to 80, who bring this biblical instrument to life. This range of ages underscores the importance of continuing tradition for multiple generations.”

“We are very excited about this year’s event,” said Donna Baar, president of Temple Sinai. “Our annual shofar program and open house is a chance for our congregants to reconnect and for new members to see the variety of programs we offer, including this year’s E-waste recycling collection event. We are especially honored that Mayor Najarian and Councilmember Friedman will be participating.”

The event begins at 11 a.m. with a lunch and social hour. The shofar program follows at noon with an invocation by Rabbi Schechter, followed by the mayor and councilmember’s shofar call.

Rosh HaShanah worship services will be held at Temple Sinai on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. Services for families with young children are at 3 p.m. on Sept. 14.

Kol Nidre, the traditional start of a day of fasting and prayer, is on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. Morning Yom Kippur services will be on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. Services for families with young children are at 2 p.m. on Sept. 23.

Temple Sinai of Glendale is the oldest and largest Reform Jewish Synagogue serving Glendale and the surrounding communities. Temple Sinai is located at 1212 N. Pacific Ave., three blocks north of Glenoaks Avenue. For further information, phone Barak Malkin at (818) 246-8101.