On Sunday, Aug. 17 at noon, Glendale Mayor Zareh Sinanyan will join Rabbi Rick Schechter, Cantor Steve Hummel, and other community leaders at Temple Sinai of Glendale as the shofar is blown during the “Check in at Sinai” celebration signaling the start of Jewish New Year 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 blowing of the shofar is always special at Temple Sinai,” said Rabbi Rick Schechter.  “Traditionally, it is the sound of the shofar which stirs Jews around the world to think of repentance and resolutions of self-improvement. We are also proud that our community has a Shofar Chorus, which includes members ranging in age from 8 to 80, who bring this biblical instrument to life with their soulful blasts. This range of ages underscores the importance of continuing tradition for multiple generations.”

“We are very excited about this year’s Check in at Sinai,” said Donna Baar, newly installed president of Temple Sinai. “It’s a chance for our existing congregants to reconnect, and for new members to see the variety of programs we offer. We are especially honored that Mayor Sinanyan will call the first t’kiah, a long blast of the shofar, which the entire chorus will perform.”

The Sunday event begins at 11 a.m. with a lunch and social hour sponsored by the Temple Sinai Brotherhood. The shofar ceremony will commence at noon with an invocation by Rabbi Schechter, followed by the mayor’s call. After the shofar ceremony, attendees will have opportunities to sign up for educational, spiritual, cultural and social justice programs at Temple Sinai.

Rosh HaShanah holiday worship services will be held at Temple Sinai on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m. Services for families with young children are at 3 p.m. on Sept. 25.

Kol Nidre, the traditional start of a day of fasting and prayer, is on Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. Morning Yom Kippur services will be on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. Services for families with young children are at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4.

Founded in 1928, 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.

For further information, phone Barak Malkin at (818) 246-8101.