Temple Sinai

Alecia Foster GLENDALE -- It's the little things that can make a big difference. That's why the the women of Sisterhood at Temple Sinai of Glendale have donated their spare time and energy tending to them. "Sisterhood is the right arm of the temple, the heart of the temple," said member Florence Coutin. The group, begun more than 50 years ago, serves the temple in a number of ways, from providing candles for Shabbat to maintaining the temple's kitchen and supplies to organizing the community Passover Seder.

Janine Marnien The traditional time for Jews to reflect and experience spiritual renewal begins tonight with the blowing of the ram's horn, or shofar. The sound is the beginning of the Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah, and is a time to seek atonement. "Having a specific time set aside for this gives the person a sense of regularity," said Rabbi Jonathan Biatch of Glendale's Temple Sinai. "They know at a certain point to join together with their community and seek atonement."

Jackie Conley Disagreement between two friends can be difficult to resolve sometimes. So, to precede the High Holy Days, Temple Sinai of Glendale will present a film that shows how a person's actions, although regrettable, can be resolved. Beginning with a Selichot observance to precede the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashana (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), Temple Sinai will commemorate the day with an evening of study and prayers, beginning with a screening and discussion of the 1991 feature film "The Quarrel" at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Marshall Allen GLENDALE -- The historical accuracy of the Bible is always a matter of debate, one with tremendous implications for people of faith. Tonight, biblical archeologist Dr. William G. Dever will speak and answer questions on the subject at Temple Sinai of Glendale. Many people regard the Bible as an "antiquated" document, said Rabbi Jeff Ronald of Temple Sinai. "Even more radical people would argue it's a pernicious document that keeps humanity from advancing."

Gary Moskowitz NORTHWEST GLENDALE -- Five cantors, one hazzan, a pianist and an organist from varied musical and religious backgrounds performed a Cantorial concert Sunday at Temple Sinai of Glendale that they hope is the start of a new tradition. It was the first time the Sinai Seniors of Temple Sinai of Glendale organized such an event, which they plan to host every year, at different synagogues. Cantor Brad Hyman of Temple Sinai of Glendale, during the 11 a.m. rehearsal of the performers, said the event was a way of celebrating the changing role of the cantor in reform and conservative Jewish services.

Amber Willard GLENDALE -- Add shoes to the list of items like pencils and books that students need to perform better in school, say members of a local temple. Temple Sinai of Glendale is looking for volunteers to donate shoes for needy students. "People don't realize that there are kids in need in Glendale -- they see it as a middle-class community," said Steve Goby, who organizes the Shoes That Fit project for the temple. In the seven years the temple has sponsored the program, more than 100 students have gotten shoes, Goby said.

Rima Shah Today is Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day to remember the horrors of the past and to prevent them from happening in the future, Jewish community leaders said. The Holocaust was the systematic, state-sponsored extermination of Jews in Europe by Nazi Germany. Six million Jews were murdered, and gypsies, the disabled, homosexuals, political prisoners, Poles and Jehovah's Witnesses were also killed in the millions. "The Holocaust has been a symbol of inhuman and racial and ethnic prejudice," said Rabbi Jonathan Biatch of Temple Sinai.

Glendale is blessed with a vibrant, caring religious community, and few local spiritual leaders have served their congregations as well as Rabbi Carole Meyers of Temple Sinai. For 15 years, Meyers has led her flock through matters spiritual and moral, and somehow found the time to serve the Glendale community as a whole. Meyers recently announced she will be stepping down in June as head of Temple Sinai to devote more time to her family. A search is underway for a new rabbi for the temple.

Jenna Bordelon GLENWOOD -- The ancient Jewish holiday of freedom, Passover, will be celebrated for seven days beginning Wednesday. Many of the 325 families who attend Temple Sinai in Glendale, will observe the rituals of the festival in a traditional way. "We're far from orthodox," said Temple Sinai president, Paul Dietz. "But I think most Jews who are in touch with their religion are participating in the Seder." The Seder, meaning order, involves a gathering of family and friends who relive the story of God's redemption of the Hebrew slaves from Egypt.

Buck Wargo GLENDALE -- The High Holy Days, the most sacred days of the Jewish year, will be celebrated in area synagogues, starting at sundown tonight. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5761, will be celebrated in services tonight and Saturday morning. It begins the Ten Days of Penitence that ends on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, which will be observed after sundown Oct. 8 and Oct. 9. Temple Sinai of Glendale, the area's oldest Reform Jewish synagogue, will offer Rosh Hashanah services starting at 8 p.m. tonight, 1212 N. Pacific Ave. A one-hour children's service will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday to be followed by the regular service at 10 a.m. Congregation Hugat Haverim will have services at the Neighborhood Church in Pasadena, 301 N. Orange Grove, at 8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.