Synagogue halls will be lined with chairs and marquees erected in readiness for the High Holy Day crowds. Three out of four British Jews can be expected to make an appearance in shul over the next few days — more than two and half times larger than regular Shabbat attendance.

While the High Holy Days retain a unique draw, it can be hard to stay focused through the endurance test of long services. Even if the music keeps us in the appropriate mood, the words may often pass us by.

So to help limber up for the annual spiritual marathon, the London School of Jewish Studies has for a second year produced a booklet of short essays, introducing a dozen or so of the major prayers. It is written by faculty members and graduates of its MA in Jewish education and modelled on the kavanot, literally “intentions”, the pre-prayer meditations with rabbis of old used to prepare themselves.

As one contributor, Deni Jacob, an informal educator at JFS, comments, “We cannot just turn up in shul and expect a magical transformational experience, we need to put the effort in.”

Rather than dwell on the sterner notions of judgment or the repentance of sin, the emphasis here is more on encouragement, of seeking a personal relationship with God. 
Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis speaks of hope in his preface, Sephardi leader Rabbi Joseph Dweck of recognising new opportunities amid the unpredictability of life.

My favourite thought comes from the late Rabbi Mickey Rosen, founder of Yakar, which is shared by LSJS director of academic studies, Dr Tamra Wright: “It’s not how you fast that matters — it’s how you break your fast.” However heightened the sense of occasion, the High Holy Days are a platform for the rest of the year.
Simon Rocker