Dear CTC Family,
As the Yomin Noraim approach, now only three weeks away, I can’t help but think about what an amazing year we’ve had. Increased attendance at classes, daily minyanim and Shabbos davening have contributed greatly to the spiritual growth of our members and friends. Now, with the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to double-down, focus on improving ourselves even more, and prepare for the amazing CTC davening during Rosh Hashana (Sept. 29 and 30) and Yom Kippur (Oct. 8). With that in mind, I want to take this opportunity to answer some relevant questions.
HIGH HOLIDAY FAQS
- How much are tickets this year? The board did it’s very best to maintain ticket prices at the same level as last year. The member price is $200 per ticket. Associate members are $250 and non members are $350 per ticket. If you are unclear if your membership is in good standing, please contact me.
- What if I cannot afford those prices? The CTC board wants to make paying for your holiday tickets as easy as possible for you. While we will not be able to discount prices this year, we certainly would be happy to allow you to pay off your ticket(s) in installments. You can either give us post-dated checks to cover the price, or set up a monthly donation on the CTC website donor portal. I’d be happy to help you make these arrangements.
- Â What is the deadline to buy tickets? Technically, the deadline is Wednesday 9/28, the day before Rosh Hashana. But, this year, with limited seating and high demand, you would be best advised to purchase your tickets as early as possible. Ticket sales are already open.
- What if I’m only coming to Rosh Hashana but not Yom Kippur, or vice versa? May I purchase a seat for one, and not the other? To be guaranteed of a seat you need to buy a ticket for the entire holiday period. We apologize, but we cannot sell seats for only Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur.
- What will the seating arrangement be like in the shul? We can easily fit 30 men in main shul area, with overflow for 10 more men in the back living room. The women will daven in the breakfast room, next to the shul, where there is easily room for 20.
- I can’t resist the urge to talk during davening. Where can I schmooze? The backyard and side yards are perfect for taking a break during davening. Usual CTC shul decorum during davening will be in place for all locations on the ground floor.
- Who are the chazzanim this year? For Rosh Hashana we are thrilled to welcome back Rabbi Binyamin Stolov (Dallas, TX) and Mark Gothelf (Monsey, NY), who will represent us for Shacharis and Mussaf respectively. For Yom Kippur we are very glad to welcome for the first time Rabbi Tzvi Lewis (Dallas, TX) and Kalman Weber (Toronto, ON), who will represent us for Shacharis and Mussaf respectively. I believe all these men have the potential to bring us to heights we’ve never experienced before at CTC. Looking forward!
- Is there childcare this year? Due to the limited facility space, there will not be any official childcare this year. If you have any specific questions, concerns or suggestions, please let me know.
- Rosh Hashana is a 3-day Yom Tov this year. Is there a concern about parking on the street? Please do not park in front of any of the neighbors’ houses before Rosh Hashana. Please walk or have somebody drop you off before mincha on erev Rosh Shashana. If you need to drive, please contact me in advance of the holiday. I will be able to assign you a parking spot at the home of a shul member who lives close by.
One day I know we’ll all look back and remember how special was 5771. We appreciate the Richs for opening their house to host the shul while we continue to develop our plans for our permanent home. Our spiritual commitment is strong and our fondness for each other is easily felt. Together, they will help create an atmosphere conducive to terrific tefillah. If there is anything I did not cover please contact me by telephone at 972-267-4747, or by email at [email protected].
On behalf of the CTC Executive and Advisory Boards, we wish everyone to written and sealed for a happy, healthy, sweet new year, filled with continued growth in all areas of your relationship with Hashem.
Wes Sutkin
President, Congregation Toras Chaim