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Dear Members of Kesher Israel,

It is 250 years since America’s Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. We celebrate that milestone as
we should. Yet many Jews feel anxious not knowing what tomorrow will bring for the United States, the
Jewish people, and the world. For thousands of years, our Hebrew calendar has remained a source of
continuity and hope. The sound of the shofar’s tekiah says Wake up: The High Holidays are here.

We are pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has engaged Rabbi Michael Perice to be our new
rabbi, effective September 1, 2026. We welcome Rabbi Michael, his wife Rachael, and his four-year old son
Ari, to our Kesher Israel family.

Click here to read Rabbi Michael’s greeting to our congregation.

Please join us when Rosh Hashanah services will be held in our Sanctuary on Shabbat, September 12 and
Sunday, September 13. Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services will be held Sunday evening September 20, and
Monday, September 21, 2026.

This year, our new Rabbi Michael Perice and our Chazzan Steve Friedell will lead our High Holiday
services. They and some of our learned congregants have already begun planning the liturgy that will include
more prayers and readings in English, as well as shorter, inspiring services. That’s the age-old challenge of
Judaism: to hold fast to our tradition, but not stand still, and to adapt to a changing world, without giving up
Judaism’s essence and meaning.

Services will be held in person only at Kesher Israel. We will all pray together as a Jewish community in our
synagogue. These Holy Days in our complex world are a time to join together. We reset our lives, strengthen
our resolve, and welcome 5787 united with family and friends. It’s truly a blessing to be able to do so.

We will have security guards to help ensure everyone’s safety, and to check everyone’s tickets. We will
adhere to all safety precautions. We will also provide children’s services and childcare in our Mersky
Chapel, so that parents and relatives can take time to pray in shul. We all have much to be thankful for.

Please complete and return the enclosed membership form by September 2, 2026. If you need childcare for
children under age 6, simply indicate the number on the form. Also enclosed is the form for the Yizkor
Booklet, which will be distributed at the Yizkor Service on Yom Kippur, and throughout the year. Kesher
Israel membership costs have not increased — another blessing.

Let us all begin 5787 together at Kesher Israel. We will see family, friends, and familiar faces. Judaism has
endured in part because we Jews are united when it matters. It is a blessing, and we want you to be part of it.

Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
Congregation Kesher Israel