The Jewish Congregation of Maui will continue its observance of the High Holy Days next week.
The schedule of services is as follows:
* Tuesday - 5:30 p.m. doors open and 6 p.m. Yom Kippur eve service.
* Wednesday - 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Yom Kippur morning service; 4 p.m. Mincha service; 5 p.m. Yizkor; 6:15 p.m. Neila service; and 7 p.m. Havdalah and break fast.
* Thursday - 3 p.m. Sukkah building and decorating party.
The Holy Day season lasts for three weeks, beginning last week with the Rosh Hashanah observance. The next day of observance is the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, which begins Tuesday evening. The sabbath that falls in between the two is known as Shabbat Shuva.
It is during this time that each person reflects inwardly on their merits and faults, according to an announcement of synagogue services. Jews extend friendship to those around them and repair broken relationships in all areas of their lives.
Many Jews purify themselves in a mikvah, or ritual bath on the Eve of Yom Kippur. Eating, drinking and all bodily pleasures are prohibited on Yom Kippur. White clothing is customarily worn with shoes that are not made of leather.
In preparation for Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, congregation members will hold a community Sukkah building party the day after Yom Kippur on Thursday. Everyone is encouraged to participate.
Participants are encouraged to bring all natural items. The sukkah will remain open for those wishing to eat their meals inside, study and pray throughout the holiday as well as bless the lulav, the closed frond of the date palm tree.
Sukkot continues to the following week and culminates in the final two days of the holiday, which are called Shmini Atzeret, or eighth day of assembly, and Simchat Torah, or celebration of Torah.
