Explore judaisms timeless message of divine purpose and the ongoing search for meaning in a world of human frailtyampamp160but also promise.Nampamp8217ilah the closing of the gates is in many ways the most anticipated worship service in the entire Jewish calendar. Coming at the end of the 24hour fast that characterizes Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement it symbolizes the days of old when the gates of the ancient Temple closed at last and with them the last chance for prayers of atonement and reconciliation with God and with others. Nowadays the synagogue service that replaced the Temple cult marks the occasion with heightened fervor the only time all year when the gates of the ark that houses the Torah scroll remain open throughout the service telltale melodies accompany the occasion a final blast of the shofar the ramampamp8217s horn symbolizes the end of the fast and the new beginning that follows special prayers celebrate the human capacity to create a life that matters beyond our own mortality and the presence of God who ampamp8220reaches out a handampamp8221 to invite us into the new Jewish year that Nampamp8217ilahampamp8217s final shofar blast inaugurates.Prayers of Awe A multivolume series designed to explore the High Holy Day liturgy and enrich the praying experience for everyoneampamp8212whether experienced worshipers or guests who encounter Jewish prayer for the very first time.ContributorsRabbi Bradley Shavit Artson DHLampamp160Rabbi Tony Bayfield CBE DDRabbi Will Berkovitzampamp160Dr.