The weathermen, though in Israel, we only see women giving us weather reports on TV, predicted a horrendous heat wave for Yom Kippur. That had everyone nervous, because Yom Kippur is a twenty-five hour fast. No food, no drinks unless one has certain medical problems. The air-conditioners were on super-high in the local shul, and the women who usually insist on opening the windows for a breeze, realized that the breeze coming in was more like a clothes dryer on its hottest temperature. So they let the machines work, and it was comfortable where I sat. It was a corner seat far in the back, so I was protected from the cold.
Dovening was wonderful. I love the enthusiasm and participation. We all sing along. This year's Ne'ila, the closing prayer was very different from last year. I can't say that one was better than the other; they were different styles. Last year was a youngish neighbor with a beautiful voice. His style wasn't operatic, professional chazzan, cantor style. It was warm and welcoming; we all joined in. This year was an older man, who included his extremely talented grandson for a few sections. The singing style was more "old world" emotional, and he has a "rougher" voice than last year's Shaliach Tzibur. The emotion works with the words of the prayers.
I managed to stand for the entire Neila, something I haven't done for years. That's a good sign; it means I felt fine. And yes, I did.
Another wonderful thing this year was that we weren't disturbed by young kids much. Most of the time if children came in they were quiet. I have problems concentrating when it gets noisy.
We broke the fast on vegetable soup. My husband also had a roll. And of course I drank lots of water. I still feel dried out, but fine, B"H, thank G-d.
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