At Neilah, the Aron Kodesh, the holy ark, is opened one last time for the community to share prayers, before the gates of heaven close at the end of the High Holy Days. During Neilah at Temple Beth Sholom, we invite any participants in the service who chooses to approach the Aron Kodesh, for a few moments of personal prayer, either as an individual or family. At the end of Neilah the ark is closed, the shofar is sounded one last time, and we wish our community a Shanah tovah umitukah, happy, and sweet new year.