The High Holidays are an exciting season at Temple Emanu-El, with many different types of services and programming to help us enter into the new year, from Selichot through Simchat Torah.
Selichot
On a Saturday night preceding Rosh Hashanah, Selichot provides an opportunity to prepare ourselves for the Days of Awe and to begin the recitation of the penitential liturgy. Temple Emanu-El offers a contemplative service, beginning with Havdalah. The service is led by the clergy, members of the ritual committee, choir, and musicians. Prior to the service there is often a movie viewing and discussion of the film’s Jewish themes.
Rosh Hashanah
Bring in the New Year with Temple Emanu-El! Below is the typical schedule of services:
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Erev Rosh Hashanah Service, 7pm
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Rosh Hashanah Children’s Service, 9am
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Rosh Hashanah Morning Congregational Service, 10am
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Tashlich in the park, 5pm
Shabbat Shuva
Shabbat Shuva is the Shabbat that takes place between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. At Temple Emanu-El this service also includes the installation of our new Board of Trustees and auxiliaries boards.
Yom Kippur
There are many different opportunities to observe Yom Kippur in a way that is meaningful to you. Below is the typical schedule of services and offerings:
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Kol Nidre Service - 7pm
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Yom Kippur Children’s Service - 9am
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Yom Kippur Morning Congregational Service - 10am
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Afternoon programs and activities (including a panel discussion, yoga or movement, healing service and reading of the Book of Jonah led by members of the Ritual Committee, a musical interlude with a string quartet) - all taking place throughout the afternoon
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Yizkor and N’ilah Services - 4:45
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A community Break the Fast follows the conclusion of N’ilah
Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Throughout the week of Sukkot there are plenty of activities for all to enjoy in our congregation’s patio Sukkah! From the First Night Fiesta, Youth Group sleepover in the Sukkah, Brotherhood’s Scotch in the Sukkah, and more. The week culminates with our Simchat Torah celebration where we enjoy dancing with our Torah scrolls, unrolling one around the sanctuary, and starting the cycle of readings anew. We also welcome all new students beginning their education at Temple Emanu-El with a brief consecretaion ceremony. The service is followed by an oneg and Israeli dancing. Simchat Torah continues the next day with a morning festival service and Yizkor.
Festival Morning and Yizkor Services
During the festivals of Sukkot/Simchat Torah, Passover, and Shavuot there are many programmatic offerings which celebrate the holidays (be sure to check the calendar!). We also offer Festival Morning Yizkor services (typically on Zoom) three times a year as an opportunity to come together in community to remember loved ones we have lost. These services take place on Simchat Torah morning, the 7th day of Passover, and Shavuot morning.
