High Holy Days Menu
Preparing Our Hearts for the High Holy Days
The stirring strains of Kol Nidre call us to reflection, renewal, and return.
We invite you to pause and listen to this moving performance by HBT congregant
Rob Kalish, whose cello helps carry us into the spirit of these holy days.
Welcoming the New Year in Song
Our High Holy Day services are led with heart, depth, and joy.
In this short video, Rabbi Aliza Schwartz introduces
Eliana Golding, our shaliach tzibur (prayer leader),
who will join us this season to guide us in prayer and song.
🌅 Erev Rosh Hashanah — Monday, September 22
Begin 5786 together with song, prayer, and intention as we welcome the New Year.
6:15–7:30pm
Service with Rabbi Aliza Schwartz and
Eliana Golding, shaliach tzibur (prayer leader).
✨ Rosh Hashanah Day 1 — Tuesday, September 23
Lift our voices, hear the shofar, and step into the New Year with joy and awe.
🌟 Main Sanctuary Service
9:30am–1:00pm
With Rabbi Aliza and
Eliana Golding, shaliach tzibur.
👶 High Holy Day Sing-Along
8:30–9:30am — Geared toward children under 4 and their grownups (no drop-offs, please). Celebrate the sweetness of the New Year with singing, movement, apples & honey, and a joyful welcome to 5786.
🎉 Family Service (Ages 4–2nd Grade)
8:30–9:30am — A participatory family service for children and their grown-ups. Discover the themes of the holiday, pray together, and laugh a little, too. No drop-offs, please. We will sing prayers, both familiar and special for the Holy Days, and tell stories.
Programs for grades 3–6 and a teen discussion will also be offered (time TBD).
🧒 High Holy Day Childcare (Ages 3+)
Childcare opens ahead of the Main Community Service (9:30am start); check-in begins at 9:15am.
Provided by Yal-Day-New (Allston/Brighton) — experienced early childhood educators known for warmth and professionalism.
- Free for HBT members
- $36 per participant, per day for non-members
⚠️ Important: This form indicates interest so we can staff appropriately. Your spot is not guaranteed until we confirm with you.
📅 Deadline: Please complete the form by September 15. Without sufficient confirmed interest, we won’t be able to offer childcare.
4:30pm — Tashlich at Millenium Park (meet at the boat launch dock). Join Rabbi Aliza for a story and cast sunflower seeds on the water (please do not bring bread — it harms the ecosystem).
🌅 Rosh Hashanah Day 2 — Wednesday, September 24
Continue the journey into 5786 with prayer, learning, and community.
9:30am–1:00pm
Service with Rabbi Aliza and
Eliana Golding, shaliach tzibur.
🧒 Childcare is available with advance registration. Please complete the Childcare Interest Form .
📖 Shabbat Shuvah — Saturday, September 27
The first Shabbat of the Jewish New Year is called Shabbat Shuvah, or the “Sabbath of Return.” If that word reminds you of the word teshuvah, that’s not a coincidence — they share a common root.
Teshuvah, or repentance, is a core concept of the High Holidays. The word literally means “return.” Services on Shabbat Shuvah are typically solemn and focused. The Haftarah portion deals with themes of repentance and forgiveness.
10:00am–12:30pm — Shabbat morning service
🌙 Kol Nidre — Wednesday, October 1
6:00–8:15pm
Service with Rabbi Aliza and
Eliana Golding, shaliach tzibur.
🎶 Rob Kalish will play the cello during Kol Nidre. Please arrive on time or even a few minutes early. The sanctuary doors will be closed during the chanting of Kol Nidre.
If you arrive after Kol Nidre begins, please enter quietly when the usher lets you in and take a seat in the back only; you may move forward afterward.
It is our custom to wear white.
🧒 Childcare is available with advance registration. Please complete the Childcare Interest Form .
🕊️ Yom Kippur — Thursday, October 2
The holiest day of the Jewish year — a day of prayer, reflection, and renewal. All are invited to join in community as we seek forgiveness, healing, and hope for the year ahead.
🌟 Main Sanctuary Service
9:30am–1:30pm
With Rabbi Aliza and
Eliana Golding, shaliach tzibur.
👶 Baby & Toddler Programming
8:30–9:30am — High Holy Day Sing-Along @ HBT
Geared toward children under 4 and their grownups (no drop-offs, please).
Celebrate the sweetness of the New Year with singing, movement, apples & honey, and a joyful welcome to 5786.
🎉 New Gathering for a New Year!
8:30–9:30am — A participatory family service for children ages 4 through 2nd grade and their grown-ups. We will discover the themes of the holiday, pray together, and laugh a little, too. This service is designed for children age 4 years through current 2nd graders and their grown-ups. No drop-offs, please. We will sing prayers, both familiar and special for the Holy Days, and tell stories.
Programs for grades 3–6 and a teen discussion will also be offered (time TBD).
🧒 Childcare During Services
Childcare on Yom Kippur follows the same details as Rosh Hashanah — provided by Yal-Day-New, with advance registration required. If you haven’t already, please complete the Childcare Interest Form .
🧘 Body • 🕯️ Spirit • 🧠 Mind
By weaving together yoga for the body, meditation for the spirit, and reflection for the mind, you will be guided on a holistic journey embracing the themes of Yom Kippur — reflection, healing, and renewal.
- 1:40–2:25pm — Chair Yoga with Laurie Rotman
- 2:30–3:15pm — Making Meaning of the Yom Kippur Liturgy with Elana Elstein
- 3:25–4:10pm — Chanting and Pausing with Tracy Rich
📜 Afternoon & Closing Services
Yizkor — 4:15pm
Mincha — 5:00pm
Ne’ila — 5:45pm
Havdallah — 7:00pm
🍽️ Temple Community Break Fast
We’ll break the fast together immediately following Havdallah (7:00pm) in the Knopf Social Hall. A cold dairy meal will be served. RSVP by Monday, September 29. Cost: $25 per person or $62 per family.
