High Holidays

As we prepare for the Yamim Noraim, our Days of Awe, we do so in a world filled with uncertainty. It is a time when faith is tested, when joy and sorrow often coexist, and when we search for meaning amid complexity. This year, our High Holiday theme, L’ayla L’ayla – Even Higher, invites us to rise above the turmoil, to reach beyond what is expected, and to seek holiness in acts of compassion and kindness. In I.L. Peretz’s timeless tale of the Rabbi of Nemirov, rather than ascending to Heaven, the holy man brings heaven down to earth through selfless deeds. This holiday season, we are inspired by this story and reminded that true sanctity lies in service, in empathy, and in showing up for one another. As we gather in prayer, reflection, and community, may we lift ourselves and each other even higher, toward healing, peace, and renewal.

High Holidays 5786: Schedule

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Monday, September 22

6:30pm: Ma’ariv Service

Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Tuesday, September 23

8:30am: Combined P’sukei D’zimra and Shacharit (in the Sanctuary with open seating)
9:30am: Study Service (In the Chapel, led by Seth Schafler and Rabbi Jennifer Tobenstein with lay participation)
9:30am: Sanctuary Service (Clergy-led service in the Main Sanctuary)
10:00-11:15am: Family Service* (In the Activity Center led by Rabbi Dalton and Matt Baum)
10:45am-12:15pm: Youth Programs *
11:00am-12:00pm: Teen Program* (Grades 7-12)
5:15pm: Community Tashlich
6:30pm: Mincha and Ma’ariv

Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Wednesday, September 24

8:30am: Combined P’sukei D’zimra and Shacharit (In the Sanctuary with open seating)
9:30am: Study Service (In the Chapel, led by Seth Schafler and Rabbi Jennifer Tobenstein with lay participation)
9:30am: Sanctuary Service (Clergy-led service in the Main Sanctuary)
10:00-11:15am: Family Service * (In the Activity Center led by Rabbi Dalton and Matt Baum)
10:45am-12:15pm: Youth Programs*
5:15pm: Community Tashlich (rain date)
6:30pm: Mincha and Ma’ariv

Erev Yom Kippur: Wednesday, October 1

5:30-8:15pm: Kol Nidre Youth Program*
5:45pm Sanctuary Kol Nidre Service Begins* (Clergy-led service in the Main Sanctuary)
6:15pm Study Service Kol Nidre Service Begins* (In the Chapel, led by Seth Schafler and Rabbi Jennifer Tobenstein with lay participation)

Yom Kippur: Thursday, October 2

8:30am: Combined P’sukei D’zimra and Shacharit (in the Sanctuary with open seating)
10:00am: Adult Service* (Clergy-led service in the Main Sanctuary)
10:00am: Study Service* (In the Chapel, led by Seth Schafler and Rabbi Jennifer Tobenstein with lay participation)
10:00-11:15am Family Service* (In the Activity Center led by Rabbi Dalton and Matt Baum)
11:00am-12:30pm Youth Programs*
11:00am-12:00pm Teen Program* (Grades 7-12)
2:00pm: Rabbi Arnowitz’s shiur
3:30pm: Mindfulness with Cheryl Brause
4:30pm: Mincha
5:45pm: Ne’ilah
5:45-7:15pm: Children’s Ne’ilah program*
7:18pm: Fast Ends/Ma’ariv
7:18-8:45-Community Break-Fast*

*Registration Required

HHD 2025 Registration

High Holiday Music

Become more familiar with the High Holiday service by listening to Cantor Ethan Goldberg beautifully chant several popular prayers: Click here to visit WJC on Soundcloud