High Holidays

On Rosh Hashanah First Day & Yom Kippur, we offer Three distinct services:

Our Sanctuary service offers the grandeur of the High Holidays with Rabbi Rosen, Cantor Ness, and the Beth El Choir. Enjoy the glorious music of the holidays accompanied by the organ, and thought-provoking insights, teachings, and sermons from Rabbi Rosen (with Rabbi Zerin speaking on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, and both rabbis on Kol Nidrei), all from our beautiful sanctuary or through livestream.

Our Outdoor service in the Grove, led by Rabbi Zerin, Jason Kay, and Susan Gold, offers a participatory, musical service in a relaxed outdoor setting. The service will include classic favorites from the Chapel Service, new melodies, meaningful insights into the prayers, and trivia for kids (and adults) during the Torah service. Rabbi Rosen will give the sermon on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and Rabbi Zerin will give the sermon on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidrei, and Yom Kippur. Note: in case of rain or uncomfortable heat or cold, this service will move inside to the Chapel.

Kids ages 0-10 and their grown-ups are invited to start the New Year off with stories, songs, prayers, and activities! The Family Service, led by Rabbi Zerin, will include all the highlights of the High Holiday services you know and love, while engaging in the themes of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in a family-friendly way. On Rosh Hashanah, the family service will end with apples and honey, and on both days the service will be immediately followed by drop-off programs for children in Kindergarten-5th grade.

Our Second Day of Rosh Hashanah is open to the community! We offer Three options:

• The Sanctuary features a festive atmosphere with a service that is somewhat abridged and also more informal, spirited, and participatory. 
• Our Outdoor Service in the Grove
• A Meaningful Family Service geared to 0-10 year olds and their grown-ups. Parents, grandparents and children are invited to join Rabbi Zerin and Rabbi Sowalsky for this family service.

Select from two Kol Nidrei services:

• Our Sanctuary Service captures the awe-inspiring splendor as we prepare to ask God for forgiveness. Rabbi Rosen and Cantor Ness, together with the choir and the Austin organ, create a magnificent setting for this solemn evening of prayer. 
• Outdoors in the Grove, Rabbi Zerin and Susan Gold create a quiet atmosphere where we can listen closely for the still, small voice of God.

Experience Neilah in a Personal Way

As Yom Kippur concludes and the symbolic Gates of Heaven are closing, we invite our members and members of the community to stand before the ark, alone or with their family, for a personal moment of reflection and prayer. Non-Jewish family members are welcome to join this very moving experience. 

The High Holiday supplement in Temple Topics contains complete information about our services, tickets, seating, parking, and more.

Preparing for Livestream Access

Are you a member in good standing who is ready to check if you're all set for viewing services via livestream? Click here.

If you plan on joining services via livestream, click here to reserve a High Holiday prayer book for home use.