High Holidays

A photo of two men and a woman looking down at a Torah scroll
Israel

From Simchat Torah to Sichat Torah

D'Var Torah By: Rabbi Yael Vurgan
There is no need to explain why there will be no joy on Simchat Torah this year in the western Negev. The looming first anniversary of the massacre is causing anger, frustration, and despair to flood back. As long as hostages are still held in Gaza, residents of the region are still stuck on October 7.

Selichot, Temple Emanu-El, Metuchen, NJ

Join Temple Emanu-El for a Selichot Service to introduce the prayers and themes of the High Holy Days followed by a viewing of the film "Just For Us". Based on his award-winning Broadway show, Alex Edelman shares his experience attending a meeting of White Nationalists where he comes face-to-face with people who wrote a string of online antisemitic threats pointed in his direction. Part stand-up, part morality play, his stories are shockingly relevant and utterly hilarious.

Yom Kippur
A child blowing a shofar
Yom Kippur

Creating High Holiday Memories for Children

Lisa Samick
Finding ways to make the High Holidays meaningful for your child is an important way to nurture their Jewish identity. There are many ways to celebrate at home, like reading books, making crafts, or discussing what the holiday means to you and them.
Unlit white memory candle in a glass votive against a black backdrop
High Holidays

You’re Invited to Remember

Rabbi Lisa S. Greene
Growing up, I saw Yizkor as a mysterious event on Yom Kippur afternoon. The grownups would return to temple in the afternoon, while my sister and I stayed home. There was no explanation, just an understanding that this was a thing our parents and grandparents did, and we did not.
an image of a prayer book opened, two shofars and a tallit on a white wooden surface
High Holidays

Judgment Days

Kerry Leaf
Some label Rosh HaShanah and the period between the New Year and Yom Kippur as "Judgment Days," a time during which the trajectory of our lives for the coming year is reached.