High Holy Days 5787
May compassion, generosity, and justice inspire us to live meaningful lives
עֲשֵׂה עִמָּֽנוּ צְדָקָה וָחֶֽסֶד וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ
The High Holy Days arrive like the first cool breath of autumn — anticipated, needed, and quietly transforming.
Once a year, we pause the relentless scroll of our lives and gather together, accountability partners in the ancient work of becoming. The river of our lives never stops flowing, but this season asks us to stand at the bank and look clearly — at our failures, our possibilities, our unfinished business. It is hard work. It is sacred work. And we cannot do it alone.
So we show up, together, in the same place, at the same time, ready to begin anew.
Important Dates
S’lichot Candlelit Service and Spiritual Practice Lab: Saturday, September 5
Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13
Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21
Sukkot: September 25 – October 2
Simchat Torah: Friday, October 2 – Saturday, 3
High Holy Day Services
This High Holy Day season, we gather as one sacred community, joyfully welcoming the new year through music, prayer, connection, and celebration.
We invite you to join us for any of the service options listed below. Please allow extra arrival time on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for security.
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S'lichot Candlelit Services and Spiritual Practice Lab
S’lichot Candlelit Service
As we enter the High Holy Day season, S’lichot offers a gentle transition, a time to slow down, reflect, and return to ourselves and our purpose. The evening includes a community dinner, Spiritual Practice Lab session, and a moving candlelit S’lichot service as we ready our Torah scrolls—and our hearts — for the Days of Awe. Come with curiosity, dress comfortably, and step into the season with intention.
Saturday, September 5
Join us for an extraordinary afternoon and evening of spiritual preparation for a transformative S’lichot experience. Come for any part or all of the day’s program and service.
4:45 p.m. Family S’lichot Dinner, Service, and Activity (Village and Elementary age). Onsite.
7:00 p.m. Community Dinner. Onsite.
7:30 p.m. Spiritual Practice Lab or Text Study with the Rabbis, Onsite and Online.
9:00 p.m. Candlelit S’lichot Service. Onsite.
Rosh Hashanah Services
Rosh Hashanah
As a community we gather to celebrate the world beginning anew as we enter the New Year together.
Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 11
5:30 p.m. Young Family Erev Rosh Hashanah Service. Onsite. (Age 0 – 6).
6:15 p.m. Family Erev Rosh Hashanah Schmooze with Dinner. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7).
6:15 p.m. Riverway Project Erev Rosh Hashanah Service. Onsite and Online. (20s & 30s).
7:30 p.m. Community-Wide Erev Rosh Hashanah Service. Onsite and Online. Followed by the Grand Homecoming Schmooze. Onsite.
Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Saturday, September 12
9:00 a.m. Family Rosh Hashanah Service. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7).
9:00 a.m. Community-Wide Rosh Hashanah Service (Early). Onsite and Online. Followed by Tashlich.
9:15 a.m. Young Family Rosh Hashanah Service. Onsite (Age 0 – 6). Followed by Tashlich.
11:45 a.m. Community-Wide Rosh Hashanah Service (Late). Onsite and Online. Followed by Tashlich.
Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Sunday, September 13
10:00 a.m. Lay-Led Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Service and Lunch. Onsite and Online (via Temple Israel livestream or Facebook).
2:00 p.m. Reverse Tashlich. Offsite.
Yom Kippur Services (including Yizkor Memorial Service)
Yom Kippur
Our Day of Atonement, our most vulnerable day when we face our imperfect selves and our efforts to make t’shuvah.
Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20
4:30 p.m. Young Family Service. Onsite. (Age 0 – 6).
5:30 p.m. Community-Wide Kol Nidre Service (Early). Onsite and Online.
6:00 p.m. Family Kol Nidre Service. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7).
7:00 p.m. Riverway Project Kol Nidre Service (20s & 30s). Onsite and Online.
8:15 p.m. Community-Wide Kol Nidre Service (Late). Onsite and Online.
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21
9:00 a.m. Family Yom Kippur Service. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7).
9:00 a.m. Community-Wide Yom Kippur Service (Early). Onsite and Online.
9:15 a.m. Young Family Yom Kippur Service. Onsite. (Age 0 – 6).
11:45 a.m. Community-Wide Yom Kippur Service (Late). Onsite and Online.
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Between Services: Stay in the Day. Deepen Your Yom Kippur Experience Between Yom Kippur morning and afternoon services, we invite you to participate in your choice of facilitated conversations, or find one of many spaces inside the Temple Israel building and along the Muddy River for meditative quiet.
- Ask the Clergy. Onsite and Online.
- Poetry as Prayer; Prayer as Poetry. Onsite and Online.
- An Hour of Action. Onsite.
- Riverway Gathering Space for 20s & 30s (Unfacilitated). Onsite.
- Outdoor Self-Guided Mindfulness Walk. Offsite. (Unfacilitated).
- Quiet Meditative Spaces in our Building. Onsite. (Unfacilitated).
3:45 p.m. Torah Service, Afternoon Service, Yizkor, Neilah, Havdalah. Onsite and Online. Followed by a light and delicious break fast to share the end of Yom Kippur together.
Sukkot Services
Sukkot September 25 – October 2
Sukkot reminds us of our communal obligation to face outwards with open hearts to ease suffering and heal our fractured world. Join us in our Sukkah of Justice & Compassion for a night of heartfelt prayer, festive food, and music.
Erev Sukkot: Friday, September 25
5:15 p.m. Schmooze and Festive Meal for All Ages. Onsite.
6:00 p.m. Shabbat and Erev Sukkot: Festival Service in the Sukkah of Justice and Compassion and a Festive Oneg. Onsite and Online. Followed by a Festival Qiddush.
Sukkot and Shabbat: Saturday, September 26
9:00 a.m. Sukkot Festival Service and Torah Study. Onsite and Online. Followed by a Sukkot Festival Qiddush.
10:00 a.m. Village Sukkot Celebration (Ages 0 – 5). Onsite. Followed by Qiddush.
Thursday, October 1
6:00 p.m. Riverway Sukkot Harvest Festival (20s & 30s). Onsite and Online.
Simchat Torah Services (including Yizkor Memorial Service)
Simchat Torah
We celebrate the conclusion of one cycle of Torah reading, and immediately begin again, reading various familiar passages, and learning some of our clergy’s favorite texts. Stay afterwards for music and dancing with the Torah!
Erev Simchat Torah: Friday, October 2
5:00 p.m. Consecration for Kindergarten and All New Students. Onsite.
5:15 p.m. Festival Meal for All Ages. Onsite.
6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat and Erev Simchat Torah: A Moving Torah Experience. Onsite and Online. Followed by dancing and tasty treats.
Simchat Torah, Saturday, October 3
9:00 a.m. Simchat Torah Festival and Shabbat Service and Yizkor Memorial Service. Onsite and online. Followed by Simchat Torah Qiddush.
10:00 a.m. Village Simchat Torah Celebration (Ages 0 – 5). Onsite. Followed by Simchat Torah Qiddush.
Choose the service that is right for you and your family
Find the complete schedules here, organized by service type:
Community-Wide Services
All are welcome! Experience the power and music of our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services in the Sanctuary. These spiritually rich gatherings blend timeless tradition with a modern, inclusive spirit. On Erev Rosh Hashanah, the entire community comes together for one community-wide service followed by a joyful Grand Homecoming Community Schmooze.
S’lichot Candlelit Service and Spiritual Practice Lab
Saturday, September 5
7:00 p.m. Community Dinner. Onsite.
7:30 p.m. Spiritual Practice Lab or Text Study with the Rabbis. Onsite and Online.
9:00 p.m. Candlelit S’lichot Service. Onsite and Online.
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 11
7:30 p.m. Community-Wide Erev Rosh Hashanah and Qabbalat Shabbat Service. Onsite and Online. Followed by the Grand Homecoming Schmooze. Onsite.
Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Tuesday, September 12
9:00 a.m. Community-Wide Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat Service (Early). Onsite and Online. Followed by Tashlich.
11:45 a.m. Community-Wide Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat Service (Late). Onsite and Online. Followed by Tashlich.
Rosh Hashanah Day 2: Sunday, September 13
10:00 a.m. Lay-Led Rosh Hashanah Day 2 Service and Lunch. Onsite and Online.
2:00 p.m. Reverse Tashlich. Offsite.
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20
5:30 p.m. Community-Wide Kol Nidre Service (Early). Onsite and Online.
8:15 p.m. Community-Wide Kol Nidre Service (Late). Onsite and Online.
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21
9:00 a.m. Community-Wide Yom Kippur Service (Early). Onsite and Online.
11:45 a.m. Community-Wide Yom Kippur Service (Late). Onsite and Online.
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Between Services: Stay in the Day. Deepen Your Yom Kippur Experience:
- Ask the Clergy. Onsite and Online.
- Poetry as Prayer; Prayer as Poetry. Onsite and Online.
- An Hour of Action. Onsite. Tikkun Central.
- Riverway Gathering Space for 20s & 30s (Unfacilitated). Onsite.
- Outdoor Self-Guided Meditative Walk. Offsite.
- Quiet Meditative Space. Onsite.
3:45 p.m. Torah Service, Afternoon Service, Yizkor, Neilah, Havdalah. Onsite and Online. Followed by a light and delicious break fast to share the end of Yom Kippur together.
Sukkot
Erev Sukkot and Shabbat: Friday, September 25
5:15 p.m. Schmooze and Festive Meal for All Ages. Onsite.
6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat and Erev Sukkot: Festival Service in the Sukkah of Justice and Compassion and a Festive Oneg. Onsite and Online.
Sukkot and Shabbat: Saturday, September 26
9:00 a.m. Shabbat and Sukkot Festival Service in the Sukkah. Onsite. Followed by a Sukkot Qiddush.
Simchat Torah
Erev Simchat Torah and Qabbalat Shabbat: Friday, October 2
5:00 p.m. Festival Meal for All Ages. Onsite.
6:00 p.m. Qabbalat Shabbat and Erev Simchat Torah: A Moving Torah Experience. Onsite and Online. Followed by dancing and tasty treats.
Simchat Torah and Shabbat, Saturday, October 3
9:00 a.m. Shabbat and Simchat Torah Festival Service, and Yizkor Memorial Service. Onsite and online. Followed by Simchat Torah Qiddush.
Riverway Project High Holy Day Services (20s & 30s)
Dynamic, welcoming services for young adults in their 20s & 30s on Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre. Pray, sing, and connect as we enter 5787 together with meaning and joy.
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah and Qabbalat Shabbat: Friday, September 11
6:15 p.m. Riverway Project Erev Rosh Hashanah and Qabbalat Shabbat Service. Onsite and Online. (20s & 30s).
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20
7:00 p.m. Riverway Project Kol Nidre Service (20s & 30s). Onsite and Online.
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21
2:15 – 3:15 p.m. Between Services: Stay in the Day. Deepen Your Yom Kippur Experience:
- Riverway Gathering Space for 20s & 30s (Unfacilitated). Onsite.
Sukkot
Thursday, October 1
6:00 p.m. Riverway Sukkot Harvest Festival (20s & 30s). Onsite and Online.
Family High Holy Day Services (Grades 2 - 7)
Interactive, music-filled services led by clergy and musicians. Begin Erev Rosh Hashanah at 6:15 p.m. with a Family Schmooze & Dinner; an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones. Then join the full community
S’lichot
Saturday, September 5
5:30 p.m. Family S’lichot Dinner, Service, and Activity (Village and Elementary age). Onsite.
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah and Qabbalat Shabbat: Friday, September 11
6:15 p.m. Family Erev Rosh Hashanah Schmooze with Dinner before joing the Community-Side Service. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7).
7:30 p.m. Community-Wide and Family Erev Rosh Hashanah Service. Onsite and Online.
Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Saturday, September 12
9:00 a.m. Family Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat Service. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7). Followed by Tashlich. Offsite.
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20
6:00 p.m. Family Kol Nidre Service. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7).
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21
9:00 a.m. Family Yom Kippur Service. Onsite. (Grades 2 – 7).
Sukkot
Erev Sukkot: Friday, September 25
5:15 p.m. Schmooze and Festive Meal for All Ages. Onsite.
Simchat Torah
Erev Simchat Torah: Friday, October 2
5:00 p.m. Consecration for Kindergarten and All New Students. Onsite.
5:00 p.m. Festival Meal for All Ages. Onsite.
6:00 p.m. Erev Simchat Torah: Creative Sevice Experience. Onsite and Online. Followed by dancing and tasty treats.
Young Family High Holy Day Services (Age 0 - 6)
Celebrate with singing, dancing, and playful connection. On Erev Rosh Hashanah, stay after the service for a Family Schmooze & Dinner. On Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mornings, join us for a service followed by a snack, story, and crafts.
S’lichot
Saturday, September 5
4:45 p.m. Family S’lichot Dinner, Service, and Activity (Village and Elementary age). Onsite.
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah and Qabbalat Shabbat: Friday, September 11
5:30 p.m. Young Family Erev Rosh Hashanah Service. Onsite. (Age 0 – Grade 2).
Shabbat and Rosh Hashanah Day 1: Saturday, September 12
9:15 a.m. Young Family Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat Service. Onsite (Age 0 – Grade 2). Followed by Tashlich.
Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20
4:30 p.m. Young Family Kol Nidre Service. Onsite. (Age 0 – Grade 2).
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21
9:15 a.m. Young Family Yom Kippur Service. Onsite. (Age 0 – Grade 2).
Sukkot
Erev Sukkot and Qabbalat Shabbat: Friday, September 25
5:15 p.m. Schmooze and Festive Meal for All Ages. Onsite.
Saturday, September 26
10:00 a.m. Village Sukkot and Shabbat Celebration (Ages 0 – 5). Onsite. Followed by Qiddush.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah and Shabbat: Saturday, October 3
10:00 a.m. Village Simchat torah Celebration. Onsite.
Elul: A Month of Spiritual Preparation
Elul (אלול) is the name of the month in our Jewish calendar that immediately precedes the Jewish New Year and High Holy Days. As an acronym, the letters spell “Ani l’dodi, v’dodi li” — I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine — an expression of sweetness and commitment to drawing closer together. The month of Elul is one that fulfills the promise of drawing closer, awakening our inner lives through the call of the shofar, and preparing ourselves for the joy and renewal of the holiday season.
A Vast Array of Resources for You
As you prepare for the High Holy Days, we invite you to explore our online collection of prayers, poems, reflections, and other spiritual resources. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or ways to deepen your experience before the holidays begin, these materials can help you enter the season with greater intention. Browse by theme or discover the resources that speak most meaningfully to you as you prepare for this sacred journey.
Soundtrack to the High Holy Days
Prepare your heart and spirit for the Days of Awe with our curated playlist of live High Holy Day music, prepared by Cantor Alicia Stillman. This collection of music from our congregation, drawn from traditional liturgy, contemporary interpretations, and soulful melodies, invites reflection, connection, and a sense of sacred anticipation. Whether you’re walking, driving, cooking, or simply pausing to breathe, let this soundtrack accompany you on your journey toward Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Listen now and let the season begin!
Qabbalat Shabbat During Elul
Fridays, August 14, 21, 28, and September 4 at 6:00 p.m. Onsite and online
For each week of Elul, we will gather for Qabbalat Shabbat to sing melodies and explore texts that bring us into the themes of the High Holy Days in which we immerse ourselves. Each week will feature a deep dive into one of the chapters of our Congregational Read, As a Jew by Sara Hurwitz, as we spiritually prepare ourselves for awakening and renewal; for t’shuvah, t’filah, and tzedakah.
Congregational Read: As a Jew, by Sarah Hurwitz
Join us for our annual High Holy Day congregational read as we read Sarah Hurwitz’s As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us. In this insightful and deeply relevant book, Hurwitz reflects on her journey to reclaim her Jewish identity, shedding the harmful messages that led her to feel disconnected from her heritage and rediscovering the richness of Jewish tradition. At a time when antisemitism is rising across the globe, her honest and courageous story about embracing Jewish life with confidence and without apology feels especially important. As we read her story together, we will seek to define and strengthen our own Jewish identities, preparing ourselves for a new year.
We invite you to read along and take part in this meaningful conversation about identity, resilience, and Jewish belonging.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Sarah Hurwitz joins us October 8 at 7:00 p.m. as our Scholar-In-Residence.
Spiritual Preparation and Learning: Events and Classes
Beit Midrash and Breath for Elul
Date
August 18, 2026
Time
7:00 PM - 08:15 PM EDT
Join us for a deep dive into the ancient relationship between breath and spirituality in Jewish tradition. Together, we'll use the Jewish model of th...
SHOFAR: A Music Documentary
Date
August 25, 2026
Time
7:00 PM - 08:30 PM EDT
SHOFAR , a music documentary, is a personal journey to understand the meaning of the Shofar. It is driven by David's ceramic sculpting of a set of sh...
High Holy Days 101: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Date
August 27, 2026
Time
7:00 PM - 08:00 PM EDT
The High Holy Days can be a time of incredible spiritual growth and deep personal introspection. Yet, for many of us, the sheer breadth of these holi...
High Holy Days 101: Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Date
September 3, 2026
Time
7:00 PM - 08:00 PM EDT
What is a sukkah and why do we eat outside in it for a week? What is a lulav and etrog? What exactly are we commemorating and celebrating on Sukkot a...
Tickets
Tickets are required for all onsite Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services except the Lay-Led Rosh Hashanah Day 2 service.
Digital Tickets
Last year, we introduced digital tickets for the first time, making it easier to welcome our community into our sacred spaces. Thanks to your patience and feedback, the transition was a great success. This year, we’ve made the process even more convenient with new self-service options.
When will I receive my tickets?
- Members in good standing will receive their complimentary digital tickets by email in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah.
- Tickets purchased online will be emailed immediately after your order is complete.
Tickets will come from Temple Israel (orders@SimpleTix.com)
This may be an unfamiliar email address, but don’t worry! You can ignore any order numbers listed on your ticket; those are just for our staff to scan when you arrive.
- As a reminder: No printed tickets are being mailed this year. Be sure to check your inbox, not your mailbox.
Tickets will be sent to:
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Members in good standing (those who have made a payment or are in touch with us about a plan)
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Reciprocal guests from other URJ congregations (members of other URJ congregations who will be attending services at Temple Israel)
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Ticket purchasers
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Eligible complimentary recipients (including military personnel and full-time students)
NEW THIS YEAR: Self-service ticket portal
Beginning in September, you can retrieve your tickets at any time by visiting our self-service ticket portal at find.simpletix.com by entering the email address associated with your membership or ticket order.
Using your digital ticket
- Each digital ticket includes your name, the service(s) you are attending, and a unique QR code that will be scanned upon arrival.
- You may present your ticket on your phone or bring a printed copy—whichever is most convenient.
Not sure of your membership status?
Contact Matthew Feinberg at tickets@tisrael.org or call 617-566-3960.
What if I need help?
Email tickets@tisrael.org or call 617-566-3960 — we monitor this inbox closely and will respond promptly.
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets can be purchased by completing this form.
Please contact tickets@tisrael.org for more information.
Reciprocal Tickets
If you are unable to attend services at Temple Israel and would like to secure reciprocal tickets to a fellow URJ congregation, or if you are a member of a URJ congregation and would like to attend services at Temple Israel, please do one of the following:
- Fill out this form to request reciprocal tickets
- Send your request to tickets@tisrael.org
- Call Emma Savitz, Development Associate, at 617-566-3960
Complimentary Tickets
We are pleased to offer complimentary tickets to active military personnel, and full-time undergraduate students. Please contact tickets@tisrael.org.
Tickets for Riverway Services (20s & 30s)
We are grateful to be able to offer our Riverway Erev Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre services at no cost to those in their 20s and 30s in the Boston area. Registration is required for each service:
Tickets for Young Family Services (Age 0 – 6)
Families with children Age 0 – 6 may register for tickets to our onsite High Holy Day services for young families at no cost.
Register for Young Family Services here
Questions?
Please reach out to tickets@tisrael.org
How to Access Livestream Services
All community-wide High Holy Day services and Riverway Project High Holy Day services will be available on livestream.
If you are unable to join us in person, we invite you to connect with our community online. We’ve thoughtfully invested in making the life of our congregation accessible and meaningful from wherever you are. Whether you’re near or far, we invite you to be part of this sacred season with us online.
There are three easy ways to access our livestream services:
1. Stream on our website
Go to our livestream page at: www.tisrael.org/live-stream.
2. Subscribe to our Youtube channel
You will be notified when we go live.
Find us at: youtube.com/@TempleIsraelofBoston
3. Join us on Facebook Live
Follow us to view services and connect with our community in real time.
Go to: facebook.com/TempleIsraelBoston
Joining us online? Borrow a Prayerbook
For an optimal online prayer experience, we suggest you have our prayerbook physically in front of you. During the month of September, we will lend out copies of Mishkan HaNefesh, the Reform Movement High Holy Day machzor, to TI members in good standing, while supplies last. Stop by Reception any time TI is open. We ask that you return it after the High Holy Days.
You may also purchase a copy: from the publisher, or the Kindle prayerbook for Rosh Hashanah and/or Yom Kippur. Questions? Email tickets@tisrael.org or call 617-566-3960.
More to Know
Tzedakah Row
Each year we select several organizations to support through our communal tzedakah effort. This year’s partners, La Colaborativa, IMPJ (Israeli Movement for Progressive Judaism), and RAC-MA (Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism), reflect Temple Israel’s core values, and we’ve been proud to engage with them throughout the year. Please consider contributing to the designated tzedakah boxes in the Atrium.
Learn more and watch videos about each Tzedakah Row organization
Food Drive Donations
For the 28th year, Temple Israel is proud to partner with the Greater Boston Food Bank for our annual Yom Kippur Food Drive. Paper bags will be available on Rosh Hashanah; please fill them with non-perishable food and return them on Yom Kippur when the Food Bank truck will be on Nessel Way. You can also contribute year-round by bringing food whenever you visit TI, or by making a financial donation through our website.
Learn more about the Food Drive & most needed items
Machzor Bookplate
Our High Holy Days machzor (prayerbook), Mishkan HaNefesh, is the result of collaboration between rabbis, cantors, lay leaders, and members of Reform congregations. Consider dedicating a bookplate, in the amount of $72, to be placed in the front of our beautiful machzorim to remember or honor a loved one, teacher, or friend. Please fill out the Machzor Bookplate form, email Emma Savitz, or call 617-566-3960.
Dedicate a Machzor Bookplate by completing this form
Yizkor Memorial Book
Each year, our Yizkor Memorial Book gives us a quiet, lasting way to hold our loved ones close. It is one of Temple Israel’s most treasured traditions, a page where names and memories are kept alive within our community.
The book automatically includes the names of Temple Israel members and their loved ones who have passed away in the past year, as well as those honored with a plaque in the Memorial Alcove or on the Winn Memorial Menorah.
If there is someone else you wish to remember, whether a family member, a friend, or anyone whose memory you carry with you, we invite you to add their name to this year’s book. A contribution of at least $25 per name is requested to help cover production costs. All forms must be received by August 28, 2026. For questions, please contact Emma Savitz at 617-566-3960 or esavitz@tisrael.org.
Add a name to the Yizkor Memorial Book by completing this form.
High Holy Day Ambassadors
As the Jewish High Holy Days are approaching, our staff is working hard to prepare for 5787. With thousands of people coming through our doors on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, it is so meaningful that we can create a welcoming environment for all who enter our space. We are asking our members to play an active role as an ambassador in welcoming everyone into our community.
Email Ricky MacGregor with any questions. Interested?
Please share your availability by filling out this form.
Safety & Security
To help ensure a safe and peaceful environment for all, metal detectors will be in use at our entrances during the High Holy Days. These enhanced security measures are designed to streamline the entry process and will reduce the need for most bag checks. We encourage you to arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for both security screening and our new digital ticketing system.
Learn more about safety at Temple Israel
Accessibility and Inclusion
Temple Israel of Boston strives to ensure that our services are accessible and inclusive.
Getting Here
Getting here by public transportation
Temple Israel is a 5-minute walk from the Longwood station of the D branch of the Green Line.
Directions >
Getting here by car
Parking
Parking will be available along the Riverway (for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), at the Winsor lot, and in the 375 Longwood Avenue Garage. If you are attending the early service, we request that you leave promptly after each service so that parking will be available for congregants attending the late service.
5786 Yom Kippur Sermons
5786 Rosh Hashanah Sermons
Past High Holy Day Sermons
5785 High Holy Day Sermons
Erev Rosh Hashanah 5785
“Stuck Like a Dope with a Thing Called Hope,” Rabbi Andrew Oberstein, Riverway Project Service
“Outside In,” Rabbi Elaine Zecher, Community-Wide Service
Rosh Hashanah 5785
“The Future is Dark and Thus Full of Hope,” Rabbi Suzie Jacobson
“Inside Out,” Rabbi Elaine Zecher, Family Service
“A Flea from an Elephant’s Ear,” Rabbi Dan Slipakoff, Young Family Service
Kol Nidre 5785
“Worth the Weight,” Rabbi Dan Slipakoff, Community-Wide Service
“‘Cause I Gotta Have Faith,” Rabbi Andrew Oberstein, Riverway Project Service
“We Break But Are Not Broken,” Rabbi Suzie Jacobson, Family Service
“The Little Kiddush Cup,” Rabbi Suzie Jacobson, Young Family Service
Yom Kippur 5785
“The Forest and the Trees,” Rabbi Elaine Zecher, Community-Wide Yom Kippur Service
“The Jewish Story,” Rabbi Suzie Jacobson, Family Service
“My Rock and My Redeemer,” Rabbi Dan Slipakoff, Yizkor Service