Welcome to The High Holy Days at Machzikei Hadas!
All participants (members, first-timers, students etc), must register for services before attending. Thank you!
Welcome from Rabbi Scher
Rosh HaShana is coming up so soon, bringing with it all of the excitement of the High Holy Day season. This of course includes the sounding of the shofar - the piercing sound that heralds the coronation of God as our Sovereign and reawakens our commitment to God’s ways.
As I reflect on the sounding of the shofar, I think of a sacred rite that has been practiced throughout our history. Whether at the best of times or the worst of times, Jews have found a way to fulfill this tremendous Mitzvah.
Inevitably, I got to thinking of this year. How will we once again make this ritual happen in light of such unprecedented circumstances? We will pivot, we will wear specially made masks for Shofar blowing, and we will do things differently. But one thing is for sure, the notes that have reverberated throughout our history will resonate in our present as well.
This is especially true at Machzikei Hadas. I am so proud to say that we have carried on the indomitable spirit of those that came before us, and have once again let nothing stop us from experiencing our faith and heritage in the richest way possible. We have been creative, we have used all different forms of technological innovation, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure that our Machzikei family stays connected in sacred community. Our precious tradition continues stronger than ever!
Speaking of working tirelessly… I take a moment to thank every single one of my colleagues who work together with me at shul as well as our Past-President, current President, and their respective boards – all who have gone above and beyond since March to make our vision of connectedness into a reality.
This is our commitment to every single one of you. We commit to looking to those that came before us as a model, and to lead the way in ensuring that Yiddishkeit is experienced and celebrated in the deepest ways possible - despite whatever challenges may arise.
Shifra and I, and Shlomo and Esther, look forward to wishing you a Shana Tova in person, either during our Machzikei Mitzvah Mobile drop-offs or at shul on the High Holy Days (or both). We cannot wait to see all of you!!
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Our expert team is led by Director of Community Building, Dr. Stacy Goldstein and Youth Program Coordinator, Sari Zelenietz. If you have any questions about our program, please be in touch!
Rosh HaShanah Services & Schedule
The Early Morning Service, led by Rabbi Bulka, will be a no-frills service that covers the entire traditional Rosh HaShanah prayer service.
The Essentials Service
The Essentials Service, led by Rabbi Shimon Fogel with words from our Rabbis, will include the essentials of the traditional Rosh HaShanah services with the classic High Holy Day melodies. In order to keep to our time frame we will be omitting some of the piyutim, the Jewish liturgical poems that make up a substantial part of the Rosh HaShanah prayer service. But everything else will be the same.
The Greatest Hits Service
Led by our wonderful chazzanim, Rabbi's Shimon and Moishele Fogel, and with inspiring and entertaining words from Rabbi Scher throughout, this service will encapsulate all of the most meaningful and familiar moments of Rosh HaShanah into just over an hour.
What in the World is Going On Service (First day of Rosh HaShanah)
This is a great introduction to the High Holy Days prayer experience. Many of us have been coming to synagogue on the High Holy Days for many years, but do we really know what the service is about? Join Rabbi Scher on the first day of Rosh HaShanah for a brief overview of the High Holy Day prayer service and some praying together to help make the High Holy Days mean a lot more than ever before!
Family Service
Seated in family bubbles, this service will be just as much fun as the Family Services of the past. We will make our way through the highlights of the Rosh HaShanah prayer service and introduce each part of the service with questions and thoughts. Led by Rabbi Scher.
Teen Service
Led by one of incredible our teen educators, this will be an exciting opportunity for our growing teen population!
For those that are not yet ready to come for a full service this year, we will be offering short Shofar blowing services outside. These services will include the traditional Shofar blowing and short words of inspiration from Rabbi Scher. This service will be offered several times throughout the morning and the afternoon on the second day of Rosh HaShanah (there will be no need to enter the tent to participate).
Yom Kippur Schedule
The Early Morning Service, led by Rabbi Bulka, will be a no-frills service that covers the entire traditional Yom Kippur service through Yizkor (does not include Musaf).
The Essentials Service
The Essentials Service, led by Rabbi Shimon Fogel with words from our Rabbis, will include the essentials of the traditional Yom Kippur service through Yizkor (does not include Musaf) with the classic High Holy Day melodies. In order to keep to our time frame we will be omitting some of the piyutim, the Jewish liturgical poems that make up a substantial part of the Yom Kippur prayer service. But everything else will be the same.
This is a great introduction to the Yom Kippur prayer experience. Many of us have been coming to synagogue on Yom Kippur for many years, but do we really know what the service is about? Join Rabbi Scher for a brief overview of the Yom Kippur prayer service and some praying together to help make Yom Kippur mean a lot more than ever before!
Family Service
Seated in family bubbles, this service will be just as memorable as the Family Services of the past. We will make our way through the highlights of the Yom Kippur prayer service and introduce each part of the service with questions and thoughts. Led by Rabbi Scher.
Teen Service
Led by one of our incredible teen educators, this will be an exciting opportunity for our growing teen population!
Led by Rabbi Moishele Fogel, and with inspiring and entertaining words from Rabbi Scher throughout, this service will encapsulate all of the most meaningful and familiar moments of Yom Kippur into just over an hour.
For those that are not yet ready to come for a full service this year, we will be offering a stand-alone Yizkor service outside. This services will include the traditional recitation of Yizkor led by Rabbi Shimon Fogel and short words of inspiration from Rabbi Scher.
