High Holy Days 2021
All participants (members, first-timers, students etc), must register for services before attending. Thank you!
Welcome from Rabbi Scher
Rosh HaShanah 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 our powerful heritage.
As I reflect on the sounding of the shofar, I think of a sacred rite that has been practiced throughout 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 last year’s Rosh Hashanah. We pivoted, we wore specially made masks for Shofar blowing, and we did things differently. But one thing was certain, the Shofar notes that have reverberated throughout our history resonated deep in our hearts for another year.
This was 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, as this past year we have 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 over the last 18 months 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, Esther, and Shayna look forward to wishing you a Shana Tova in person at shul on the High Holy Days. We cannot wait to see all of you!!
Rosh HaShanah Services & Schedule
The Early Morning Service, led by Rabbi Scher, will be a no-frills service that covers the entire traditional Rosh HaShanah prayer service.
The Essentials Service
The Greatest Hits Service
Led by our wonderful Chazzan, Chovav Marantz, and with inspiring, entertaining, and explanitory words from Rabbi Scher throughout, this service will encapsulate all of the most meaningful and familiar moments of Rosh HaShanah in just over an hour.
Interactive Family Service with Rabbi Scher followed by Rosh HaShanah Family Game Show with Stacy Goldstein
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.
Then experience the excitement as families face each other in the ultimate Rosh Hashanah family showdown! Test your knowledge, speed and creativsadity in a series of awesome family games that will be fun for the whole family!
Teens are invited to join Rabbi Scher to dive into contemporary ideas and deep discussions on topics relevant to young Jewish teens today. This is a not to be missed interactive experience for our growing teen population!
Rosh HaShanah Family Events
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!
Yom Kippur Schedule
Kol Nidray and Yizkor on Zoom
Duration: 30 Minutes
For those staying at home this Yom Kippur we offer a thirty minute service prior to the start of Yom Kippur that will include a stand-alone recitation of the Kol Nidray prayer and Yizkor by Chazzan Shimon Fogel. Rabbi Scher will also speak at this service.
Kol Nidray - Two simultaneous services, one indoor and one outdoor
Duration: 90 minutes
We will offer two Kol Nidray services this year led by our talented Hazannim, Rabbis Shimon and Moishele Fogel. Both services will run for ninety minutes and both services will have a speech from Rabbi Scher. Please select your choice of indoor or outdoor when registering.
Early Bird Special
Duration: 90 minutes
The Early Morning Service, led by Rabbi Scher, will be a no-frills service that covers the entire traditional Yom Kippur service (does not include Yizkor or Musaf).
The Essentials Service
Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes
The Essentials Service, led by Rabbi Moishele Fogel with words from Rabbi Scher, 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; everything else will be the same.
Interactive Family Experience with Rabbi Scher and Stacy Goldstein
Duration: 60 minutes
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 Yom Kippur prayer service and introduce each part of the service with questions and thoughts. Followed by a Yom Kippur experiential activity. Led by Rabbi Scher & Stacy Goldstein.
Machzikei Teen Experience with Jonathan Freedman
Duration: 45 minutes
Teens are invited to join our popular educator Jonathan Freedman to dive into contemporary ideas and deep discussions on topics relevant to young Jewish teens today. This is a not to be missed interactive experience for our growing teen population!
Story and Circle Time with Morah Sari
Duration: 30 minutes
Led by Morah Sari, this will be a fun and engaging way to celebrate Yom Kippur with your little ones. Individual pre-packaged snacks will be served.
The Greatest Hits Service
Duration: 65 minutes
Led by Chazzan Chovav Marantz, 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.
Walk-in Yizkor Service
Duration: 15 minutes
For those that are not yet ready to come for a full service this year or who attended a service without Yizkor, we will be offering a stand-alone Yizkor service outside. This service will include the traditional recitation of Yizkor led by Rabbi Shimon Fogel and short words of inspiration from Rabbi Scher.
Grand Mussaf Service
Duration: 90 minutes
As we all finish our chosen services through Yizkor we will come together for one united Mussaf service. Led by Chazzan Shimon Fogel we will pray Mussaf together with the classic High Holy Day melodies.
Minhah immediately following Mussaf
Duration: 60 minutes
Neilah - Two simultaneous services, one indoor and one outdoor
Duration: 50 minutes
Led by our talented Chazzanim, Rabbi Moishele Fogel and Chovav Marantz we will hold two simultaneous Neilah services, one inside and one outside in our tent. Please indicate your selection for indoor or outdoor.
Followed by Maariv and the Final Shofar Blowing
Final Shofar Blowing and Havdalah with the Scher's on Zoom (online)
