Find a Humanistic High Holiday Service

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Celebrate the High Holidays Humanistically!

We welcome ALL — including newcomers and non-members — to participate in Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services with one (or many!) of our local affiliated communities/congregations!  In 2021, Some congregations will continue to connect to the meaning of the holidays online, due to necessary safety measures caused by COVID-19, while other congregations will meet in person. Please see the information below, listed by state, for date, time, and cost (if any) for the upcoming holidays.

ARIZONA

Contact: President Rich Aver, (480) 865-4710, oradaminfo@gmail.com.  Or Adam’s Calendar.

    • Or Adam Congregation, Phoenix/Scottsdale AZ will have Zoom celebrations:
    • Erev Rosh Hashanah– Monday, September 6, 2021, at  7 p.m.
    • Kol Nidre – Wednesday,  September 15, 2021,  at 7 p.m.
    • Memorial/Niskor – Thursday, September 16, 2021, at  5 p.m.
    • All celebrations will include: Humanistic liturgy. Recorded music. Discussion after the liturgical portion that will be determined by the Rabbi’s Inspirational talk. Plus a flower ceremony at the Memorial/Niskor

Contact: Susan Rubin, 4131 East Coronado Drive, Tucson AZ 85718, (520) 577-7718, srubinaz@comcast.net.

    • The Secular Humanist Jewish Circle  invites you to join us in a virtual celebration of the High Holy Days person Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 10 AM
    • Led by Humanistic Rabbi Jack Silver, the participatory celebration will focus on moral and ethical teachings of the holidays without prayer or reference to supernatural authority.
      The celebration will include Kol Nidre, a tashlich ceremony, shofar blowing, a flower ceremony to remember loved ones, songs, poetry and more.
    • RSVP by September 7: Becky—296-3762, schulmb@aol.com
    • See SHJCaz.org or Facebook for details.
    • Hope to See You There!! L’Shana Tova!

CALIFORNIA

Contact: Jonathan Friedmann, PO Box 261204, Encino, CA 91426, (888) 552-4552, info@HumanisticJudaismLA.org.  Adat Chaverim’s Calendar.

    • Holiday Celebration, Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 2:00p.m.  Los Encinos State Historic Park 16756 Moorpark St. Encino CA. 91436
    • Join Adat Chaverim for an informal and inspirational High Holiday service led by Cantor Jonathan Friedmann, Ph.D. and members of the congregation.
    • Non-Members: $50 Adults, $15 Children,  Members: Free
    •  RSVP: 888-552-HJLA (4552) info@HumanisticJudaismLA.org.

Contact: Kimberly Read, PO Box 2777, Berkeley, CA 94702, (510) 982-1455, info@kolhadash.org.  Kol Hadash’s Calendar.

    • Rosh Hashana – Monday, September 6, 2021, at 7pm on Zoom (details sent to people who register)
    • Tashlich –  Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10 am (an outdoor Albany Park location sent to folks who register)
    • Lunch Bunch – Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:30 am

Preregistration and prepayment are required for our celebration lunch at Zaytoon on Solano Ave. Join us for a delicious time of nourishing conversation. Luncheon will have a set menu and will cost $25 per person, payable in advance.

    • Yom Kippur 
  • (Kol Hadash “west” will meet in our own Zoom room before and after each gathering – detailed log on instructions will be sent to all who register)   –   In connection with our siblings at Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation in Deerfield, Illinois, we are invited to attend adult services as follows:
    • Evening Service (Kol Nidre): Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 5:30 PM Pacific
    • Day Service: Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 8:30 AM Pacific
    • Memorial & Concluding Services: Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 1:30 PM Pacific

To confirm your spot, reach out to administrator@kolhadash.org  Holiday events are free* to members, and non members can secure a “holiday” pass for $100.  Credit card payments or checks are accepted.

Contact: For further information call 714-739-1366 or email PacifComm@aol.com.

    • Rosh Hashanah – Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm 12:00 pm via Zoom
    • You must register for Rosh Hashanah to receive the Zoom link to the program
    • Yom Kippur – Thursday, September. 16, 2021, at 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
    • Program consists the following: a Secular Nidre, A Secular Niskor (Let Us Remember)
    • You must register for Yom Kippur to receive the Zoom link to the program
    • Member price is included with dues
    • Non-members: Rosh Hashanah $15 Yom Kippur $15 Combination package $25

COLORADO

Contact: Sheila Malcolm, 280 South 39th Street, Boulder, CO 80305,  BethAmiInfo@gmail.com. Beth Ami’s Calendar.

  • Rosh Hashanah on Zoom with new Rabbi Jeffrey Schesnol, Monday, September 6, 2021, at  7 pm MT
Join a shared, virtual Jewish New Year with Or Adam, our sister congregation in AZ. We will email you the Zoom link on Sunday, September 5th, Erev Rosh Hashanah as well as a copy of the celebration text for printing or to be viewed electronically.
  • Tashlich LIVE with Madrikha Sheila Malcolm at Viele Lake Picnic Shelter in S. Boulder, Saturday, September 11, 2021, at 11 am – 12:30 pm MT with optional BYO lunch afterwards.
  • Yom Kippur LIVE with Madrikha Sheila on Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 5 pm MT, followed by BYO Dinner.
Details and RSVP links to follow
* Note: Beginning with New Year 5782, Beth Ami joins other Boulder County Jewish congregations to collect packaged foods for our local Community Food Share. Kindly bring (unexpired) cans and boxes to each LIVE event.

CONNECTICUT

Contact: Steven Getz, PO Box 82, Westport, CT 06881, (203) 293-8867, info@humanisticjews.org.  CHJ Fairfield’s Calendar.

Join us as we usher in the New Year and create a space for reflection, introspection and renewal. Our virtual High Holiday services and programs are open to all and free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted.

  • Services will be shown on YouTube as indicated below. CHJ members will automatically receive the needed links. Guests, please register in advance to receive links and service booklets at this link.
  • Rosh Hashanah – Monday, September 6, 2021 at 7:30 pm
  • Beginning with the Shofar’s blast, our Rosh Hashanah service features inspiring music, poetry, and Humanistic liturgy as we                            reflect on where we have been and where we are going.
  • Yom Kippur/Kol Nidre – Wednesday, September 15, 2021  at 7:30
  • The moving strains of the Kol Nidre melody, performed on cello and piano, invite us to reflect on our values, as individuals and as a community.
  • Yom Kippur Memorial & Closing – Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 5:00 pm
  • We conclude the High Holidays with a moving Memorial service and a  commitment to embrace life and begin anew.
  • Programs will be held on Zoom and are open to all. Members and Guests are requested to register at: https://humanisticjews.org/holidays/2021-5782-high-holidays-join-us/
  • Cooking for the Break-Fast – Sunday, September 12, 2021  at 3:00 pm
  • Join CHJ’s Chef Taegun for a fusion-Jewish cooking lesson and his unique blend of cultural and educational tips and techniques.
  • Meditation: Monday, September 16, 2021 at 4:15 pm (Open at 4:00 pm)
  • A soothing meditation session to clear our minds and help set our    intentions.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Contact: Rabbi Jeremy Kridel, PO Box 42014, Washington, D.C. 20015, (202) 686-1881, info@machar.org.  Machar’s Calendar.

All in person services will now be held outdoors and registration is required by August 31, 2021. We ask that all members and nonmembers register as soon as possible so that we can plan safely and accordingly. Conditions continue to change and we will keep you updated as the holidays approach.

  • Rosh Hashanah – Monday, September 6, 2021
    • 7:30 pm Online-only service and learning livestreamed on YouTube (open to all, no registration required, no charge)
  • Rosh Hashanah – Tuesday, September 7, 2021
    •  9:30am Outdoor Children’s Service (open to all, registration required)
    • 10:30am Outdoor Main Service I (open to all, registration required)
    • 12:30pm Outdoor Main Service II (open to all, registration required)
    • Register here.
  • Kol Nidre – Wednesday, September 15, 2021
    • 7:30pm Online-only service
    • Livestreamed- details forthcoming (open to all, no registration, no charge)
  • Yom Kippur – Thursday, September 16, 2021
    • 9:30am Outdoor Children’s Service (open to all, registration required)
    • 10:30am Outdoor Main Service I (open to all, registration required)
    • 12:30pm Outdoor Main Service II (open to all, registration required)
    • 6:00pm Online only wrap-up discussion via Zoom (Machar members and family only, no registration required)
  • Register here for Yom Kippur.

FLORIDA

Contact: BJ Saul, P.O. Box 2579, Boca Raton, FL 33427, (561) 443-1769, info@bethadam.com.  Beth Adam’s Calendar.

  • Rosh Hashanah- Monday, September 6, 2021, at 7:30 pm ,Tuesday Sept. 7 @ 10 am
  • Yom Kippur- Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 7:30 pm
  • Kol Nidre-Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 10 am
  • Memorial Service- Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 4:30 pm
  • Location- Renaissance Hotel 2000 NW 19th St., Boca Raton and Zoom
    • Register to receive a Zoom invitation
    • EVERYONE IS WELCOME
    • For Ticket information: info@bethadam.com, 561-443-1769

Contact: Margo Moore, 3023 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34231, (941) 929-7771, CHJSarasota@hotmail.com.  CHJ Sarasota’s Calendar.

Congregation for Humanistic Judaism invites you to our Live High Holiday Services with Choir.

Call 941.929.7771 or email chjsarasota@hotmail.com. Go to www.CHJ-Sarasota.org for more information. Free and open to the public.

  • Grand Oneg to follow Rosh Hashanah and Break the Fast with Kugel Feast- Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10:30 AM
  • Live Rosh Hashanah Service – Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 7:30 PM
  • Live Yom Kippur, Kol Nidre Service – Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 3:00PM
  • Live Nizkor Memorial  Service

ILLINOIS

Contact: Rabbi Jodi Kornfeld, Deerfield, IL 60015, (847) 945-6512, info@bethchaverim.net.  Beth Chaverim HJC’s Calendar.

  • Rosh Hashanah -Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10:30 am Central time
  • Yom Kippur –  Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 10:30 am including a memorial service Central time
  • Via Zoom for further information contact info@bethchaverim.net
  • A link will be sent out for those who register Donation welcome at the discretion of the participant

 

Contact: Victoria Ratnaswamy, chair, 2100 Half Day Road, Deerfield, IL 60069, (847) 383-5184, info@kolhadash.com. Rabbi Adam Chalom. Kol Hadash’s Calendar.

These High Holiday sermons will be delivered at Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in 2021/5782. For more information or to register to attend our Zoom-based services, contact our office at info@kolhadash.com

  • Kol Hadash Humanistic Congregation  All services are online on Zoom for non-members. Anyone wishing to attend can register on our website here.   We are not selling guest tickets to High Holidays this year. Rather, we ask that you register and make a donation to view the services online.
  • Rosh Hashana Evening Service
    • Monday, September 6, 2021, at 7:30pm
  • Rosh Hashana Morning Service
    • Monday, September 7, 2021, at 10:30am
  • Rosh Hashana Family Service
    • Monday, September 7, 2021, at 2:00pm
  • Yom Kippur Evening Service
    • Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 7:30pm
  • Yom Kippur Morning Service
    • Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 10:30am
  • Yom Kippur Family Service
    • Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 2:00pm
  • Yom Kippur Memorial Service
    • Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 3:30pm

MARYLAND

Contact: Art Starr, 2 Stitchberry Court, Reisterstown, MD 21136, (410) 493-2473, baltimoresecularjews@gmail.com

  • BJCC will not be doing its own High Holiday programming this year. Instead, we offer the following opportunities for those who are interested. Machar, our sister SHJ congregation in Washington, D.C. is offering High Holiday programming. Please check their website or see above DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Machar, The Washington Congregation for Secular Humanistic Judaism   for specific times and costs.

MASSACHUSETTS

Contact: Lidia Pruente, 765 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 431-3994, info@Kahalbraira.org.  Kahal B’raira’s Calendar.

    • Rosh Hashanah- Monday, September 6, 2021  & Tuesday, September 7, 2021
    • Erev Rosh Hashanah – September 6, 2021, at 7:30-9:00pm
    • Rosh Hashanah Morning- Tuesday, September 7, 2021,  at 10:00-11:00am
    • Yom Kippur: Wednesday, September 15, 2021  &  Thursday, September 16, 2021
    • Kol Nidre – Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 7:30-9:00pm
    • Morning Service – Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 10:00-11:00am
    • Midday Service-Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 12:00-1:30pm
    • Concluding Service -Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 5:00-5:45pm

MICHIGAN

Rabbi Jeffrey Falick, 28611 W 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334, (248) 477-1410, office@chj-detroit.org, Birmingham Temple’s Calendar. 

For the safety of our members, guests, and the community-at-large, we are inviting everyone to celebrate the High Holidays online this year. We will be streaming our regular holiday services live from the the temple with volunteer readers and our wonderful musicians. You can watch it all broadcast live on YouTube (where we also leave a recording). Please note that the Yom Kippur afternoon Memorial Service will held on Zoom. The September 12 Children’s Holiday Program will take place outside in person (+12 must be vaccinated/ all must wear masks).

    • Rosh Hashanah Eve Monday, September 6, 2021, (Labor Day), at 7pm (on YouTube)
    • Rosh Hashanah Morning-Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10:30am (on YouTube)
    • Children’s Holiday Program – Sunday, September 12, 2021, at 10am (in person outdoors)
    • Yom Kippur Eve (Kol Nidrei Service) – Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at  7pm (on YouTube)
    • Yom Kippur Morning-Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 10:30am (on YouTube)
    • Yom Kippur Memorial Service (“Nizkor-We Remember”) -Thursday, September 16, 2021 at  2pm (on Zoom)

MINNESOTA

Contact: Scott Chazdon, 4316 Aries Ct, Eagan, MN 55123, (612) 251-2178, president@oremet.org.  Or Emet’s Calendar.

Or Emet, the Minnesota Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, is celebrating this year’s High Holidays with a return to services in person, as well as the option to participate in programming online. The following programs will be led by Or Emet rabbinic candidate Eva Cohen:

  • Erev Rosh Hashanah –  Monday, September 6, 2021,  (Labor Day) at 7 pm.
  • Tashlich – Tuesday, September 7, 2021, (Registration required) at 10:30 am.
  • Kol Nidre – Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 7 p.m
  • Yom Kippur – Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 4 pm
    For more information about Or Emet’s High Holiday services, including registration for Zoom, Tashlich and the Yom Kippur break-fast, email highholidays@oremet.org. For general information about Or Emet, email info@oremet.org or visit oremet.org.

NEW JERSEY

Contact: Charlie Miller, P.O. Box 238, Mt Freedom, NJ 07970, (973) 927-0078, info@kahalchaverim.org.  Kahal Chaverim’s Calendar.

 

NEW YORK

Contact: Barry Swan, P.O. Box 18343, Rochester, NY 14618-0343, (585) 234-1644, BASWAN@aol.com.  Beth Haskalah’s Calendar.

  • Our High Holiday services will be both in person and by zoom.
  • All people who attend in person must be vaccinated.
  • Rosh Hashanah – Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 6 pm.  1600 East Avenue
  • Yom Kippur – Thursday, September 16 2021 at 6 pm  “Break the Fast” 1600 East Avenue

 

Contact: Abigail Cohn, PO Box 4972, Ithaca, NY 14852,  info@kolhaverim.net.  Kol Haverim’s Calendar.

 

Rabbi Tzemah Yoreh; Contact: Adina Gerver, 15 West 28th Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10001, (212) 213-1002, info@citycongregation.org.  The City Congregation’s Calendar.

    • Services are at Riverside Church in Morningside Heights
    • Rosh Hashanah Service – Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10:30 am-2:00 pm
    • Kol Nidre Service – Wednesday, September 15, 2021, tba
    • Yom Kippur Service – Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 10:30 am -2:00 pm

 

Contact: Dmitry Turovsky, 84 Sprague Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583, (914) 713-8828, info@wchj.org 

    • The services will be led by our Rabbi, Frank Tamburello. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur will be in-person, Sukkot—virtual.
    • Admission is free, but donations are always welcome.
    • The address for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services  Community Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 468 Rosedale Ave, White Plains, NY 10605
    • Rosh Hashanah–  Monday, September 6, 2021 at 7 pm
    • The topic of Rabbi Tamburello’s exegesis will be “Dealing with Community Trauma”
    • Yom Kippur –  Thursday, September 16, 2021 at  6 pm
    • Please email the names you would like mentioned at Nizkor (a humanistic version of Nizkor) to info@wchj.org
    • For Humanistic Jews Yom Kippur is a time of continued reflection, a time to examine human behavior. History has taught human beings to rely on themselves for creating change in our society. Adapting the form of our meditations to the content of our message, Humanistic Jews make Yom Kippur a celebration of inner strength and a time of self-forgiveness. Yom

NORTH CAROLINA

Contact: Karen Century, PO Box 9223, Chapel Hill NC 27515, khaskalah@gmail.com.

    • Erev Rosh Hashana–  Tuesday, September 6, 2021
    • Kol Nidre– Wednesday, September 15, 2021
    • Afternoon Niskor– Thursday, September 16, 2021

 

Contact: June Dreznick,  service@jscasheville.org for more information and to join any of our High Holiday services. There is no charge for these  services. With concern about the rise of Covid cases we will hold the upcoming holiday services via Zoom

  • Rosh Hashanah– Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.
  • Yom Kippur Kol Nidre service – Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 7:00 pm
  • Yom Kippur memorial service–  Thursday, September 16, 4:00 pm
  • Guests are welcome. RSVP to Michelle Weitzman michelleweitzman58@gmail.com to receive the Zoom link and copy of the service

OREGON

Contact: DeBi Strode, 1509 SW Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1E, Portland, OR 97239, (503) 459-4210, info@kolshalom.org.  Kol Shalom’s Calendar.

    • Monday, September 6, 2021, at 7:00 pm Zoom Erev Rosh Hashanah:
      •  Registration  required. Open to members, guests and non-members. All members will be emailed a Zoom link and service booklet attachment by Sept. 1. The link is your admission and access to the service.
      • Non-members will receive zoom link upon registration. Email registration to  info@kolshalom.org.  Service booklet will be sent along with link.
    • Thursday,  September 16, 2021, at 4:00 pm Zoom Yom Kippur Observance:
      • All are welcome. Registration required. Open to members, guests and non-members. All members will be emailed a Zoom link and service booklet attachment by Sept. 9. The link is your admission and access to the service.
      • Non-members  will receive zoom link upon registration. Email registration to  info@kolshalom.org.  Service booklet will be sent along with link.

We will have humanistic liturgy, music, shofar blowing and celebrate a New and savory sweet New Year. Please join us.

WASHINGTON

Contact: Irina Doliov, 117 E Louisa St / PMB 367, Seattle, WA 98102, (206) 528-1944, info@secularjewishcircle.org.  SJC’s Calendar. 

  • Rosh Hashanah
    • Tuesday, September 7, 2021 • 1 Tishrei 5782 at 6:15 PM – 7:15 PM
      Location provided with registration. We are excited to meet again in person as we usher in the Jewish new year 5782. Together we will journey to a new beginning, contemplating Jewish and humanistic themes and reconnecting. To protect our most vulnerable community members, masks are required for all attendees. Limited seating available, social distancing observed. If you are unwell, please stay home.
    • Click here for Registration 

Canada

ONTARIO

Contact: Roby Sadler, 156 Duncan Mill Road, Suite 14, Toronto, Ontario, M3B 3N2, Canada, (416) 385-3910, info@oraynu.org.  Oraynu’s Calendar.

  • Rosh Hashanah– Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 10:30 am
  • Erev Yom Kippur – Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at 8 pm
  • Both observances via Zoom, as webinar presentations
  • Open to the public
  • Tickets are free for Oraynu member families; otherwise $36 per non-member household for each service (ie per ZOOM link); but with special pricing offered to members of SHJ affiliate congregations, at $18 per household (ZOOM link)

 

ON-LINE COMMUNITY

The Spinoza Havurah – Online community, based in the Eastern U.S. time zone, contact William Thompson.

  • The Spinoza Havurah will hold services via Zoom for Rosh Hashanah Morning September 7, 2021 at 10 a.m. and Kol Nidrei September 15, 2021 at 7 p.m.
  • Everyone is welcome, but registration is required.
  • To Register for Rosh Hashanah, click here.
  • To register for Kol Nidrei, click here.