High Holiday 5786 Schedule
Get a printable PDF of our High Holidays Schedule here.
Virtual Attendance
If you would like to attend any of the available services online, you will need to register in advance for our Zoom sessions in order to get access. This year we will use one link for all services, which you can register for access here. Should the website crash for any reason, we will have links posted to our Social Media pages.
*Please keep in mind that the Zoom link does not list the correct dates and times. Please use our calendar, the PDF schedule above, or the information below for dates and times of all services. Our Friday night Shabbat Service on October 10 still uses our usual Shabbat link and not the High Holidays Zoom Service.
Break-the-Fast
Register for this year's Break-the-Fast here by Setpember 28.
You can also register for our Simchat Torah Celebration and for our Atid Event.
Tell Us Your Name!
Enhance your High Holiday experience by requesting a pre-printed name tag, a simple yet powerful way to foster a welcoming and inclusive community. Wearing a name tag allows us to connect more personally with one another. It ensures that everyone, whether they are new or returning members, feels welcome. Request yours here.
Machzorim
We are once again loaning out Machzorim, our High Holiday Prayer Books. If you are attending services virtually and would like to borrow a set, please reach out to the Temple Israel Office to arrange a time for pick-up. Returns are required by October 18. If they are not returned, fees will be assessed. If you would like to own your very own Machzor, you can find that information here. We highly recommend either borrowing or purchasing a set as text will not be on screen during our Zoom Services.
Lulav & Etrog
If you are looking to purchase your own set, for at-home celebration, you can do so here.
High Holidays Playlist
Get ready for the High Holidays by checking out our YouTube playlist, filled with songs to either help you remember or just get in the mood for this special time of year. Featuring music from past High Holidays, our playlist is the perfect way to bring the spirit of the season into your home. Check it out here.
Book of Rememberance
Recently, you received a letter asking if you would like to add names to the Book of Remembrance, a compilation of tributes to our dearly departed whose memories are consecrated on Yom Kippur. Please return your form to Temple Israel by Friday, September 5 to ensure inclusion of your remembrance. If you have any questions, please contact the Temple Israel Office, 402-556-6536.
Childcare
We will again be recruiting staff from our local Jewish schools to watch over children ages 15 months - 4 years. They will have fun playing with each other in a safe environment, listening to stories, and hearing the shofar blast. Sitter service will be available for Rosh Hashanah morning (Tuesday, September 23, 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.), as well as Yom Kippur morning (Thursday, October 2, 10 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.). Childcare will take place downstairs in the Education Wing. Adults - please walk your children down to sign them in upon drop-off and out for pick-up. Reservations are required. Please RSVP online by:
- Thursday, Sept. 18 for Rosh Hashanah
- Friday, Sept. 26 for Yom Kippur
Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Accessibility
- If you would like mobility assistance for services, please contact our Front Office to make arrangements.
- Large print books as well as listening devices will be available at the entrance to the Sanctuary for all services.
- Alternative seating and open spaces will be available in the social hall where we will be streaming services. We will also have a super cozy seating area set up in the youth lounge for Temple Israel’s tiniest Tots who prefer to remain with their grown-ups.
URJ Reciprocity
The URJ suggests that when space allows, members of URJ congregations who will be traveling during the High Holidays be welcomed to worship at fellow URJ congregations. Please note that High Holiday seating is based on the discretion of the host congregation and is not intended as URJ policy. If you are travelling to another congregation, please reach out to Temple Israel Office to fill out a Reciprocity Form for you!
Get Involved!
We are always looking for more volunteers during the High Holidays! If you are interested in greeting, ushering, assisting in the Food Drive, please fill out this form or contact our Front Desk, (402) 556-6536.
Elul Thoughts
This year, we once again participated in Elul Thoughts, a collaborative project among several rabbis, cantors and educators of daily thoughts in preparation for the High Holidays. If you've missed any editions of Elul Thoughts, you can revisit them on the Temple Israel Blog. If you'd like to receive the remainder in your e-mail, you can subscribe to Elul Thoughts through your Shulcloud Settings.
College Kids Connection
Have a college student away during the High Holidays? Fill out the form here to request a care package from Temple Israel. Packages include a note from our clergy and familiar holiday items. U.S. addresses only—one form per student, please.
S'lichot
Saturday, September 13
8:00 p.m. | Service (IP)(Z)
We invite you to enter the High Holiday season with the beauty and grandeur of our S’lichot service, which includes the ceremonial changing of our Torah covers from their year-round colors to the symbolic white of the season. Dive into the liturgy with our new S’lichot Machzor and the spiritual experiences that challenge us to change, to turn, and to return. This year, our Kol Rina choir will join us to enhance the experience.
Rosh Hashanah
As we celebrate the beginning of our new year, 5786, we will come together in celebration and reflection. We invite you to reconnect and renew your commitments to spiritual growth. We look to strengthen our bonds and look forward to a year filled with hope and blessings.
Monday, September 22
7:30 p.m. | Erev Rosh Hashanah Service (IP)(Z)
Tuesday, September 23
9:30 a.m. | Tot Rosh Hashanah Service (IP)(Z)
Join us to celebrate the birthday of The World! The clergy are excited for Songs, (Torah) Scrolls, and Shofars! We’ll gather together to learn about the story of the creation and to wish the World a very Happy Birthday!
10:30 a.m. | Morning Service with Torah Reading (IP)(Z)
10:30 a.m. | Youth Programming (IP)
While parents and grandparents are in the Sanctuary, we’ll have our own Rosh Hashanah celebration, complete with activities, snacks, and fun! It’s sure to be a SWEET Holiday experience! Advance registration is required by September 18. Activities will be planned for grades PK-2nd and 3rd-5th. We encourage those in grades 6 and up to attend the main service in the Sanctuary.
Shabbat Shuvah & Tashlich (at Gene Leahy Mall)
Friday, September 26
5 p.m. | Bring Your Own Picnic (IP)
6 p.m. | Service & Tashlich Ceremony (IP)
Shabbat Shuvah is a service of returning that takes place between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. As part of that process, we ask ourselves and everyone in attendance to think about how we might have missed the mark.
Tashlich is a ceremony with a physical reminder to cast away your sins, representing our hope that we can "cast off" our misdeeds. In ancient tradition, those participating in Tashlich would turn out their pockets into bodies of water to empty out and let go of their sins.
Grab your family, friends, and neighbors to join us. We encourage community and conversation from 5-6 p.m. with a "Bring Your Own" Picnic, with a Shabbat Service to follow. Following service, we will offer an environmentally friendly version of Tashlich as well (Think of it as a second-chance at those New Year's resolutions)!
As a reminder, there will be no services at Temple Israel on Friday, September 26 so we encourage you to join us downtown. For those unable to attend who would like to say Mourner’s Kaddish, please join us for Saturday Morning Service on September 27.
To enjoy the downtown scenery during this event:
- Please bring your own blankets and chairs, as provided seating will be limited.
- There’s an amazing playground nearby!
- Feel free to bring your own picnic dinner.
- Coolers are allowed
- Glass and Grills are NOT allowed.
- Please feel free to bring your children and your pets.
Kever Avot v'Imahot (A Memorial & Cemetery Service)
Sunday, September 28
1 p.m. | at Temple Israel Cemetery (IP)
Join us at the Schrager Memorial Chapel for a congregational service to honor the memories of our loved ones who have died and say Kaddish for them.
Immediately following services, everyone will have an opportunity to visit the graves of their loved ones.
The Temple Israel Cemetery is located at:
6500 N 42nd Street
Omaha, NE 68112
Kol Nidre
Wednesday, October 1 | 7:30 p.m. (IP)(Z)
We will stand before God as we hear the haunting melody of the Kol Nidre prayer. As we consider our imperfections, we ask ourselves how and why we go astray. We will begin our prayers of confession and atonement, seeking forgiveness from ourselves and others. This Service will also feature remarks from Board President Justin Cooper.
Yom Kippur
Thursday, October 2
If you would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the Yizkor service, please contact the Temple Israel office at 402-556-6536, by Friday, September 26.
9:30 a.m. | Tot Service (IP)(Z)
A Yom Kippur experience about family and forgiveness. Please join the clergy and education team as we explore what it means to move past the words “I’m sorry” into the actions connected to reflection, repair, and restoration. Stories and songs will help us appreciate the importance of the work it takes to DO better and BE better.
10:30 a.m. | Morning Service with Torah Reading (IP)(Z)
As we continue the days of awe, we recognize that we are imperfect creatures. We seek to open our hearts, to perceive ourselves and others with open eyes. We ask ourselves how we can open ourselves to change, to renewal, and to new opportunities in this new year.
10:30 a.m. | Youth Programming (IP)
While parents and grandparents are in the Sanctuary, join us downstairs for stories, activities and moments of meaning and mindfulness. This is definitely the place to be for our PK-5th graders! Advance registration is required by September 26. Activities will be planned for grades PK-2nd and 3rd-5th. We encourage those in grades 6 and up to attend the main service in the Sanctuary.
12:15 p.m. | Feeding the Hungry: Food Packing (IP)
The words of the Prophet Isaiah challenge us on Yom Kippur to not just fast, but to also feed the hungry. We are once again partnering with the Foodbank of the Heartland for our Annual Food Drive. We invite you to participate in a variety of ways!
DONATE: Beginning on Rosh Hashanah, we will be handing out brown paper bags! Please fill it with the requested items below and return it on or before our Yom Kippur services!
VOLUNTEER: Following our Morning Worship on Yom Kippur, we will need all hands on deck! Beginning at 12:15 p.m., we will be preparing the collected food to be taken to the food bank. We would love your help with this part! Whether it is sorting, weighing, or packing the food, this is a great way to get involved and help out in a hands-on and fun way. With your help, we can supply Food Bank for the Heartland with thousands of pounds of nutritious food.
MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
- Canned Vegetables
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Chicken
- Canned Fruit
- Peanut Butter
- Rice
- Canned & Dry Beans
- Cereal
- Pasta
1:45 p.m. | Ask Rabbi Sharff (IP)(Z)
Take a moment with Senior Rabbi Benjamin Sharff and ask any questions you might have.
3 p.m.
A Service of Healing (IP)(Z)
A more contemplative service with a focus on prayers and songs of healing: healing of the body and healing of the spirit. We will pray for strength for those who are ill and strength for the caregivers among us.
-or-
Text Study with Rabbi Sharff (IP)
Come for a brief learning session in the chapel with Rabbi Sharff.
4:15 p.m. | Yizkor (IP)(Z)
Join in our traditional prayers of remembrance and add your personal memories to share in the power of community.
5 p.m. | N'ilah (IP)(Z)
Before the gates close, we join in our final worship service focusing on forgiveness.
After Services | Community Break-the-Fast (IP)
Join us following services to break the fast as a community. Get the additional details and RSVP here by September 28.
Sukkot
Sukkot is one of the Shalosh Regalim, one of three pilgrimage festivals where in ancient days, the Israelites would bring their sacrifices to the Temple in Jerusalem. It also commemorates the fall harvest and the 40 years in the wilderness where the Israelites built temporary structures: Sukkot. It is a fun fall celebration where we take up the lulav & etrog and invite family & friends to join us in al fresca dining under the stars. We also invite Ushpizin, sacred guests, to join us in the Sukkah as well. Please visit our High Holidays web page for updated details!
Tuesday, October 7
10:30 am. | Morning Service (IP)(Z)
Thursday, October 9
12 p.m. | Lunch with Clergy in the Sukkah (IP)
5 p.m. | Happy Hour in the Sukkah (IP)
Friday, October 10
5;45 p.m | Tot Shabbat in the Sukkah
6 p.m. | Shabbat b’Yachad (IP)(Z) & Oneg in the Sukkah (IP)
Saturday, October 11
6 p.m. | Sushi in the Sukkah with ATID (IP) *RSVP Here.
Sunday, October 12
9:30 a.m. - Noon | YLP Family Sukkot Celebration (IP)
Simchat Torah
Monday, October 13
6 - 8 p.m. | Community Dinner & Celebration (IP)
This is our congregational Simchat Torah Service, where we rejoice in completing the annual Torah Cycle and beginning anew. RSVP here by October 9!
FYI: Consecration will take place on November 24.
Tuesday, October 14
10:30 a.m. | Service & Yizkor (IP)(Z)
If you would like to have the names of your loved ones read at the Yizkor service, please contact the Temple Israel office at 402-556-6536, by Friday, October 10.
To conclude, we will have a Shemini Atzeret Service, including Yizkor. This casual service will conclude and restart the Torah as we also commemorate all of our deceased loved ones. The cycle of life continues as the cycle of the Torah begins again.