High Holiday Service Descriptions

The Sanctuary Service:

     The Sanctuary Service, lead by Rabbi Berman and Cantor Chomsky, most closely follows the traditions that the synagogue uses during the other holidays and Shabbatot of the Jewish Year.  Most of the traditional prayers are chanted in Hebrew, although some are recited in English translation and some additional English readings are added.  Families, including children, are invited to participate in the service.  Parents are asked to remain with their children at all times, and to be considerate of issues of decorum and noise that may affect the ability of others to enjoy the service.  The Tifereth Israel Choir participates in parts of the service, but congregational singing and active participation are encouraged at all times.  Rabbi Michael N. Ungar will deliver the sermon on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

The Alternative / Family Service:

     The Alternative Service, facilitated by Rabbi Michael N. Ungar in the Schlezinger Social Hall (Lower Level), is designed for those who seek a less formal, more participatory, family based worship experience during the High Holidays.  All families are welcome

USY Teenage Services:

     On the second day of Rosh Hashanah only, there will be a special teenage service led by the USYers from our synagogue.

Junior Congregation:

     Junior Congregation, for children of Kindergarten, First and Second grades, will be held on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur.  Parents are welcome to attend the service with their children on the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah, and on Yom Kippur, but the service will be directed to the children's level.  The service will use a special Mahzor and will include a variety of Hebrew and English reading, songs and stories.

Young People's Synagogue and Services:

     On both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, YPS services will be held in the pit.  Students attending this service will have the opportunity to take part in leading the service through English and Hebrew readings, special Torah readings, songs and games.

Pre-School Program and Service:

     This year we will again have a special pre-school activity for children ages 2-5 and their parents which will be held on the First Day of Rosh Hashanah, and on Yom Kippur.  This activity will begin with an age appropriate service.  Afterwards, children and their parents will have the opportunity to move from station to station experiencing different aspects of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur through stories, songs, games and holiday craft projects, all keeping within the spirit of Yom Tov.  All children must be accompanied by an adult in order to participate in this program.

Babysitting:

     Babysitting will be available fro children ages 2-4 years for both days of Rosh Hashanah from 9:30am until the end of the service, and on Yom Kippur until the end of Yiskor.  On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and  on Yom Kippur, children ages 2-4 are encouraged to attend the Pre-School Service (see above), accompanied by an adult. 

Babysitting on Kol Nidre for children ages 2-7 years is by reservation only.  All reservation must be received no later than September 7.

     We are sorry that we cannot accommodate children under 2 years of age in our High Holiday Babysitting Service.

Cemetery Memorial Services:

     Rabbi Berman and Michael Ungar will be available to join individual families at family gravesites after these services.