High Holy Day services are conducted in double services on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to accommodate various needs of our members. Adult services include children in grades four and above; younger school-age children are invited to attend a service conducted especially for them during the afternoon of the holidays. Childcare is provided for infants and preschoolers during the adult services. The High Holy Days committee manages the logistical aspects of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, including ushering, facilities, tickets distribution, aliyot, childcare, special needs seating, parking, and police for traffic control. We seat people in double services (early/late) each evening and morning, plus the afternoon and concluding services on Yom Kippur.
The goal of the committee is to make the High Holy Days a comfortable and pleasant experience for everyone. Before and during these days, from ticket orders to our team of designated doctors, over 80 volunteers are involved in making our worship experience the best it can be.
We accommodate the crowds at our double services smoothly and safely. Our excellent childcare program at morning services is well run and vital to so many temple families.
As part of our commitment to ensure that all of our congregants are welcome and able to actively participate in our community, we specially reserve seats for families with wheelchairs or other special needs. For further information, contact the chairperson of the High Holy Day Committee.
Services
Congregational Services are held in the sanctuary and are appropriate for adults and children grades 4 and older. Tickets are required for these services and can be ordered online at www.templeisaiah.net or by filling out the enclosed form and mailing it back to the Temple office.
Youth Services and Activities are offered at 11:30 AM for students in grades 3 – 5 only. Registration is required. Please register on line at www.templeisaiah.net or complete the accompanying form.
Family Services are offered at 2:30 PM for Rosh Hashanah and at 2:15 PM for Yom Kippur. The services are designed for families with children up to grade 2. Registration is not required for this service.
Tickets
We encourage you to order tickets online at: www.templeisaiah.net, beginning in June. Please indicate the services you plan to attend (including Erev Rosh Hashanah) and the total number attending each service.
Please order tickets no later than Friday, Sept. 9th. Tickets will be mailed no later than Monday, Sept. 12th.
The Temple assumes you will honor your choices unless unforeseen events make that impossible.
Single members may request a second ticket without fee. Ticket requests are honored for members in good standing.
Guest tickets are available for out of town visitors, not local residents. A donation of $100 would be appreciated.
Members of URJ congregations may request complimentary tickets.
We want every member to participate fully in the High Holy Days. If you need to make special financial arrangements, please contact Ruth Fleischmann at: specialarrangements@templeisaiah.net.
Direct questions about the High Holy Days to highholidays@templeisaiah.net or the Temple office at 781-862-7160.
Children (grades 5 and under)
Children in Grades 3 – 5 may attend our Youth Services and Activities Program that is offered on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur during the 11:30 am service only. *
Childcare is offered for children in grade 2 and under on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for both our 8:30 am and 11:30 am services. **
Children of any age who are able to participate in the main Congregational Services are encouraged to attend with their parents.
*/** Registration is required, please see details and complete the specific registration form(s) enclosed or online at: www.templeisaiah.net.
Guests
Out-of-town relatives and friends visiting you are welcome as guests. The guest fee is $100 per ticket. If your guests are members of another URJ Reform Congregation see the “Away for the Holy Days” note below. Guest tickets for those with a last minute change of plans will be available at the Temple office during normal office hours (9–5 Monday through Thursday, and 9–2 on Friday). Please speak to non-member friends who live locally about the benefits of joining Isaiah and encourage them to become members.
College Students
College students and their friends are welcome with presentation of their college IDs. Contributions are welcome.
Prayer Books
Please bring your own High Holy Days prayer book (Gates of Repentance) if you own one. Prayer books may be purchased in the Temple office for $25. Books in limited quantities are available for shared use during the services.
Special Needs Assistance
As part of Temple Isaiah’s commitment to ensure that all congregants are welcome and able to actively participate in the services, we reserve space and seats for families with those in wheel chairs or with other special needs, and reserved parking. If you are unable to attend the service you have signed up for, it is important to contact the committee chair. There are two ushers at each service dedicated to special needs seating. Please note on your ticket request form, either online or the print version, that you will need special needs assistance or seating. A member of the High Holy Days Committee will contact you to complete the arrangements. There is a system to aid the hearing impaired in the sanctuary; ask an usher for assistance.
Away for the High Holy Days
If you plan to be away for any of the High Holy Days you may request reciprocal tickets, at no cost, for services at another URJ congregation. Contact the Temple office as soon as possible with your request. Similarly, members of other URJ congregations may also request tickets for services at Temple Isaiah.
Volunteers
Please consider volunteering this year during the High Holy Days. The Committee would like many more volunteer ushers and child-care assistants. Contact Bob Zacher (781-646-6027) for ushering and Susan Harris (781-280-0649) or Nancy Wolk (781-275-5582) for child care, or register online.
Shanah Tovah from the High Holy Days Committee!