Details about the 5786 High Holy Days
2025 High Holy Day Services
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Adult Services (Assigned Seating)
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Main Sanctuary: Rabbi Flanzraich and Cantor Moses (9:00am - 12:30pm)
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Banquet Hall: Rabbi Sachs and Cantor Philip (9:00am - 12:30pm)
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Learning Service (Open Seating)
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Chapel: Rabbi Dr. Kulp and Sammy Moses (10:45am - 12:30pm)
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Family Services (Open Seating; Stroller-Friendly)
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Preschool – Boardroom: Alexa (10:30am - 11:30am)
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Older Children – Assembly Hall: Alan and Sophia Imar (10:30am - 12:00pm)
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CLICK HERE for the full schedule of services
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional Information
Learning Service
Q: What age are these services appropriate for?
A: This is not a "children's service." It is mainly for those who are intellectually curious and want to learn about the holidays—what we do and what they mean. A high school student who wants to learn would be comfortable, but this is not a service tailored for young children.
Q: Do these services include traditional prayers?
A: The service covers the highlights of the traditional service: Shema, Amidah, Torah reading, Aleinu, Adon Olam. On Rosh Hashanah we hear the shofar, although not quite as many times as in the main service. We recite Kol Nidre and Yizkor on Yom Kippur. Sammy Moses leads the services and will teach some songs as well.
Q: Do we sing the Kol Nidre prayer during these services?
A: Yes, we do sing the Kol Nidre prayer—once—together as a community. There is no formal choir; the service emphasizes communal singing and shared reflection rather than performance.
Q: How long are these services?
A: The plan is for services to start and end precisely on time (10:45 am – 12:30 pm). People are welcome to come early and speak with Rabbi Kulp, ask questions, etc. And they are welcome to stay later as well.
Q: Can I bring my non-Jewish partner?
A: Most certainly. These services are designed to teach people of all levels, including those who have never been to the service before. The service is highly appropriate for those considering conversion.
Q: Will there be a sermon?
A: No. Rabbi Dr. Kulp teaches, talks to people, reads with them stories and poems, listens to their questions and tries to answer them. But there is no traditional sermon in which he preaches for an extended period of time.
Q: Do I need to know Hebrew?
A: No. The entire siddur is in Hebrew, English and transliterated. While the singing is in Hebrew, there is no requirement to be able to read the words.
Q: Will we be talking about politics?
A: Rabbi Dr. Kulp usually focuses on the themes that emerge from the nature of these days and the traditional texts. The discussions center around topics such as how we learn to forgive others and ourselves, how Judaism brings meaning into our lives, and how we contemplate the finite nature of our lives. While we do touch on moral issues, none of the discussions are overtly political, referring to current politicians or events.
Family Services
Q: What will Beth Sholom offer my young family during the High Holy Days?
A: We offer multiple points of engagement for young families. The “First High Holy Days Services” are a great fit for toddlers and preschoolers. The “Main Family Services,” are a perfect fit for families with school-age children. All families also have the option of utilizing our drop-off childcare programs for ages 2-13. Our trained staff and volunteers provide care, snacks, and High Holy Day programming to keep the little ones happy and safe while parents and grandparents are attending their own services.
Q: Who is leading the “My First High Holy Day Services”?
A: Alexa Abergel, Director of Family Learning and Engagement, will be leading this year, alongside Amanda Levine. An experienced educator, Alexa will use props, songs, storytelling, and sensory materials to bring the High Holy Days to life for our littlest friends.
Q: Who is leading the Main Family Services?
A: Alan and Sophia Imar will be leading this year. In 2024, Alan overhauled our family service machzor and created a new style of Family Services that are equal parts traditional and approachable. With the addition of his talented wife, Sophia, we are excited to experience our best-ever family service in 2025.
Q: What time do family services start? Can my family attend both services?
A: Both services will begin at 10:30am. Your family must choose the service that is most aligned with the ages of your children. You may also choose to divide and attend separate services, if appropriate. We encourage families with small children to attend the preschool friendly service, which is perfect for children up to 5 years.
Q: How traditional are the family services? Do they include Torah reading? How about shofar blowing?
A: Our family service is a great balance of tradition and fun. We include traditional Torah reading and are happy to give aliyot and other honors to many of our families in attendance. The preschool friendly is much more informal and does not include a traditional Torah service. As a major mitzvah of the chagim, shofar blowing is an integral part of both services, as well as our childcare spaces.
General Information
Q: What’s new this year?
A: We’re excited to share some new updates and special experiences to enrich this year’s High Holy Days:
- New Clergy Leadership: We are thrilled to welcome new clergy who bring fresh energy, insight, and warmth to our community.
- Rabbi Louis Sachs will co-lead our traditional services in the Main Sanctuary and Banquet Hall.
- Sophia Imar will co-lead our Main Family Services in the Assembly Hall.
- Banquet Hall Seating: There will be fewer seats available this year so we can increase legroom between each aisle. We encourage early ticket reservations to guarantee your seat location.
Q: When is the deadline for members to purchase High Holy Day tickets?
A: Members must purchase their seats by August 15, 2025. After this date, any remaining seats will be released to the wider non-member community. We cannot guarantee preferred seating for our members after this date.
Q: When can members buy guest (non-member) tickets for the High Holy Days?
A: Members can purchase guest tickets for the adult service in the Banquet Hall starting after August 20, depending on remaining seating and configuration. Tickets are currently available for non-members to attend the Learning Service and the Family Services.
Q: When will I receive my High Holy Day tickets?
A: This year, tickets will be mailed out if purchased prior to Friday, August 29th. Pick up at the synagogue office after September 5th (or earlier by request; tickets will be ready upon confirmation). Please bring your ticket with you to each service you attend. Please ensure we have your correct mailing address on file.
Q: Can I transfer my High Holy Day ticket to someone else if I can’t attend?
A: No. For security reasons, tickets are not transferable. Each ticket is assigned to a specific individual. Please contact the office should you require an update regarding attendance.
Q: Will the High Holy Day services be available via livestream?
A: Yes. Livestreaming will be available for Adult Services in the Main Sanctuary, as well as the Adult Learning Services in the Chapel. Links will be emailed to members closer to the High Holy Days and will also be accessible through the member portal on our website. If you need any assistance accessing the livestream, please contact the office and we’ll be happy to help.
Q: Which doors should I use to enter the building?
A: All attendees must enter and exit through the main synagogue doors on Atlas Street.
Q: Will there be security checks?
A: Yes. Security guards will be stationed at the front entrance and will check all bags. Please bring only what is essential to avoid delays.
Q: Who will check my ticket when I arrive?
A: Volunteer ushers will be stationed inside the main doors to verify your ticket upon entry.
Q: How can I volunteer as an usher and what does it involve?
A: Volunteering as an usher is a great way to help service attendees feel welcome by guiding them around the building and to their seats. Shifts are one hour long, and no experience is necessary. To sign up, please email stephanie@bethsholom.net.
Q: How can I participate in the High Holy Day services?
A: If you're interested in receiving an Aliyah or taking on a non-speaking role—such as opening the ark or dressing the Torah—please email roseanne@bethsholom.net to sign up.
Parking & Conduct Reminders
A: Parking is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend arriving early or using alternative transportation if possible.
Q: May I speak or use my phone outside the service rooms?
A: We kindly ask that you do not congregate or use cell phones outside any service room doors. Sound travels into the Sanctuary and disrupts services. Security staff will be present to help maintain a respectable environment.
Q: What is considered “appropriate” attire?
A: Please be respectful of our Synagogue. Men are asked to wear Kippot during all services. Women are asked for skirts and dresses to not be shorter than just above knee length.
Q: What accessibility support is available for individuals attending High Holy Day services?
A: Beth Sholom is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We uphold and exceed Ontario’s accessibility standards, and we are pleased to accommodate individuals using assistive devices, support persons, and service animals. For more details, please refer to our Accessibility Policy Manual. If you have any specific accessibility needs or questions ahead of the High Holy Days, we encourage you to contact our office so we can help ensure a meaningful and comfortable experience for all.
Q: Have questions, can’t access the form or need to make changes to your tickets?
A: We’re here to help! If you have any questions, are having trouble accessing the form, or need to make updates to your submission, please contact Victoria Cohen, Membership Engagement and High Holy Days Coordinator. 📞 Office: (416) 783-6103 x4229 ✉️ Email: victoria@bethsholom.net
Youth Programming Drop-Off Instructions
Q: Where do I drop off my children for youth programming during the High Holy Days?
A: Drop-off locations are organized by age group:
A: Drop-off locations are organized by age group:
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Ages 6–12: First Foundations entrance at the north-east corner of the parking lot by Winnett.
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Ages 3–5: Lower Level, Teperman Nursery, located behind the stairs.
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Ages 0–2: Lower Level, Playtime Nursery, located opposite the Chapel.
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Ages 5 and under: Please enter via the main Atlas doors.
Additional Notes
- The Member Ticket Forms are only accessible to members who have renewed their 2025 synagogue membership.
- If you have not yet renewed, clicking the form will result in an ERROR message. To activate the forms and purchase your High Holy Day tickets, you must first renew your synagogue membership. Please allow 24 hours after renewal for access to be granted.
- You can renew your membership here: https://www.bethsholom.net/payment.php
- Additionally, the Sanctuary Seat Request Form is available only to members with permanent seats in the Sanctuary. If you do not have permanent seats, you will also see an ERROR message when attempting to access this form.
- If you cannot attend in person this year, please let us know so we can accommodate as many members and guests as possible. Submit your attendance update here: https://www.bethsholom.net/form/2025-high-holy-days-attendance-confirmation.html
- Please act promptly to secure your seats, as we expect high demand.
Links & Resources
- HHD Guide
- Service Times
- Livestream Links - to come
- HHD Programming - to come
- Machzor
- Learning Services Booklet
- Yizkor Book
- Youth Programming - to come
- Rosh Hashanah Honey Sale
- Lulav and Etrog Sale
- DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A MEMBER OF BETH SHOLOM SYNAGOGUE? CLICK HERE
Thu, September 18 2025 25 Elul 5785
