High Holidays 5785/2024
Shanah Tovah!
We look forward to being together in our majestic sanctuary— a sacred space filled with splendor, spirit and song! We have a truly wonderful team to lead High Holiday services, and we invite you to join us. Our terrific cantorial soloist, Simon Barrad, will lead us in beautiful music that will fill our historic dome with prayerful chanting. Our beloved music director, Jonathan Dimmock, has been partnering with Simon, our Koleynu choir and professional musicians to prepare an extraordinary experience throughout our holiday services.
Sharing the holidays in community creates a moving and meaningful experience. The full schedule for the High Holidays is on the following pages, and we invite you to join us for as many of the services and events as you wish. Together, we will begin 5785 setting a tone of hope and inspiration for the year ahead.
Wishing you a sweet and healthy new year!
—Rabbi Jessica Zimmerman Graf and Rabbi George Altshuler
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
All events will take place in person. Livestream option available for services and select programs.
HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Wednesday, October 2 – Saturday, October 12
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
Wednesday, October 2
5 pm: Family High Holiday Experience Ages 0-9
6 pm: Congregational Dinner - Ticket sales now closed.
7:30 pm: Evening Service
ROSH HASHANAH
Thursday, October 3
10 am: Rosh Hashanah Morning Service in our historic sanctuary
Tashlich at Crissy Field West Bluff Picnic Area
1:30 pm Lunch, 2:15 pm Tashlich
Join us for a picnic lunch and ritual as we cast our sins into the Bay. Lunch provided. Free.
EREV YOM KIPPUR
Friday, October 11
5 pm: Family High Holiday Experience Ages 0-9
7:30 pm: Kol Nidre Service All ages
YOM KIPPUR
Saturday, October 12
10 am: Morning Service All ages
1:30 pm: Afternoon offerings: Afternoon program with HaMotzi, Labyrinth Walk at CPMC
2:30 pm: Contemplative Healing Service
3:30 pm: Text Study
5 pm: Yizkor
5:45 pm: Ne’ilah
6:30 pm: Break-the-fast in Newman Hall. Catered by Boichik Bagels and sponsored by Monica Levin and Nancy Igdaloff.
ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES AND EVENTS
S’LICHOT
Saturday, September 28
7:30 pm: Havdalah and refreshments
8 pm: S’lichot service: We begin the season of repentance in the month of Elul with our S’lichot service, which asks us to contemplate the year that has passed. Our clergy and musical team lead a musical service which includes the ceremonial changing of our Torah mantles for the High Holidays.
SUKKOT SHABBAT AND DINNER
Friday, Oct 18
6 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat
7:30: Sukkot Oneg and Ritual:
The holidays and opportunities to connect continue, as we celebrate Sukkot at a special Shabbat service followed by a gathering and refreshments in our cozy sukkah. Feed both soul and stomach by shaking the lulav and etrog and enjoying a delicious meal with friends. In person event. Kabbalat Shabbat services streamed on YouTube.
Sept. 28-October 25
During the High Holiday season, Sherith Israel partners with JFCS to collect canned foods for the hungry. Nonperishable food items may be donated in person at Sherith Israel.
High Holiday FAQ
Can nonmembers purchase tickets?
Not a Member? Open to all, we invite you to join us for all or any of our inclusive High Holiday services and events. Nonmembers are welcome to purchase a OnePass for all High Holiday services or individual tickets for each evening or day of services. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.
Do I need a mask? Proof of vaccination?
We will work to ensure as safe an experience as possible for all. We encourage you to wear a mask if you so desire. We will revise our policies if mandated by a government agency.
How do I get additional tickets?
Congregants may purchase additional OnePasses or individual tickets for family members online.
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
What accessibility accommodations are in place?
Congregation Sherith Israel wants everyone to be able to participate fully and comfortably in all that we offer. Our synagogue has an accessible entrance (through the Newman building), an elevator and accessible restrooms. In the main sanctuary, we have an assistive listening system, large print prayer books and designated space for wheelchair users and their companions. During busy times, we offer a “quiet room” for people of all ages who need time away from the group. We welcome service animals.
If you need any other accommodation, please contact zmigdail@sherithisrael.org or 415.346.1720, x117.
Can I join Congregation Sherith Israel now?
Yes, membership at Sherith Israel includes High Holiday OnePasses, member rates at events and invitations to member-only events. Under 26? Check out our YAP Membership.
Please contact zmigdail@sherithisrael.org or 415.346.1720, x117.
My friend is visiting and belongs to a URJ synagogue elsewhere. Can they get tickets?
Congregation Sherith Israel welcomes all members of URJ congregations at no cost. You can request a URJ reciprocity form be sent to Sherith Israel from your friend's home congregation or have their office call ours.
Is there childcare?
We are not offering childcare this year. We encourage children of all ages to join us for services. We are offering shorter, family-oriented services on the evenings of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Where should I park?
While there is street parking in the area, the best bet is the CPMC Medical Center garage. Located at the corner of Clay and Webster, the garage offers paid parking all week.
CPMC Medical Center Garage: 2401 Clay St, San Francisco, CA 94115
First hour: $8 + $3 each additional hour, $35 maximum day rate. Open 24 hours a day. For discounted parking, please inquire about picking up a voucher from our office.
Click here for more information, public transit and directions.
