High Holidays 5786/2025
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 5786 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
All events will take place in person. Livestream option available for services and select programs.
HIGH HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Monday, September 22 – Thursday, Oct. 2
Join us in community as we enter the Days of Awe. Together, we will sing, pray, contemplate and mindfully begin the new year.
EREV ROSH HASHANAH
Monday, September 22
5 pm: Family Service Ages 0-9
6 pm: Congregational Dinner Additional dinner tickets required
7:30 pm: Evening Service All ages
ROSH HASHANAH
Tuesday, September 23
10 am: Rosh Hashanah Morning Service All ages
Tashlich at Crissy Field West Bluff Picnic Area
1:30 pm Lunch, 2:15 pm Tashlich
Following services, join us for a lunch with inspiring views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Afterwards, we will blow the shofar, sing together and symbolically cast our sins into the Bay. Lunch provided, free.
KOL NIDRE
Wednesday, October 1
5 pm: Family Service Ages 0-9
7:30 pm: Kol Nidre Service All ages
YOM KIPPUR
Thursday, October 2
10 am: Morning Service All ages
1:30 pm: Afternoon Programs: Labyrinth walk and Social Action Presentation
2:30 pm: Contemplative Healing Service
3:30 pm: Text Study
5 pm: Yizkor mourner's service
5:45 pm: Ne’ilah Evening service All ages
6:30 pm: Break-the-fast in Newman Hall
Purchase High Holiday Tickets
ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES AND EVENTS
S’LICHOT
Saturday, Sept. 13
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 CELEBRATION IN THE SUKKAH
Friday, Oct. 10
5:15 pm: Yizkor mourners’ service
6 pm: Kabbalat Shabbat
7:30 pm: Sukkot celebration and dinner
Celebrate Sukkot at a special Shabbat service followed by a community dinner and gathering by 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 service streamed on YouTube. Dinner tickets: $20-30, available online.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Memorial Book
Add the names of your loved ones to our annual Memorial Book. Fill out the online form or contact Zack Migdail if you have any questions. Deadline for submissions is July 31.
Food Drive
September 22-October 11
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 High Holiday Tickets
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 High Holiday Tickets
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 at this time. 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, we highly encourage using ride share apps, public transit, the SFMTA Japantown Center Garage or CPMC Medical Center garage. These garages offer paid parking all week, 24 hours a day.
Click here for more information, public transit and directions.
