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. Child care 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. Youth Services and Activities are offered at 11:30 AM for students in grades 3 – 5 only. Registration is required. You can register online. 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.
Child Care
Childcare is offered for infants through grade 2 on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for both our 8:30 am and 11:30 am services. Registration is required.
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).
College Students
College students and friends are welcome with presentation of their college IDs.
Special Needs
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. 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.