Temple Topics Special Edition High Holidays 2026 Tishrei 5787
High Holidays - Service Schedules Nametags: Please present your Nametag for entry to all services and programs; see pages 6-7.
Phones are permitted only for accessibility needs and security-related purposes. At all other times, they must be turned off and put away.
Livestream: All Sanctuary services will be
Shabbat Shuvah
livestreamed.
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Lake Norden Badger Shabbat Service
Community Selichot SATURDAY, SEPT 5 7:58 PM – Havdallah Candle 8:30 PM – 9:00 PM –
Refreshments Program & Service
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM –
Rosh Hashanah, Erev 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM 6:15 PM – 6:50 PM –
FRIDAY, SEPT 11 Festival Ma’ariv Shababa: Rosh Hashanah Community Dinner
Cemetery Service
SUNDAY, SEPT 20 Service
Candle Lighting
Yom Kippur, Kol Nidrei
8:30 AM – 12:45 PM 8:30 AM – 12:45 PM
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM
Babysitting Family Service: gr. 1-5 Drop-off Program: gr. 1-5 Teen Programs: gr. 6-8, 9-12 Mazal Tots: 0-6 y.o.
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM Shabbat & Festival Mincha, and Festival Ma’ariv Candle Lighting 7:48 PM – Shofar only on Day Two The Shofar will be sounded during all morning services and programs on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. It is not blown on Shabbat.
Rosh Hashanah, Day 2
SUNDAY, SEPT 13 Sanctuary Service Mazal Tots: 0-6 y.o. Family Service: gr. 1-5
5:00 PM – 5:20 PM Tashlich Ceremony LOCATION: 25 Huntington Drive, West Hartford 5:45 PM – Festival Mincha
Festival Ends
SUNDAY, SEPT 20 6:15 PM – 8:45 PM Sanctuary Service 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM Chapel Service 6:34 PM – Candle Lighting (light Yizkor candle first)
Yom Kippur, Day
8:30 AM – 1:45 PM 8:30 AM – 1:45 PM
MONDAY, SEPT 21 Sanctuary Service Outdoor Service
Yizkor: Will be recited in the Sanctuary and Outdoor Services with timing at the discretion of the Rabbis (after 10:30 am).
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Mazal Tots: 0-6 y.o. Family Service: gr. 1-5 Babysitting Drop-off Program: gr. 1-5 Teen Programs: gr. 6-8, 9-12
4:45 PM – 5:45 PM 5:45 PM – 7:30 PM 7:30 PM – 7:32 PM –
Festival Mincha Neilah & Ark Visitations
Festival Ends Final Shofar Blast
Apples & Honey:
Neilah:
Socialize after morning services on both days of Rosh Hashanah.
After the final shofar, grab a sweet on your way out.
SPONSOR: Men’s Club
2
Congregational Lunch Mincha
LOCATION: Beth El Cemetery, Jackson Street, Avon
SATURDAY, SEPT 12 Sanctuary Service Outdoor Service
7:44 PM –
Rabbi Rosen’s annual tribute to small town Midwest Jewish communities
10:00 AM –
Rosh Hashanah, Day 1
8:30 AM – 12:45 PM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
SATURDAY, SEPT 19
SPONSOR: Women’s Network
Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
High Holidays - Service Schedules, cont. Sukkot, Erev
FRIDAY, SEPT 25 Shabbat & Festival Ma’ariv Shababa: Sukkot Lego Sukkot Shabbat Shabbat Dinner in the Sukkah
5:30 PM – 5:30 PM – 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM – 6:26 PM –
Candle Lighting
Sukkot, Day 1
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM 11:00 AM – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – 12:20 PM –
SATURDAY, SEPT 26 Shabbat & Festival Service Mazal Tots: 0-6 y.o. Mini Minyan: gr. 1-5 Congregational Lunch Shabbat & Festival Mincha
7:24 PM –
Candle Lighting
Sukkot, Day 2
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM –
SUNDAY, SEPT 27 Festival Service SULAM and Beyond: Sukkot Youth Programs Lunch in the Sukkah Festival Mincha & Ma’ariv
7:20 PM –
Festival Ends
9:00 AM – 11:30 AM 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Sat, 9/5
An evening of reflection and
preparation before the High Holidays, with the Greater Hartford Jewish community, at Beth El Temple. REGISTER: by 8/31, 4:00 PM, tinyurl.com/Selichot2026
Erev Rosh Hashanah: Community Dinner
Fri, 9/11
Celebrate the start of a sweet New
Year with a festive holiday dinner featuring brisket, traditional favorites, and chicken nuggets for the children. RSVP REQUIRED: by noon, 9/7,
tinyurl.com/BETErevRHDinner COST/MEMBER: $36/adult and teen; $18/child (5-12); 4 and under are free COST/NON-MEMBER: $54/adult and teen; $25/child (5-12); 4 and under are free
7:00 AM – 5:45 PM –
6:13 PM –
FRIDAY, OCT 2 Hoshanah Rabbah Mincha, Shabbat & Festival Service
Candle Lighting
Shemini Atzeret, Day
SATURDAY, OCT 3 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Shabbat & Festival Service
11:00 AM – 11:00 AM – 12:20 PM –
(Yizkor 11am)
Mazal Tots: 0-6 y.o. Mini Minyan: gr. 1-5 Shabbat & Festival Mincha
Simchat Torah, Erev 7:00 PM –
7:12 PM – 8:00 PM –
SATURDAY, OCT 3 Festival Ma’ariv & Dancing with the Torah
Candle Lighting Simchat Torah Story Slam
Simchat Torah, Day
SUNDAY, OCT 4 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM Festival Service 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM SULAM and Beyond: Family Edition Congregational Lunch follows Festival Mincha 15 minutes after services end
Service Details - Part 1 Community Selichot
Shemini Atzeret, Erev
7:08 PM –
Sanctuary Service Rosh Hashanah – Day 1 Rosh Hashanah – Day 2
Festival Ends
Yom Kippur – Kol Nidrei Yom Kippur – Day
Led by Rabbi Jim Rosen and Cantorial Soloist Rabbi Rachel
Zerin, accompanied by our choir, with organ at all services except RH–Day 2. RH–Day 1 includes a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11, as well as reflections on America at 250.
Outdoor Service Rosh Hashanah – Day 1
Yom Kippur – Day
RH–Day 1 is led by Rabbi Ilana Garber and Jason Kay. Yom Kippur-Day is led by members Susan Gold and Jason Kay.
NOTE: in case of rain or uncomfortable heat or cold, this service will move inside.
Chapel Service Yom Kippur – Kol Nidrei Led by Rabbi Ilana Garber and Susan Gold.
(continues)
Temple Topics Special Edition High Holidays 2026 Tishrei 5787
3
Service Details - Part 2 Tashlich Ceremony
Berlinsky Home, 25 Huntington Dr, West Hartford
Sun, 9/13
Erev Sukkot: Shabbat Dinner in the Sukkah
A 13th century custom of
Celebrate the harvest festival and experience the
symbolically casting off our sins by tossing bread into running water. Please bring bread crumbs for you and your family to toss! In case of rain, we will have Tashlich booklets available in the Beth El office during office hours. You are welcome to pick up a booklet and do Tashlich at any moving body of water, before Yom Kippur.
Shabbat Shuvah (Shabbat of Return)
Sat, 9/19
Fri, 9/25
warmth of the community with a joyful dinner in the Sukkah! COST/MEMBER: $20/adult and teen; $15/child (5-12); ages 4 and under are free; family max of $72 COST/NON-MEMBER: $25/adult and teen; $18/child (512); 4 and under are free RSVP REQUIRED FOR DINNER: by noon, 9/22, tinyurl.com/BETErevSukkotDinner
SULAM and Beyond: Sukkot Youth Program
Sun, 9/27
Pre-K through grade 7
Parents are invited to drop off their
children and stay for services.
Lake Norden Badger: Rabbi Rosen’s annual tribute
to small town Midwest Jewish communities enhances this traditional service marking the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. A uniquely themed lunch follows, prepared by Beth El’s special cooking crew. Dress casually! Jeans and plaids are welcome!
Cemetery Service
Beth El Cemetery, Jackson Street, Avon
Sun, 9/20
Our clergy lead a brief service honoring our
beloved departed and offer graveside prayers. NOTE: information about B’nai Tikvoh-Sholom Cemetery Service to be announced
Yom Kippur – Neilah
(Concluding evening service)
Mon, 9/21
This is literally the “closing of the gates.” The Ark is
kept open for this final service on Yom Kippur, and we have one last chance to seek repentance and be sealed in the Book of Life. All who wish to come up for personal moments of reflection and prayer are encouraged to do so; take a moment to find peace and share the beauty of the Torah with your loved ones. Family units of all ages and
configurations (including non-Jewish family members) can each have a private moment at the ark.
4
Simchat Torah: Sat, 10/3 Dancing with the Torah On Simchat Torah, Hakafot involve seven circuits of singing and dancing around the sanctuary with all our Torah scrolls. During Simchat Torah, we read both the end and the beginning of the Torah.
Simchat Torah Story Slam
Sat, 10/3
A Simchat Torah-themed story slam featuring
storytellers from the Beth El community! Geared toward adults, all are welcome. REGISTRATION REQUIRED: by 9/28, tinyurl.com/BETStorySlam5787 COST/NON-MEMBER: $18/member; $20/non-member NOTE: hot hors d'oeuvres will be served
Simchat Torah Morning
Sun, 10/4
As we end our annual reading of the Torah and
start again from the beginning, we celebrate three honorees, share a blessing for new babies, and present Torahs to all 1st graders.
SULAM and Beyond: Sun, 10/4 Family Edition for Simchat Torah Pre-K through grade 7
Parents are invited to bring their children, and join
the family program
Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
Youth, Teen, and Family Services & Programs 0-6 years old
6-12 years old
Teens
Erev Rosh Hashanah ~ Fri, 9/11 5:30 PM Shababa: Rosh Hashanah Rosh Hashanah, Day 1 ~ Sat, 9/12 9:30 AM Babysitting
9:30 AM Family Service
11:30 AM Mazal Tots
11:00 AM Drop-off Program
11:00 AM Teen Programs
Rosh Hashanah, Day 2 ~ Sun, 9/13 11:00 AM Mazal Tots 5:00 PM
11:00 AM Family Service Tashlich (see facing page)
Yom Kippur Day ~ Mon, 9/21 9:30 AM Mazal Tots
9:30 AM Family Service
10:30 AM Babysitting
11:00 AM Drop-off Program
11:30 AM Teen Programs
Shababa: Rosh Hashanah
Family Service
Welcome the new year with music, movement, stories, and fun!
An engaging service designed to explore the themes of Tefillah (prayer), Tzedakah (sacred giving), and Teshuvah (returning to our best selves) through interactive learning, music, and participation.
Geared to 0-6 year olds with their grown-ups
Geared to grades 1-5 and their grown-ups
REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/ShababaRH5787
Mazal Tots
SNACKS: will be provided each day
Geared to 0-6 year olds with their grown-ups
Share in the joy of the High Holidays as we explore holiday traditions and welcome a sweet new year together. SNACKS: will be provided each day
Babysitting
Grades 1-5
0-6 year olds SNACKS: will be provided each day REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/5787Babysitting
Rosh Hashanah – Day 1, gr. 6-8
Drop-off Program Explore the themes of the High Holy Days through a series of engaging 30-minute rotations. Each activity is designed to spark curiosity and opportunities to move, create, and connect. REGISTRATION: tinyurl.com/5787Dropoff
Teen Programs
Yom Kippur – Day, gr. 6-8
You Be the Judge Scenario Conversation Step into the role of judge to explore real-life ethical dilemmas through a Jewish lens. Work together to weigh the evidence, debate different perspectives, and decide what justice looks like while discovering how Jewish values can guide your decisions.
Rosh Hashanah – Day 1 & Yom Kippur – Day, gr. 9-12
High School Service Connect ancient Jewish traditions to the lives you’re living right now, led by Marisa and Max Beede.
Temple Topics Special Edition High Holidays 2026 Tishrei 5787
5
High Holiday Access Policy Beth El provides a variety of options for our members, their families, their out-of-town friends and family, as well as community members, to worship with us on the High Holidays. All services will be offered in person, and many of them will also be Livestreamed or on Zoom. Feel free to mix and match these options.
Full Members of Beth El Temple Members must be in good standing° for their
nametags to be available for pick-up. Children, ages 5 through 24, of members in good standing° will automatically have nametags prepared. Your adult children, ages 25-29, if not members on their own, may purchase access at a reduced rate: $ Rosh Hashanah – Day 1 125 $ Kol Nidrei & Yom Kippur 125 $ Both Holidays 175 Note: Those with a “Friend of Beth El” membership receive online access only.
Local Non-Members Non-members are invited to purchase access to Rosh Hashanah Day 1, Kol Nidrei, and Yom Kippur morning services. This offer allows prospective members the opportunity to experience the magic of Beth El during the High Holidays. The cost of access can be applied to membership if they join Beth El by December 31, 2026. This offer is not available to anyone who was a member of Beth El within the last seven years. Access for each person may be purchased for $ Rosh Hashanah – Day 1 400 $ Kol Nidrei & Yom Kippur 550 $ Both Holidays 795 tinyurl.com/BethElHolidays5787
° Members in good standing have returned their completed membership form and have paid at least 25% of their dues, with a plan in place for the balance. 6
Guests Members may purchase access for relatives and friends,
ages 25 and up, who live outside Hartford County: $ Rosh Hashanah – Day 1 200 $ 200 Kol Nidrei & Yom Kippur $ 300 Both Holidays A completed guest form is required in order to receive the Nametags. The form is available from the office or at tinyurl.com/GuestTickets5787. Young Adults (18-24), Local College Students, and Active
Military Personnel: These special guests are invited to join all of our services at no charge. They must preregister for their nametags by calling the office.
Access is complimentary for everyone: Rosh Hashanah – All Evenings and Day 2; Yom Kippur – Mincha and Neilah; Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah Each person 5 and over must have their own
nametag. All non-members must register for their nametags: tinyurl.com/Community5787 For Livestream information, interested parties will need to contact the office for access.
Reciprocal Access We participate in the Reciprocal Ticket program where members in good standing° at any synagogue receive complimentary access to another synagogue. For your guests: Please have them ask their synagogue to e-mail/fax a Reciprocal Ticket Request Form/Letter to Beth El. It must include the names of both our member and the guest and which day(s) they will be joining us. If YOU are traveling: If YOU are spending any part of the holiday at another synagogue that requires tickets, go to tinyurl.com/ HiHoTravel5787 to request reciprocal ticket/access information be sent on your behalf. Please provide the fax number or email address to which we should send the information. Note: All monies collected from Access sales support membership dues for those in need.
Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696
“Fine Print” (Guidelines) Health and Wellness
Seating
If you feel you might have any illness – a cold,
At all services, seating is first-come, first-served.
cough, fever, sore throat, any nasal or bronchial congestion – please stay home and enjoy our online options. Please avoid wearing fragrances and any scented products at Beth El. We want everyone to be able to breathe comfortably at services.
If you want to ensure that your family sits
Security Please enter the building through the Sanctuary
lobby doors to check in. Please be sure that your nametag is always around your neck and clearly visible. Our security guards will inspect all bags. For the safety of all, do not prop open external doors. Due to fire regulations, strollers and walkers are not permitted in the Sanctuary or Levine-Shein Chapel. Ushers will show you the designated parking area and help you get comfortable. As many look alike,
together, all individuals should arrive early. Children are welcomed and entitled to seats in any service of their choice. Should you need a short break from the service, feel free to take one; however, we cannot guarantee that your seats will still be available for you upon your return unless a member of your family remains with them. Special Seat Requests Seats may be reserved in advance only for persons with disabilities or those who require the assistance of support equipment (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs). One additional seat may be reserved for a companion. These seats will be released after 10:00 am. Notify the Temple office as early as possible so that the seat(s) can be properly designated. Requests must be made by Tues, 9/8.
please attach a label or identifying ribbon. Be aware of all building exits, in case of emergency.
Ushers Ushers will be wearing identifying badges and will be
available to answer questions and help find empty seats. Ushers will close ALL doors during sermons, for other speakers, and when the Ark is open. Please be respectful of all usher directions. Machzor Pick-up Machzors may be borrowed by those who will be livestreaming High PICKUP HOURS: Holiday services at Tues, 9/1– Wed, 9/9 home. Reservations Mo-Th: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Friday: 9:00 AM – NOON are not needed.
Decorum – Please... Maintain the sanctity of services by limiting
conversation and dressing modestly. Expect to enter and leave services from a side door. To reduce noise and distraction, the main doors to the Sanctuary and Kessler Hall will be kept closed, except for those with walkers. Do not congregate in bathrooms. Be aware that during certain portions of the service, you will be asked to wait before entering; also limit leaving at those times. Preserve the sanctity of the holiday by turning off all electronic devices, including cell phones, prior to entering the building. Leave all iPads, Kindles, etc., at home.
Parking
Nametag Pick-up
Park where directed by the parking attendants in
Once again, you will pick up your household’s nametags and lanyards upon checking in for High Holiday services. If you would like to get yours ahead of time, they will be available in our office during the hours noted above. If you still have last year’s lanyards, please bring them back to the office.
the Temple lot and only in designated spaces. Follow all posted no parking signs on the side streets in adjoining neighborhoods. Be aware that the police will issue parking tickets. Note: There is no designated off-site parking or shuttle service.
Temple Topics Special Edition High Holidays 2026 Tishrei 5787
7
2626 Albany Avenue West Hartford, CT 06117
Presorted First Class U.S. Postage Paid Hartford, CT Permit No. 4331
High Holiday Volunteers Begin the new year by helping our community observe and celebrate the High Holidays! We have many opportunities for volunteering: polish the silver Torah adornments assist with children’s programs or snacks on Yom Kippur ALL OPTIONS: tinyurl.com/HighHolidayHelp
Doing Mitzvot Annual Kol Nidrei Food Drive for Anja Rosenberg Kosher Food Pantry at Jewish Family Services (JFS)
JFS serves families facing financial setbacks, isolated elderly, and disabled adults living on small incomes. You can help make a difference in their lives! Please fill a bag or two and drop them off in the Community Room anytime after Tuesday, September 8, until Sunday, September 20, Kol Nidrei evening. All food has to be unopened and KOSHER. Please look for one of these Hechsher symbols. Do not bring expired food or Passover items.
Sorting Food Drive Donations Tuesday, September 22 9:15 – 11:30 AM
CONTACT: Sharon LevineShein, mslib20@gmail.com
Many hands are needed to sort all the bags of donated items before they are delivered to the Food Pantry.
THANK YOU! in advance for your support of this important Mitzvah to help your neighbors! Food • Canned vegetables; canned fruit in juice or light syrup • Cereal, crackers, cookies, snack bars, granola, breakfast bars • Pasta, rice, couscous, marinara sauce • Peanut butter, jams, preserves, macaroni & cheese • Tuna in water, tinned sardines, canned salmon • Canned soups, salad dressings, mayonnaise & other condiments, cooking oil (small containers, no bulk) 8
Cleaning/Household Supplies • Glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner (Fantastic, 409, etc.) toilet bowl cleaner, bathroom cleaner • Toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent • Scrubbing powder (Bon Ami, Ajax, etc.) sponges, Brillo, SOS pads Toiletries • Soap, shampoo, toothpaste • Razors, deodorant, hand cream • Diapers and Depends
The Kosher Food Pantry continually needs to be restocked. Throughout the year, when coming to Beth El, please bring a can of vegetables or fruit, peanut butter, tuna, pasta, or a bag of groceries. Place your donations in the box at the entrance across from the Community Room.
Beth El Temple West Hartford, CT www.bethelwesthartford.org 860.233.9696