high holy days
Reflect. Renew. Rejoice. Your Guide to the High Holy Days at Temple Sinai
The progression from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, followed by Sukkot and Simchat Torah, captures the wide range of human experience—from deep introspection and repentance, through atonement and forgiveness, to a celebration of joy, gratitude, and renewal.
• Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish New Year, a time for reflection and setting meaningful intentions.
• Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is devoted to fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness.
• Sukkot is a joyful festival of gratitude, honoring life’s blessings and God’s sheltering presence.
• Simchat Torah celebrates the Torah and the annual renewal of Jewish study, marked by joyous, communal festivities.
Together, the High Holy Days create a powerful spiritual journey, offering an opportunity to experience a full emotional and spiritual arc—leaving worshipers refreshed, uplifted, and prepared to navigate the year ahead.
This comprehensive guide includes all of your “need to know” information about the 2025 High Holy Days at Temple Sinai, but should you have any questions, please reach out to us at 516.621.6800 or by email at hhd@mysinai.org
We look forward to sharing these special days with you!
May this yearbringmore sweetness, morejoy , andmore timewell spent together
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu from the Clergy & Leadership of
Rabbi Michael A. White
Rabbi Ilana Schachter
Temple Sinai
Cantor Sergei Schwartz
Cantor Elena Schwartz
Lee Mirrer Executive Director
Officers
Jeffrey Sklar President
Michelle Golden Executive Vice President
Lauren Borkon • Jana Grotas • Scott Nussbaum • Amy Pepper • Adam Weinschel Vice Presidents
Frank D’Ambrosio Treasurer
Lauryn Berger
Rachel Bloom
Jacqueline Covey
Francine Fabricant
Lynne Falkowitz
Alan Flyer
Deborah Glennon
Charles Berman
Howard Berrent
Amy Braunstein
Irwin A. Cantor
Jonathan Cheris
Richard Evans
Ginny Jordan Secretary
Board of Trustees
Charlotte Hollander
Norm Hollander
Maribeth Kraus
Julie Krystal
Rob Kuppersmith
Gabriel Markiz
Daniel Marvin
Honorary Trustees
Allen Geller
Michelle Golden
Dr. Steven Goodman
Barbara M. Kessler
Richard C. Laskey
Martin Marlowe
Charles Weiss Legal Counsel
Danielle Massari
Anne Niesenbaum
Carol Rotenberg
Tammy Szerencsy
Rachel Shapiro
Leslie Wollin
Amy Zuflacht
Daniel S. Reich
David Schwartz
Michael Shaffet
Carol B. Weinstock
Howard J. Weisler
Toni Wiener
from the rabbi’s study
Blessed is
the soul-searching
sound of the shofar; It proclaims the purpose of this day. Blessed is community –Source of joy, solace, and strength to every living soul.
-Mishkan HaNefesh:
High Holy Day Prayerbook
The shofar blasts on Rosh Hashanah morning are the most iconic, most exhilarating moments of the entire Jewish year. The tikiyah blasts are long and whole, while the others, shevarim and teruah, are short and broken. These different sounds come together and speak to who we are at Temple Sinai, to the kind of community we seek to be, and to our aspirations for each of you.
Perhaps those short blasts echo the lives and stories of so many who will gather in the sanctuary during our High Holy Day services - each of you, your family, your neighbors. Some of you are walking through our doors for the first time; others have spent their lives here. There are young families and elders, Jews of color, LGBTQ individuals, interfaith households, atheists and believers, Republicans and Democrats, and those who resist labels altogether. Some are grieving, some are healing, others are celebrating an upcoming simcha. Some are quietly reflective; others burst with energy.
You supply the richness, color, beauty, and spirit that give life to Temple Sinai. Just as each of those staccato shofar shevarim and teruah blasts is surrounded by the smooth fluidity of the longer whole tikiyah, we, too, are bound - individual souls forming one strong, resilient community.
Yet, we cannot ignore the brokenness around us: the pain of antisemitism, polarization, fear of the “other,” and even the growing rifts between Jews themselves. How can we move from the jarring blasts of shevarim and teruah back to the fullness and unity of the tikiyah?
We believe the path begins here - in our sanctuary at our High Holy Day services. Here, in this sacred space, we can quiet the noise of the world: the depressing news reports, the shouting on social media, the weight of our daily stresses. Here, we are given the chance to breathe, to sing, to find the peace and serenity we so desperately need. To rejoice in the blessings that endure, even in struggle. To look around and delight in the beauty of our community.
That is who we are at Temple Sinai: A congregation where every heart has a home. A community that supports one another as we face the brokenness in our lives and in our world, helping each other seek peace, joy, laughter, security, and wholeness - not just for ourselves, but for our broader world.
May we each be inscribed for a new year of blessing, strength, compassion, and gratitude. And may the sound of the shofar awaken in all of us a renewed sense of hope and connection.
Rabbi Michael A. White
high holy days schedule of services
Everyone Children & Families Tots & Families
Selichot
Saturday, September 13
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Monday, September 22
Selichot Service 6:00pm
Simcha Room
Evening Service 7:30pm Sanctuary Streaming Available
Rosh Hashanah - First Day
Tuesday, September 23
Tot ServiceOpen to the Community 9:00am Cocktail Room
Children’s Service (K-4)Open to the Community 9:00am
Simcha Room
Morning Service 10:00am Sanctuary Streaming Available
TashlichOpen to the Community 4:00pm Town of North Hempstead Bar Beach
Rosh Hashanah - Second Day
Wednesday, September 24
Morning ServiceOpen to the Community 10:00am Sanctuary Streaming Available
high holy days schedule of services
Erev Yom Kippur
Wednesday, October 1
Yom Kippur
Thursday, October 2
festival services
Erev Sukkot
Monday, October 6
Everyone Children & Families Tots & Families
Kol Nidre Service 7:30pm Sanctuary Streaming Available
Tot ServiceOpen to the Community 9:00am Cocktail Room
Children’s Service (K-4)Open to the Community 9:00am Simcha Room
Morning Service 10:00am Sanctuary Streaming Available
Afternoon/Healing Service 3:30pm Sanctuary Streaming Available
Yizkor followed by Neilah 4:30pm Sanctuary Streaming Available
Sukkot Service/ Religious School Consecration 5:30pm Sanctuary/Streaming
Simchat Torah Tuesday, October 14
Yizkor Service 9:00am Simchat Torah Service 6:30pm Sanctuary/Streaming
days of awe
The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur are commonly known as the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim) or the Days of Repentance (Asseret Yamei HaT’shuvah). This is a time for serious introspection, a time to consider the mistakes of the previous year, and repent before Yom Kippur
Selichot
- Saturday, September 13
The High Holy Day season begins with Selichot—a moving collection of psalms, poetry, and prayers designed to awaken our hearts and guide us into the sacred work of t’shuvah, or return. Through its evocative melodies and timeless themes, Selichot gently ushers us into the spirit of the Days of Awe, preparing us for the deep reflection and renewal that lie ahead.
Erev Rosh Hashanah -
Monday, September 22
We gather together in the quiet of the evening, on the threshold of a new day of possibility. In this sacred moment, we draw strength for personal and communal renewal, dedicating ourselves to welcoming the new year with prayer, intention, and peace.
Rosh Hashanah-First Day- Tuesday, September 23
We have arrived! It is the day to hear the call of the shofar echoing deep within us. A day to stand in radical amazement of the world that surrounds us. The synagogue hums with energy as our family, friends, and community gather for a day of reflection and renewal. The Akedah, the story of Abraham’s near sacrifice of Isaac, his son, challenges us to our core,
Tashlich
By throwing small pieces of bread into the water, we symbolize letting go of the mistakes, misdeeds, and regrets of the past year. This ritual reminds us that we can always grow, change, and improve. As we watch our symbolic sins float away, we are encouraged to embrace the new year with renewed purpose and commitment.
Rosh Hashanah-Second
Day- Wednesday, September 24
The reflection and reaffirmation of commitment to Jewish values continues. The liturgy uplifts our spirits and connects us to generations of Jews before us. As we celebrate this sacred holiday, we are reminded of the power of reflection, the importance of community, and the enduring relevance of our traditions in guiding us toward a meaningful life.
Kol Nidre - Wednesday, October 1
The sun sets, ushering in the holiest day of the year. Kol Nidre, from the Aramaic for all vows, is a deeply emotional and pivotal moment in the Jewish year, where we recite an ancient formula that annuls any unintentional vows we may make in the coming year. The liturgy and haunting melodies invite us to let go and make space for something new to take root.
Yom Kippur - Thursday, October 2
This is the day we each pass before God—a God of mercy, compassion, abundant love, and boundless forgiveness. On this sacred day, we ask for release: from the burdens we carry, the vows we’ve broken, and the pain we hold. We seek wholeness. We long to begin again, to step forward into our lives with the fullness of the promise and potential that lives within every one of us.
kol nidre appeal
Every year, Temple Sinai reaches out during the High Holy Days to ask for your support. The origin of this request comes from our sacred text. In Leviticus, Chapter 23 we read:
The Lord said to Moses, The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. Hold a sacred assembly and deny yourselves, and present an offering made to the Lord by fire.
The Hebrew word for offering, korban, shares its root with the word karov, meaning to draw near. Our tradition teaches us that making an offering has the power to draw us closer to our community, to one another, and to God. A Kol Nidre gift is more than a donation; it is a sacred act of connection. It is a way of saying I belong here.
Your generous contribution sustains all that makes Temple Sinai your spiritual home — the voices that uplift us, the programs that inspire us, the leaders who guide us, and the support systems that hold us in moments of need.
Please indicate your pledge on the enclosed card and place it in the envelope provided; we will gratefully collect it from you when you enter the synagogue for the Kol Nidre service. You may also make your contribution online at mysinai.org. Simply click on Donate in the upper right corner of the home page and follow the link to Kol Nidre
If You Will Be Away for the High Holy Days
If you plan to attend services at a congregation that asks for reciprocity, Temple Sinai will send a request for any member in good standing.
Contact Judith Dito at 516.621.6800 or jdito@mysinai.org
high holy day ticket information
This year, our Erev Rosh Hashanah service begins Monday, September 22 at 7:30pm High Holy Day tickets will only be provided to congregants in good standing.
As a reminder, in order to receive your High Holy Day tickets (whether you are joining us in person or virtually) you must renew your membership for 2025-26 and ensure your account is up to date. You can pay your bill online, by mail, or in person. Should you need assistance, please contact Mara Rosenwasser in the temple office at 516.621.6800 x102 or mrosenwasser@mysinai.org
The Process
We look forward to worshiping with you in our beautiful sanctuary. For those of you who will be traveling or otherwise unable to join us in person, all services held in the sanctuary will be available via livestream.
• All members in good standing will receive an email that includes a unique registration code and a link to a simple High Holy Days Registration Form.
• If you plan to join services via livestream ONLY, there is no need to complete the registration form. If you will be joining us in person, select the services you will be attending and indicate the number of people in your household who require a ticket. Your membership includes tickets for family members ages 30 and younger who reside in your household.
• During the registration process, you will be able to purchase a maximum of two guest tickets for members of your immediate family (parents, children, siblings), until the number of ticketed members reaches capacity.
Guest tickets are priced as follows:
$36 each for:
• congregants’ children over the age of 30
• spouses/fiancés of congregants’ children (regardless of age)
• congregants’ grandchildren/nieces/nephews ages 10-30
• parents of congregants who reside with congregants
$180 each for:
• parents (who do not reside with congregants) and siblings of congregants
• congregants’ grandchildren/nieces/nephews over age 30
• Once you submit your registration form, you will receive a confirmation email.
• Tickets will include a QR Code to be scanned at the door. For your convenience, your tickets will be sent via both email and SMS text message. If you would prefer paper tickets, please call us at 516.621.6800 or email us at hhd@mysinai.org and we’ll be happy to send them to you.
• Due to space constraints, we will be unable to offer reciprocal tickets for out-of-town guests.
Complete details on the High Holy Days ticketing process will be sent via email to all members in good standing.
kids
childcare
We are pleased to offer complimentary childcare for our young members ages two through five.
See our website for details: mysinai.org/kids2025
Temple Sinai is excited to celebrate the High Holy Days with members of all ages!
We invite families to bring their children to our Children’s and/or Tot Services and introduce them to our rich tradition of worship.
children’s and tot services
These services are a fun and engaging way to celebrate the High Holy Days as a family!
Our children’s services are designed for kids in grades K-4.
Rosh Hashanah Children’s Service
Tuesday, September 23 at 9:00am in the Simcha Room
Yom Kippur Children’s Service
Thursday, October 2 at 9:00am in the Simcha Room
Our tot services are created especially for our ECC-aged children up to age five.
Rosh Hashanah Tot Service
Tuesday, September 23 at 9:00am in the Cocktail Room Yom Kippur Tot Service
Thursday, October 2 at 9:00am in the Cocktail Room
high holy days kids (kindergarten-6th grade)
Do High Holy Days the Youth Group Way!
Join us for a special High Holy Day experience just for children in grades K-6! Kids will have a great time with holiday-themed games, crafts, snacks, and meaningful community service projects—all in the spirit of the holidays!
Rosh Hashanah Day 1
Tuesday, September 23 from 10:00am-1:00pm (doors will open at 9:45am)
Yom Kippur
Thursday, October 2 from 10:00am-1:00pm (doors will open at 9:45am)
Please note: To ensure a safe and enjoyable program for all, advance registration by September 5 is required. We are unable to accept walk-ins or accommodate new friend requests on the day of the program. All friend requests must be included on the registration form.
sorty teen tashlich: just let it go!
Rosh Hashanah Day 1
Tuesday, September 23 at 3:00pm at Bar Beach
Join SORTY for a creative twist on the High Holy Day tradition of Tashlich! Together, we’ll cast off what’s weighing us down and step into the new year with intention and purpose. Bring your friends, your hopes, and your willingness to let it go and start the year fresh!
high holy days teen lounge experience
Hang out with friends in the lounge for some casual holiday-themed fun during the main services, including community service projects*, pop culture and TikTok holiday-related fun.
Rosh Hashanah Day 1
Tuesday, September 23
from 10:00am-1:00pm (doors will open at 9:45am)
Yom Kippur
Thursday, October 2
from 10:00am-1:00pm (doors will open at 9:45am)
*Each day, teens can earn up to two hours of community service upon completion of their chosen projects during the Teen Lounge Experience.
Please note: To ensure access to the lounge and a safe and enjoyable program for all, advance registration is required by September 5. We’re unable to accept walk-ins or accommodate new friend requests on the day of the program.
teens
high holy days teen volunteering (8th-12th grade)
Teens can earn community service hours by helping with our High Holy Day kids programs! Volunteers will help bring kids to their classrooms, support teachers, and join in activities, including games, crafts, and service projects.
Please note: All volunteers must attend a mandatory orientation on September 16. Advance registration is required by September 5. Unfortunately, we cannot accept walk-ins.
For complete details, and to register for our Children’s Services, Tot Services, Childcare, programs, and teen volunteer opportunities, please use this QR code or sign up at mysinai.org/kids2025.
high holy days hunger project
Donate on Yom Kippur
Thursday, October 2 from 9:00am-3:00pm
We encourage you to help those in need in our area by donating non-perishables like these suggested items
Please remember: NO GLASS CONTAINERS
Do a mitzvah on Yom Kippur and help our Social Action Committee organize the food donations! To volunteer, email rabbischachter@mysinai.org.
Holiday Farms has graciously provided us with a 10% off coupon to purchase non-perishable food for this drive. Use the coupon from September 13 through October 2, 2025, in-store only.
visual t’filah
During the High Holy Days, we incorporate Visual T’filah to enrich and deepen your worship experience. Through powerful works of art, we highlight the spiritual messages of the season and encourage meaningful reflection. Throughout our services, prayers, prompts, and visuals will be projected on the two screens beside the bimah, as well as on additional screens in both the Ballroom and the Cocktail Room.
high holy days parking regulations
In order to ensure the safety of all, kindly park only in designated spaces. Please follow the directions of our security agents, ambassadors, and custodians. During the High Holy Days parking is permitted on Roslyn Road. Please call the temple office at 516.621.6800, in advance of the High Holy Days, if you need an accessible parking pass or need to drop someone off.
prayer books
large print prayer books are available upon request. please ask our ambassadors
appropriate attire
In keeping with the spirit of the the Days of Awe, we kindly ask that all who worship - adults, teens, and tweens - wear proper, modest attire.
For those who choose to worship at home, there are three options for obtaining prayer books:
1. Purchase your own physical copy of Mishkan HaNefesh, the two-volume set of prayer books we use during our High Holy Day services. To order, visit www.ccarpress.org (use promo code MHN15 to save 15% thru October 3).
2. Purchase a digital version of the High Holy Day prayer books for your Kindle from amazon.com.
3. You may borrow prayer books from Temple Sinai free of charge; simply complete the form on our website: mysinai.org/prayerbook2025. Pick-up times can be found on the website.
Temple Sinai of Roslyn
425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
516.621.6800 mysinai.org
Affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism