2026 5787
high holy days GUIDE GUIDE
TEMPLE SINAI OF ROSLYN
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 worshippers refreshed, uplifted, and prepared to navigate the year ahead. This comprehensive guide includes all of your “need to know” information about the 2026 High Holy Days at Temple Sinai, but should you have any questions, please reach out to us at 516.621.6800 or via email at hhd@mysinai.org. We look forward to sharing these special days with you!
Ma y th
is y
ore sweetness, mo m g re joy ri n b r ,a ea
nd
more
ell spent togethe ew r ti m
L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu from the Clergy & Leadership of Temple Sinai Rabbi Michael A. White Rabbi Ilana Schachter
Cantor Sergei Schwartz Cantor-Educator Elena Schwartz Lee Mirrer
Executive Director
Jeffrey Sklar
Officers
President
Michelle Golden
Executive Vice President
Lauren Borkon • Jana Grotas • Amy Pepper • Adam Weinschel Vice Presidents
Richard Blatt Treasurer
Ginny Jordan Secretary
Charles Weiss Legal Counsel
Board of Trustees Lauryn Berger Rachel Bloom William Brickner Frank D’Ambrosio Francine Fabricant Lynne Falkowitz Laurie Finkelstein
Alan Flyer Deborah Glennon Charlotte Hollander Norm Hollander Maribeth Kraus Julie Krystal Rob Kuppersmith Rebecca Lichten
Gabriel Markiz Danielle Massari Anne Niesenbaum Carol Rotenberg Tammy Szerencsy Rachel Shapiro Amy Zuflacht
Honorary Trustees Charles Berman Howard Berrent Amy Braunstein Jonathan Cheris Richard Evans
Allen Geller Michelle Golden Dr. Steven Goodman Barbara M. Kessler Richard C. Laskey Daniel S. Reich
David Schwartz Michael Shaffet Carol B. Weinstock Howard J. Weisler Toni Wiener
from the rabbi’s study Hello, hello, hello, hello Good-bye, good-bye, good-bye, good-bye That’s all there is And the leaves that are green turn to brown.
- Paul Simon
I doubt Paul Simon had Rosh Hashanah in mind when he wrote these lyrics, but they beautifully capture the spirit of the High Holy Day season. The days grow shorter. The air turns crisp. Leaves blaze with color before drifting to the ground. Autumn reminds us that every ending gives way to a new beginning. That is the rhythm of the Jewish New Year as well: a farewell to the year now passing, an awakening to the year about to begin, and an invitation to reflect on who we have been, and who we hope to become. The year 5786 challenged the Jewish people in difficult ways. Rising, relentless antisemitism confronted us from every direction. False accusations, intimidation, and threats became painfully familiar. Israel continued to face existential dangers from without and painful divisions from within. Too many public voices seized every opportunity to weaponize Israel’s struggles against the Jewish people. We cannot afford to look away from these realities. Yet, Rosh Hashanah invites us to see the world through hopeful Jewish eyes. It does not ask us to ignore the gathering clouds. Rather, it asks us not to become consumed by them. Instead, we begin the new year with music and prayer that direct our attention toward gratitude, blessing, hope, and possibility. As we gather together in our expanded sanctuary, we are reminded that we do not face the future alone. We draw strength from one another, from the enduring resilience of the Jewish people, and from the faith that has carried us through far darker times than these. Together, we greet the new year with clear eyes, grateful hearts, and renewed hope. Every one of us needs Temple Sinai’s High Holy Day convocation this year. None of us should be alone. Our beautiful, diverse community – seniors and long-time members, new members, young families, toddlers, teens, and grandparents, LGBTQ+ neighbors, Jews-of-color, interfaith families, every political stripe and interest – will join together and raise our voices as one strong, proud community, ready and eager to embrace the new year. This is your Temple Sinai community: We stand together in times of fear and uncertainty. We laugh together and celebrate one another’s joys. We face the future with compassionate hearts and generous hands. As we enter this new year, as the leaves that are green turn to brown, may our prayers deepen our strength, our wisdom, and our hope. May we embrace our blessings with grateful hearts. May we meet our challenges with courage, caring for one another, for the Jewish people, and for the wider community.
Rabbi Michael A. White
high holy days schedule of services Everyone
Children & Families
Tots & Families
Selichot Saturday, September 5
Selichot Service 8:00 pm
Sanctuary Streaming Available
Evening Service 7:30 pm
Sanctuary Streaming Available
Erev Rosh Hashanah Friday, September 11
Rosh Hashanah - First Day Saturday, September 12
Tot Service Open to the Community 9:00 am
Cocktail Room
Children’s Service (K-4) Open to the Community 9:00 am
Simcha Room
Morning Service 10:00 am
Sanctuary Streaming Available
Tashlich Open to the Community 4:00 pm
Town of North Hempstead Bar Beach
Rosh Hashanah - Second Day Sunday, September 13
Morning Service Open to the Community 10:00 am
Sanctuary Streaming Available
high holy days schedule of services Everyone
Children & Families
Tots & Families
Erev Yom Kippur Sunday, September 20
Kol Nidre Service 7:30 pm
Sanctuary Streaming Available
Tot Service Open to the Community 9:00 am
Cocktail Room
Children’s Service (K-4) Open to the Community 9:00 am
Simcha Room
Morning Service 10:00 am
Sanctuary Streaming Available
Afternoon/Healing Service 3:30 pm
Sanctuary Streaming Available
Yizkor followed by Neilah 4:30 pm
Sanctuary Streaming Available
Yom Kippur Monday, September 21
festival services Erev Sukkot
Simchat Torah
Friday, September 25
Friday, October 2
Sukkot Service 6:30 pm Sanctuary/Streaming
Simchat Torah Service 6:30 pm Sanctuary/Streaming
days of awe The ten days from Rosh Hashanah through Yorn Kippur are commonly known as the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim), or the Days of Repentance (Asseret Yamei HaT’shuvah). This period invites us to pause and look inward, as we reflect on the past year with honesty and compassion. This is the time to recommit ourselves to living with greater purpose, kindness, and connection in the year ahead.
Selichot - Saturday, September 5 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 - Friday, September 11 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 - Saturday, September 12 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 to worship and reflect.
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 - Sunday, September 13 Our renewed commitment to our 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 importance of community and the enduring relevance of our traditions in guiding us toward a meaningful life.
Kol Nidre - Sunday, September 20 Kol Nidre, meaning all vows, begins Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, with an ancient declaration that encourages us to release the burdens we carry and the promises we could not keep. Its stirring words and melodies create space for reflection, healing, and renewal.
Yom Kippur - Monday, September 21 Yom Kippur provides us with a sacred opportunity to make amends and move forward through sincere reflection. It is a day to consider how we have lived, where we have fallen short, and how we can repair our relationships with ourselves, with one another, and with the world around 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.
May you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good year.
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 Friday, September 11 at 7:30 pm. 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 2026-27 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, either in person or via livestream. 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 will be worshipping via livestream ONLY, you do not need to complete the registration form. If you will be joining us in person, select the services you will be attending and indicate the
actual 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.
Saturday, September 5 • 8:00 pm • in the Sanctuary Held the week before Rosh Hashanah, Selichot - meaning forgiveness is a service that encourages introspection and reflection as we prepare to enter the new year.
RSVP at mysinai.org/selichot2026 E REV
Help Us Unroll the Scroll!
FA MILY S ERVI CE
FR I DAY, SE P T E M B E R 2 5 6: 30 P M IN THE SAN CT UAR Y
8
Simchat Torah Family Service Friday, October 2 6:30 pm
kids & teens
Temple Sinai is excited to celebrate the High Holy Days with members of all ages!
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 Saturday, September 12 at 9:00 am in the Simcha Room Yom Kippur Children’s Service Monday, September 21 at 9:00 am in the Simcha Room Our tot services are created especially for our ECC-aged children up to age five. Rosh Hashanah Tot Service Saturday, September 12 at 9:00 am in the Cocktail Room Yom Kippur Tot Service Monday, September 21 at 9:00 am in the Cocktail Room
high holy days kids’ programs (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 Saturday, September 12 from 9:30 am-1:00 pm (doors will open at 9:15 am)
Yom Kippur Monday, September 21 from 9:30 am-1:00 pm (doors will open at 9:15 am) PLEASE NOTE: To ensure a safe and enjoyable program for all, advance registration by September 5 is required. RSVP is required to ensure adequate staffing, and for that reason we’re unable to accept walk-ins.
childcare
We are pleased to offer complimentary childcare for our young members ages two through five.
NEW high holy day experiences for teens (7th-12th grades)
We’re switching it up to offer teens a variety of High Holy Day experiences! Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Saturday, September 12 10:00 am-11:00 am: Traditional Teen Service in the Simcha Room Join us for a teenage spin on a more traditional Rosh Hashanah service. 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Community Service Project Rotation Upstairs Engage in an assortment of community service projects that help those in need and earn service hours while you do! 12:00 pm-1:00 pm - OPTION 1 (8th-12th graders): HHD Sing Down in the Simcha Room Volunteer to assist at this special event for 4th-6th graders. 12:00 pm-1:00 pm - OPTION 2: Experiential Teen Service in the Teen Lounge Be a part of our experiential teen service in the lounge with hands-on opportunities to engage in the themes of the holiday. Yom Kippur Morning Monday, September 21 10:00 am-11:00 am: Traditional Teen Service in the Simcha Room Join us for a teenage spin on a more traditional Yom Kippur service. 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Community Service Project Rotation Upstairs Engage in an assortment of community service projects that help those in need and earn service hours while you do! 12:00 pm-1:00 pm - OPTION 1 (8th-12th graders): Teshuvah Game Minute-to-Win-It Challenges in the Simcha Room Volunteer to assist at this special event for 4th-6th graders. 12:00 pm-1:00 pm - OPTION 2: Experiential Teen Service in the Teen Lounge Be a part of our experiential teen service in the lounge with hands-on opportunities to engage in the themes of the holiday. PLEASE NOTE: To ensure a safe and enjoyable program for all, advance registration by September 5 is required. We’re unable to accept walk-ins or accommodate new friend requests on the day of the program
high holy day teen volunteering (interns only)
Current and former participants in Temple Sinai’s Experiential Workplace Learning Program (formerly known as Internship) are the ONLY teens eligible to volunteer with our High Holy Day Kids’ Programs this year. These are the only volunteers who will be eligible.
For complete details, and to register for our Children’s Services, Tot Services, Childcare, Kids’ Programs, and Teen Experiences, please use this QR code or sign up at mysinai.org/kids2026.
high holy days hunger project Donate on Yom Kippur Monday, September 21 from 8:30 am-4:00 pm 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! Holiday Farms has graciously provided us with a 10% off coupon to purchase non-perishable food for this drive. Use the coupon from August 31 through September 21, 2026, in-store only.
TEMPLE SINAI HIGH HOLY DAY FOOD DRIVE
non-perishable food, 10% OFF Valid onin-store ONLY
VALID 8.31.26 THRU 9.21.26 Print at home or present on your phone
pasta • beans • rice • peanut butter • jelly • tuna • evaporated milk • baby formula • diapers • toothpaste • mouthwash • soap
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.
large print prayer books are available upon request. please ask our ר אש ה שנ ה ambassadors
appropriate attire In keeping with the spirit of the Days of Awe, we kindly ask that all who worship - adults, teens, and tweens - wear proper, modest attire.
prayer books 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% through September 22). 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/prayerbook2026. 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