High Holy Days Information
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are amongst the holiest days in the Jewish calendar, which calls for special observance. On Rosh Hashanah, the Book of Life is opened, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are full-day observances at Temple Emanu-El, with morning, afternoon, and evening services. Members are welcome to attend as much or as little of the service as they’d like, though we rely on you to exercise your best judgement and find the appropriate time for exiting the main sanctuary in the midst of service.
Important information
Tickets are not sent automatically. You must complete the High Holy Days 5787 form in order to receive tickets.
All Temple members MUST complete the form whether or not they plan to participate in the High Holy Days Services at Temple Emanu-El.
Please complete the form fully, as it includes the opportunity to reserve your High Holy Days seating for 5787, Youth Programming and Family Services, Sisterhood Greeting, Yizkor Book entry, the volunteer Usher form as well as the High Holy Days Appeal.
In order to process your High Holy Days Ticket request, full payment and/or financial arrangements* for Membership Dues, additional High Holy Days tickets and Religious School Registration must be received by July 28th.
*Financial Arrangements must be made in advance by contacting the main office at 201-750-9997.
Membership Types & Seating Information
Please Note: Extra High Holy Days tickets can be purchased for close family members ONLY. No friend tickets permitted.
PATRON MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
- (2) RESERVED seats for the High Holy Days in the main Sanctuary
- Youth High Holy Days programs/services through Grade 12
- Additional Reserved Seats can be purchased (for close family only) at a rate of $360. No friend tickets permitted.
SINGLE PATRON MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
- (1) RESERVED seat for the High Holy Days in the main Sanctuary
- Additional Reserved Seats can be purchased (for close family only) at a rate of $360. No friend tickets permitted.
FAMILY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
- (2) UNRESERVED seats for the High Holy Days | This seating is first come, first served.
- Youth High Holy Days programs/services through Grade 12
- Additional Unreserved Seats can be purchased (for close family only) at a rate of $300. No friend tickets permitted.
If you would like the option of sitting in reserved seats, you may do so by upgrading to Patron Membership ($5,900), by contacting the main office at 201-750-9997.
SINGLE MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:
- (1) UNRESERVED seat for the High Holy Days | This seating is first come, first served.
- Additional Unreserved Seats can be purchased (for close family only) at a rate of $300. No friend tickets permitted.
If you would like the option of sitting in reserved seats, you may do so by upgrading to Single Patron Membership ($3,100), by contacting the main office at 201-750-9997.
Young Adult (25 & Under) Tickets:
Children of our members who are young adults (25 & under) may purchase a ticket for the High Holy Days.
- Tickets can be purchased at a rate of $36/ticket.
Community Services
This year’s holidays will be a similar structure to last year’s services, with some minor adjustments that enhance safety and security, as well as accommodate our growing congregation. We are confident that we have thoughtfully planned for spiritually engaging and meaningful services for this High Holy Days season.
SIGNATURE SERVICE
There are no major changes to our traditional Signature services. There will once again be separate services in our Sanctuary, with reserved seating for our Patrons, and in our Ballroom, with open seating, for Rosh Hashanah Day 1 and Yom Kippur. For Rosh Hashanah Day 2 we will have one combined service in our Ballroom with reserved seating for Patron members. For Kol Nidre this year we will have two reserved service times in the Sanctuary. These services will be led by Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner, Rabbi Gabe Cohen, Cantor Israel Singer, and our guest cantor, Cantor Zev Scherl.
KEHILLAH SERVICE (COMMUNITY SERVICE)*
For ages 8-120. Returning for a second year, our Kehillah service is a unique, community-centered High Holy Days experience designed to be more intimate, interactive, and accessible for all. This service invites participation and curiosity in a welcoming, relaxed setting, creating a bridge between children’s and adult services. This service will be offered at 10:00 AM each day, either in the Tent or Sanctuary (Rosh Hashana Day 2). Led by Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg and guest service leader Eliav Rodman.
Livestream
Our High Holy Days services will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. If you need access to the livestream, please fill out the request form below before Wednesday, September 9th. Access will only be provided to members who complete our request form. Each device will require a password to view the services, which will be emailed, along with the access link, on Wednesday, September 9th. The livestream quality will be similar to that of our regular Shabbat services.
Family Services
All families are invited to join us for our family services. These participatory services feature age-appropriate stories, well-known prayers, guest speakers, discussions, and more. Family services will be offered on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, timing listed below.
There are four options for your family during the High Holy Days:
TOTS PROGRAM (BABIES, TODDLERS, AND THEIR GROWNUPS):
Designed for babies, toddlers, and their grownups, this program will be ongoing in the Chapel from 9:30 AM until 1:00 PM each of the three days. Programming will include music with Matty Roxx, hands on activities with religious school teachers, and more.
CHAVERIM SERVICE (CHILDREN SERVICE* | PRE K - 2ND GRADE):
Led by religious school educator Raquel Zypman, with guest musicians. Geared for PreK to 2nd graders and their parents. In the promenade. This interactive service is designed for young children and their grownups. It will feature music, the blowing of the shofar, the Bible Players, meaningful prayer, games, and conversations. This service will be offered during two time slots (10:00 AM or 11:45 AM) on Rosh Hashanah Day 1, and Yom Kippur – please reserve the time slot below. On Rosh Hashanah Day 2, there will be one Chaverim Service at 10:00 AM.
*Formerly our Family Service.
KEHILLAH SERVICE (COMMUNITY SERVICE | AGES 8 TO 120)*
For ages 8-120. Returning for the second year, our Kehillah service is a unique, community-centered High Holy Day experience designed to be more intimate, interactive, and accessible for all. This service invites participation and curiosity in a welcoming, relaxed setting, creating a bridge between children’s and adult services. This service will be offered at 10:00 AM each day, either in the Tent or Sanctuary (Rosh Hashana Day 2). Led by Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg and guest service leader Eliav Rodman.
YOUTH DROP-OFF PROGRAM (PREK - 12 GRADE):
In addition to family services, we continue to offer our youth High Holy Day drop-off program* (this means parents are able to attend the Main Service on their own without children) for both days of Rosh Hashanah, and on Yom Kippur. Drop-off begins at the start of services, and runs until they conclude.
Children in the youth drop-off program will participate in age-appropriate classroom activities, social action, prayer, and/or discussions.
Parents are welcome to pickup and drop off children multiple times if they wish (for example, you could drop off your child from 10:00 AM until 11:15 AM, then pick up to bring to family services, then drop them back off after family services for the conclusion of adult services).
If you plan to attend family services, please make sure to register as seating is limited.
Our playground will be available for free play throughout services (weather permitting). All children utilizing the playground must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Please note: For the safety and security of our community, all children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times throughout our campus, including services, hallways, and outdoor spaces.
Teen Programs
Teens will have 4 options to choose from:
- Middle School/High School Program for 7th-12th graders (included in Family/Patron membership).
- Kehillah Service* (Community Service) for ages 8-120.*Returning for the second year, our Kehillah service is a unique, community-centered High Holy Days experience designed to be more intimate, interactive, and accessible for all.
- May sit with parents in our signature services.
- Volunteer Program for 9th-12th graders ONLY, to help with younger kids attending the youth-drop off program. Volunteer placements will be made based on limited space, availability, and following contact with Rabbi Ruberg or Adam Schwartzbard to ensure each teen is a good fit for the role. Please note, not all applicants will receive a volunteer placement.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
DRESS
We are focused on attendance and not attire. Please come comfortably, and tastefully. Jackets, ties, and dresses are welcome but not necessary.
PRAYER SPACES
This year’s holidays will follow a similar service structure to last year, with a few minor adjustments. On Rosh Hashanah Day 1 and on Yom Kippur, there will once again be separate services in our Sanctuary, with reserved seating for our Patrons, and in our Ballroom, with open seating.
For Rosh Hashanah Day 2, Yizkor and Neilah, we will have one combined service in the Ballroom and on Kol Nidre we will have two services in the Sanctuary.
Our Kehillah Service will take place in our tent on Rosh Hashanah Day 1 & Yom Kippur and on Rosh Hashanah Day 2 in our Sanctuary.
SECURITY
For everyone’s safety, only ticket holders will be provided access to the Temple. Please remember to bring your tickets. As in the past, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW YOUR TICKETS AND PHOTO IDENTIFICATION to the professional security staff each time you enter the synagogue. Please bring photo ID matching the name on your tickets, your ticket will serve as your name tag for security purposes. We will be distributing lanyards for your tickets at check in – for everyone’s safety, lanyards must be worn at all times. Please be cooperative and respectful to the security personnel as they are doing their job to ensure we are all safe.
ENTRANCE
Entrance to services for all people will only happen through the main doors of the Temple. This entrance will be clearly marked. All attendees will be screened at the entrance to make sure their tickets and identification match. There will be no exceptions.
PARKING AND SHUTTLE SERVICES
Please leave ample time for parking and shuttling to and from services.
A PROPERTY ACCESS PASS MUST BE PLACED IN YOUR WINDSHIELD to ensure access into the Temple Emanu-El Parking Lot for drop off and parking when available. If the Temple lot is full, offsite parking and shuttle buses are available as described below.
Parking passes for the Temple parking lot, as in previous years, will be included with your High Holy Day tickets. We will have a few handicapped parking spots reserved.
There will be parking, albeit limited, on the Temple campus. We will have additional parking and roundtrip shuttle service available at:
Saint Mary’s Church, 20 Legion Place, Closter, NJ | Available all dates
Hillside Elementary School, 340 Homans Ave, Closter, NJ | Is only available on Saturday, September 12th and Monday, September 21st.
Please obey ALL posted traffic signs.
Drop off is prohibited on Piermont Road. This poses a significant risk to cyclers, drivers and pedestrians and we will not permit any exceptions. For your convenience, passenger drop-off will be permitted at all times (even when the lot is full) at Temple Campus and Ruckman Park. Periodically, when traffic volume is high, we may have to temporarily close the Temple parking lot so that we can park all of the cars. Please be patient if this occurs while you are attempting to enter the Temple.
A directional parking service will be on hand to assist you in following our parking plan. If possible, please carpool and/or drive your smallest car, as this will allow us to accommodate the greatest number of vehicles in the Temple’s lot. Parking along the Temple’s driveway is strictly prohibited. If you choose to leave your car in the Temple parking lot overnight, please call Temple office to make arrangements before the onset of the holiday. Failure to do so may result in your vehicle being towed at your own expense.
Street parking will be available on one side of the “college” streets near the Temple and on one side of Ruckman Road (east of Piermont). Please be respectful of private property (e.g., lawns and driveway access) when parking. Please also note that ALL parking signs and regulations must be followed. The police will issue a summons for all violations. PARKING ON PIERMONT ROAD IS ILLEGAL AND WILL RESULT IN THE RECEIPT OF A TICKET AND YOUR CAR BEING TOWED.
We will be providing shuttle buses as noted below. Please be reminded that you will be asked to show your tickets and photo ID in order to board the bus.
St. Mary’s Church Shuttle
The shuttle buses will run continuously between St. Mary’s Church Parking Lot, Ruckman Park (off Piermont), and the Temple as follows:
- Rosh Hashanah Day 1 & 2
Saturday, September 12th: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, September 13th: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM - Yom Kippur
Kol Nidre – Sunday, September 20th: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Yom Kippur Day – Monday, September 21st: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Hillside Elementary School Shuttle
The shuttle buses will run continuously between Hillside Elementary School and the Temple as follows:
- Rosh Hashanah Day 1
Saturday, September 12th: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM - Yom Kippur
Monday, September 21st: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM
CROSSING PIERMONT ROAD
For your protection, there will be a significant police presence along Piermont Road to direct both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. To ensure your safety, please cross Piermont Road only where there is a police officer and/or a crossing guard to direct traffic.
