Download the High Holiday FAQ (PDF)
When are the High Holidays in 2024?
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 2, and ends at nightfall on Friday, October 4.
Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Friday, October 11, and ends at nightfall (6:48pm) on Saturday, October 12.
What time do services start?
Do I need tickets to attend High Holiday services at Temple Israel?
Temple Israel requires registration by all attendees at High Holiday services. You can register online at High Holidays 2024 Registration or by emailing templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org.
Is there a fee to attend High Holiday services?
What is the deadline to sign up for services?
The deadline for Rosh Hashanah reservations is Friday, September 27.
The deadline for Yom Kippur reservations is Monday, October 7.
Where are services held?
High Holiday seating for the main service is in our historic Sanctuary (200 State Street, Portsmouth, NH). Youth services (grades 1-5) are held in our social hall. All indoor services are also available via Zoom, with the link sent out to all who register. Access the main sanctuary and social hall through the doors to the far left on State Street. Those with limited mobility may enter through the Court Street doors.
Can I participate remotely?
You can access our main services via Zoom on a phone, tablet, or computer. Pre-registration is required. All registrants (including those who register for in-person attendance) will receive a Zoom link. The suggested donation for a Zoom Pass (access to all High Holiday services) for non-members is $36 for all holidays.
Who is leading services this year?
Our main sanctuary services will be led by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman and Cantor Julie Newman. Youth services will be led by Ilene Kanoff. Teen programs will be led by Reb Beni Summers.
When can I hear the shofar?
Shofar will be blown during morning services on the first and second days of Rosh Hashanah (October 3 and 4), sometime after 11:30 am. We will also blow shofar during Tashlich on October 3 on the pier in Portsmouth’s Prescott Park at 1 pm, in Exeter’s Swasey Parkway at the boat launch at 3:30 pm, and at Dover’s Henry Law Park at 3:30 pm. The final shofar blast of the holidays will be at the end of Neilah (6:48 pm) on Yom Kippur (October 12).
Will there be security?
We take security very seriously and are following a security plan developed by our Security Committee in conjunction with Portsmouth Police and national advisory groups. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the building, and all attendees must register in advance.
Can my children attend High Holiday services?
Children are always welcome in our sanctuary. “Busy bags” and children’s books are located in the rear lefthand corner of the sanctuary. The Temple library also offers a place for quiet play if children need a break during services. Babysitting is available in the preschool classroom for children ages 2-5 and supervised quiet activities are available in a second classroom for children ages 6-10 (pre-registration required).
Will you hold children’s services?
Youth Services for children in grades 1-5 will be held in the social hall during each of the High Holidays. Parents should accompany children in grades 1 or preschool. Service times are: Rosh Hashanah day 1, 10:15–11:30 am; Yom Kippur, 10:15–11:30 am.
Are there any teen programs?
Yes, Reb Beni Summers (our rabbinic intern) will lead these programs specifically designed for teens:
Where can I park for services?
Temple Israel on-site parking will be reserved for those with limited mobility, who should request a parking pass from the office for the holidays. Anyone who is able to walk should consider the public parking areas near the South Mill Pond, the High-Hanover Parking Garage, or the Foundry Parking Garage, all within a 15-minute walk of Temple Israel. Some parking is also available at the Middle Street Baptist Church, 18 Court Street, which has generously allowed us to park in any spots that are not marked as reserved for High Holidays.
Please note: On-street metered parking has a two-hour limit, which is strictly enforced, and any tickets issued will be your responsibility.
What if I need a ride to services?
Please notify the Temple office well in advance if you need a ride for any of the High Holiday services. We will try to match you with someone who can drive you to and from the Temple.
What accommodations do you have for handicapped access?
Our Court Street entrance is accessible by a ramp, and the main sanctuary can be reached using an elevator near the Court Street lobby. The on-site parking is reserved for those with limited mobility, who can request a parking pass from the office in advance of the holidays.
What are your rules around masking?
At this time we do not require masks. However, masks are available for those who wish to wear them. If you are unwell, we ask that you stay home and participate remotely.
Is a Break-the-Fast meal available?
Temple Israel will host a kosher dairy/pareve Break-the-Fast meal following Neilah on October 12 at about 7:00 pm. Separate registration is required; please go here to register.
Can I volunteer to help at High Holiday services?
Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters and ushers at in-person services and family services. Please email VPRitual@templeisraelnh.org if you are interested in volunteering.
For more information or to register for High Holidays, visit High Holidays 2024.
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur:
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah:
Yom Kippur 2024 Sermons & Videos “Kinship for the Soul” Sermon for Kol Nidre, Erev Yom Kippur, 5785/2024, by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman Gut Shabbes, gut Yontiff! Tonight, unlike most Friday nights, we won’t be singing L’kha Dodi. However, I want to bring our attention to an intriguing line from that beloved piyut; sof ma’aseh b’machshava Continue Reading »
Rosh Hashanah 2024 Sermons “Remembering 5784” Sermon for Erev Rosh Hashanah, 5785/2024 by Rabba Kaya Stern-Kaufman Tonight we begin a journey of memory. Rosh Hashanah- referred to in the Talmud as Yom Hazikaron- the Day of Remembering, demands that we look back before we can set forth into the new year. It is the holy Continue Reading »
See more High Holiday sermons here.
Read temple member Dinah Berch’s tips for enjoying the holidays with children.
