HOLIDAYS Holiday Services and Resources

Holiday Services

Also refer to Family Services Schedule for holiday observances.

Holiday Resources

Check here as each holiday approaches for history and meaning of the holiday, recipes, blessings, and links to resources.

High Holidays

High Holiday Schedule for 5769 (2008)

Our High Holiday services are led by Rabbi Rim Meirowitz and Cantor Beth Levin. They are joined by Shir Chadash (the Temple choir), and talented congregants performing instrumental music. The community participates in many ways including readings in English and Hebrew, Torah, and Haftarah readings. High Holiday services take place at Winchester Town Hall and at Temple Shir Tikvah. See the Temple newsletter in September and this web site for complete schedule and details.

The Selichot Service is held on Saturday evening one week before Rosh Hashanah.

ROSH HASHANAH

Rosh Hashanah Morning Services
These services take place at Winchester Town Hall on the first day, and at Temple Shir Tikvah on the second day.

Aleph Service
Our much-loved Aleph service, designed especially for parents with 3rd grade and younger children, are held from 9–10 AM in the Temple Sanctuary. This service is lay-led by Temple members. Parents are asked to attend the Aleph service with their children. Aleph Services are held on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur.

Kehillah (Community) Family Service
The Kehillah Family Service in the Temple Sanctuary is specially targeted for parents and their 4th-to-7th grade children, as well as older teens. Our High School students lead the Torah Service. Parents are asked to attend the Kehillah Family service with their pre-B’nai Mitzvah children. Kehillah Services are held on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur.

Oneg Picnic & Lunch
Don’t run off after morning services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah. Catch up with old friends and meet new members at our annual Oneg Picnic along the banks of Mill Pond behind Winchester Town Hall. We have cool beverages and cakes for a sweet year. If you’d like, bring your own lunch and stay for the Tashlich Service.

Tashlich Service
On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, it is customary to symbolically 'cast away' the sins of the past year into a body of flowing water to resolve to have a better year to come. Takes place behind Winchester Town Hall.

Rosh Hashanah Luncheon
The entire congregation is invited to gather for lunch at Temple Shir Tikvah following services on the second day of Rosh Hashanah.

YOM KIPPUR

Kol Nidrei
Erev Yom Kippur service

Study Session
This lay-led session focuses on a different topic each year.

Healing Service
This somber and moving ceremony enables us to pray for healing for ourselves or loved ones.

Afternoon Services
The afternoon service begins with Mincha and Torah reading. Yizkor, the memorial service follows. The services conclude with Neilah and the blowing of the Shofar. With sundown we observe the end of the holiday with a beautiful Havdalah service marking the separation between the holiday and secular time. Following the concluding service, there is a light Kiddush and break fast.

Break the Fast
We hold a light break fast following the conclusion of Yom Kippur services.

HIGH HOLIDAY TICKET POLICY

What tickets are available for the High Holidays?

The High Holidays are a special time for Temple Shir Tikvah and for Jews everywhere, in part because so many people want to come to the synagogue and worship as a community. Our High Holiday Ticket policy is designed to ensure availability to members and to make our community available to others as space allows.

• All Temple Shir Tikvah Members in good standing receive High Holiday Tickets. The number of High Holiday tickets sent to each member is based on their membership category: family memberships receive 2 tickets, single memberships receive 1 ticket.


• Family memberships' dependent children living at home under the age of 18 require no tickets and may attend as part of the family membership.


• Temple members can request additional tickets for non-Temple members. Family memberships can order up to 2 additional tickets at a donation of $36 each. Single family memberships can order 1 additional ticket at a donation of $36. Additional tickets beyond the $36 tickets can be requested at the suggested donation of $250 per ticket.


• College students and seniors in assisted living facilities can receive tickets free of charge. In addition, members of other Reform temples may obtain tickets if they will be in Boston during the High Holidays by having their home congregation fill out the UAHC Reciprocal Form. Similarly, Temple Shir Tikvah members who will be traveling during the High Holidays may attend services at other Reform congregations by obtaining a reciprocal form Temple Shir Tikvah.


• There will be a $250 donation per ticket requested from each non-member who would like to join us for the holidays.

A Word on Donations
Financially, Temple Shir Tikvah is dependent on our members and extended family of friends and supporters. Therefore when you request tickets, we ask that you make a donation for the requested amount and any additional amount that is suitable to your ability to contribute and the value that you receive in being able to join our warm and welcoming community. The generosity of your donation makes it possible for those less fortunate than you to participate in the richness that our Temple offers. If you cannot afford to pay the stated donation amount, we ask that you send what you can afford. We adhere to Jewish tradition in welcoming all and in not letting money be a barrier to community participation.

What does it mean that tickets are sent to members “in good standing”?
Members in “good standing” are up-to-date on their membership dues or have made arrangements with the Temple Treasurer if there are special or extenuating circumstances. This approach ensures that the Temple has the financial support necessary to provide a warm and welcoming community with rich programming, ritual and High Holiday Services that are accessible to all.

How can I get more information about High Holiday tickets?
Please call the Temple Office at (781) 729-1263 or email office@shir-tikvah.org