TC Jewfolk’s 2021/5782 High Holiday Guide

We certainly all hoped to be back at our synagogue of choice in full capacity and mask-free. Maybe next year? But for this year, we’re amazingly a few short weeks away from the start of a new Jewish year, so we’re back again with TC Jewfolk’s comprehensive guide to high holiday services across the region and religious spectrum. No matter where you are or what kind of service you prefer, we’ve got your high holidays hookup.

This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at nightfall on Monday, Sept 6, and Yom Kippur begins at nightfall on Wednesday, Sept. 15.  Be sure to contact your preferred place of worship in advance for links. Also, all information is subject to change, so when in doubt, check with your synagogue ahead of time to make sure nothing has changed.

Reform

  • Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka we are a friendly, welcoming congregation focused on providing a vibrant place for Jewish families and friends to learn and grow in our community together. We invite you to join us for the High Holidays! Please click here for the 5782-2021 schedule of services at Bet Shalom, and register for both in-person and online offerings. Come say shalom! While there is no charge for tickets, we always appreciate voluntary donations of any amount which helps us continue to offer many programs to the community.
  • Mount Zion Temple – This year’s schedule for the High Holy Days includes some opportunities to gather online as one community. Other times will be “multi-access” with several ways to connect. Those who come to our synagogue will see a tent on the patio for Tot services and live streaming of services for those who wish to pray in a community outside. Inside, improved airflow and the wearing of masks will help keep everyone safe. We will also have to be flexible as we pay attention to changing circumstances with the community spread of COVID. To see the full schedule, read our High Holy Day bulletin, and we will continue to add more details on our High Holy Day webpage. As in years past, guests are welcome to be part of our High Holy Day services and programs. This year, please sign up to receive emails with all the details and updates. We invite you to consider offering a free-will donation to Mount Zion. Members’ and guests’ contributions are what enable us to be the vibrant and welcoming Jewish spiritual home we strive to provide for our community.
  • Shir Tikvah Congregation: As the new year begins, many of us are emerging into the world after more than a year. This season compels us to ask some of the same questions the early rabbis asked as they emerged from the destruction of the Temple nearly 2,000 years ago: What is the world we will emerge into? How will we shape it? What purpose and meaning will we give it? As we gather for High Holy Days this year, we pause in our lives to mark the miracle of community in all forms, to grieve who and what we have lost, to reflect upon our sacred purpose in life, and to come together to do the work of tikkun—repairing our broken hearts and our broken world to create a society of wholeness, decency, and love. As of Aug. 27, all High Holiday services will be available virtually, and information can be found here. Tashlich will be offered in-person at Minnehaha Creek or on Zoom at 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. We’re striving to meet all this moment demands of us. We’ll do our best to provide inspiring, nourishing, joyous, transformative High Holy Days and hold the work of personal and communal t’shuvah– turning our hearts and our lives, and our communities towards greater wholeness, hope, and justice.
  • Temple Israel in Minneapolis welcomes all who want to celebrate and observe the High Holy Days to join for virtual services streamed on our website and on Zoom. For links to any of the services, contact [email protected]. Erev Rosh Hashanah, Monday, September 6: 4:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. services will be streamed. There will also be a 7:00 p.m. Zoom Service and Seder. Rosh Hashanah, Tuesday, September 7: 9 a.m. Morning Service including TIPTY Choir will be on Zoom and streamed. Kol Nidre/Erev Yom Kippur, Wednesday, September 15; 4:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. services will be streamed.Yom Kippur, Monday, September 16: 9 a.m. Morning Service with TIPTY Choir will be on Zoom and streamed. Yom Kippur Study Session at 1 p.m. will be on Zoom and streamed. Afternoon Service at 2:30 p.m. on Zoom, Healing – Yizkor Service at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. and Ne’ilah Service at 6:15 p.m. will be on Zoom and streamed. Limited in-person participation is available for Temple Israel congregants with advance sign-up.

Conservative

  • Adath Jeshurun Congregation is a progressive, egalitarian and sacred community – bring and be yourself on the High Holy Days. Come as you are to Adath Jeshurun Congregation’s in-person or live-streamed services and leave somehow changed for the rest of the year. We warmly welcome you to egalitarian services and invite you to connect with us. For complete information on the High Holy Days at Adath, including important safety requirements in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit our website at adathjeshurun.org/highholydays or request a printed copy of our High Holy Days Guide. Let us welcome you by contacting Andrea Blumberg, at [email protected] or 952.545.2424. L’shanah Tovah from Adath.
  • Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park: We would love for you to join us for the High Holy Days – and the rest of the year, too! Beth El Synagogue is a warm and welcoming egalitarian and spiritual community, where Judaism is relevant and meaningful for all ages. This year, we are excited to offer a rich array of both in-person and virtual service and program options for all ages to enhance your High Holy Day experience! Find our complete High Holy Day schedule on our website: www.bethelsynagogue.org. Questions? Contact Liz Rappaport, our Associate Director, via E-mail Liz at [email protected] or call 952-873-7314.
  • Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights is an egalitarian and participatory community where anyone and everyone is welcome. We will have a full array of High Holy Day services this year, led by our new Senior Rabbi, Adam Rubin. From Rosh Hashanah to our Break Fast on Yom Kippur, from Sukkot to our festive Simchat Torah celebration, we observe the Holy Days with joy, meaning, and a true spirit of welcoming. We have creative children’s programming and family services, and special programming just for teens. We have never had High Holyday tickets—everyone is welcome. We look forward to meeting you and celebrating the New Year with you. Feel free to reach out at 651-452-2226 or [email protected] for more information. See our High Holy Day Schedule and Guide at www.Beth-Jacob.org/hhinfo.
  • Sharei Chesed is offering in-person and online options for all services, with the exception of erev Rosh Hashanah on Sept. 6, at 5:30 p.m. First day of Rosh Hashanah and Tashlich, 10 a.m., Sept. 7. Second day of Rosh Hashanah, 10 a.m., Sept. 8. Kol Nidre, 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 15, Yom Kippur/Yizkor, 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 16. All services will be live streamed on the Sharei Chesed YouTube channel. For more information, email: [email protected]
  • Temple of Aaron in the Twin Cities. You are always virtually welcome at Temple of Aaron! This year, we will be providing different experiences that will be available live at Temple of Aaron and Livestreamed. We will have exciting programs for young families and adults alike. On the 1st Day of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur we will offer 2 separate services, as well as a creative 2nd-day musical service, focused on New Beginnings. Our New Clergy team of Rabbi Marcus Rubenstein, Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein, with Cantor/Educator Joshua Fineblum, and our musician in residence Coleen Dieker have planned some exciting and spiritual experiences for all to participate in. Our annual Young Family Service will be led by our Clergy and musician in residence. We will have a teen talk, youth programming, and babysitting available throughout the holidays as well. If you are interested in joining us this year and have any questions, and for the most up-to-date information, please contact our Executive Director Ken Agranoff at [email protected] or 651-252-6406 to explore options. If you would more information about our community and what we have to offer please follow us on YouTube, like us on Facebook, or check out our website.

Orthodox/Traditional

  • Congregation Darchei Noam, a Modern Orthodox congregation in St. Louis Park, will have a sign-up on their website for kids programming that will be made available on both days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. Masks will be required. There is no charge for attendance or participation. There are indoor and outdoor service options for both days of Rosh Hashanah: 8 a.m. start time indoors, 9 a.m. start time outdoors. Kol nidre (7:10pm)- concurrent start times indoors/outdoors; Yom Kippur: 8:30 a.m. start time indoors, 9:30 a.m. start time outdoors; Mincha (indoors only) – 5:30 p.m.; Neila 6:50 p.m., concurrent start times indoors/outdoors.
  • Chabad Minneapolis, located in Minnetonka. All are welcome at Chabad of Minneapolis. Our Services are meaningful, engaging, user-friendly in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. We’ve designed the services so that you can actually enjoy them! With an inspiring Learner’s Service (new for this year), exciting Children’s Service & Program, there is something for everyone. Try us – you will not be disappointed. The High Holiday Services will be held in-person, in an outdoor tent (with some indoor options) for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. There is no cost, no membership or affiliation necessary to attend, however, reservations are requested; click here to reserve. Chabad Minneapolis will once again be providing ‘Shofar Blowing in the Park’ at Mayflower Park on Rosh Hashana, Tuesday, Sept 7 at 5 p.m., as well as in other locations throughout Minneapolis. Click here for locations and times. For more information, full schedule and to RSVP, visit chabadminneapolis.com. For any questions, email i[email protected] or call 952-929-9922. Shana Tova, looking forward to celebrating with you.
  • Uptown Chabad in Minneapolis. YJP Rosh Hashanah dinner at 7 p.m. Sept. 6. On Sept. 7 and 8: Services with shofar blowing at 9:30-11 a.m.. Shofar on the Lakes: Sept. 7, 7.p.m. at Lake of the Isles, and Sept. 8, 7 p.m., at Loring Park.  and the Holy Hour Happy Hour at 6 p.m. Second day services at 6:45 a.m., Oct. 1, followed by breakfast at 8:30. Yom Kippur: Wednesday Sept. 15: Kol Nideai services at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16: Morning service with Yizkor from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Closing services, 6:45 p.m. Break fast at 8 p.m. All events are (besides Shofar at the lake) are outdoors at Uptown Chabad House, 3017 James Ave. S. Minneapolis. More information visit YoungJewishminneapolis.com.

Reconstructionist

  • Mayim Rabim Congregation is a warm and eclectic Jewish Reconstructionist community in South Minneapolis. Mah Nishtanah: what makes this year’s planning for the High Holidays different from other years? As we enter the Jewish month of Elul, plans for our virtual (and hopefully hybrid) High Holidays are well underway. Though we usually associate “why is this night different” with Passover, this year it will hold for the High Holidays too. Our High Holiday services will be conducted on Zoom; and pandemic permitting, a couple of services will also have an in-person option. While we would prefer to have everyone together for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, much planning has gone into creating meaningful experiences to help us get ready and to enjoy the holidays safely. You are welcome to join us for any of our services and activities now and throughout the year and can check our schedule online. We are offering a program in addition to services, to connect to the spirit of the holiday season. We will reflect on selections from S.Y. Agnon’s book DAYS OF AWE at our Ma’ariv Moment service on 8/24. High Holiday Services will be led by Rabbi Stiefel and congregants. Email us at [email protected] for the Zoom links. For Rosh Hashanah, we will gather on Monday, September 6, from 6-7 PM (zoom only) and again on Tuesday, September 7, from 9:45-noon. Services for the second day of Rosh Hashanah will be on Wednesday, September 8, from 10 a.m.-noon. On Tuesday, September 7 at 4:30 p.m., we will meet for the Tashlich (casting off sins) ritual, in person, weather permitting, at Minnehaha Creek. Meet us with your mask at the corner of Humboldt Avenue South and West Minnehaha Parkway (drive south one long block from 50th Street). Yom Kippur begins on Wednesday, September 15 with Kol Nidre from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, September 16 includes services from 10 a.m.-noon, the Yizkor memorial service at 5 p.m., and a study session from 5:30– 6:30 PM on Antiracism and the Teshuvah Journey. The closing services will be from 6:30-8:05 p.m., ending with one last long blast of the Shofar. Break the fast after the sun sets; on your own this year, hopefully together next year! You can find registration information and make a donation on our website, but everyone is welcome, regardless of ability to pay. Questions? Call the office at 612-247-5490 or email [email protected]. Shanah Tovah!

Humanistic

  • Or Emet, the Minnesota Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, is celebrating this year’s High Holidays with a return to services in person, as well as the option to participate in programming online. Or Emet invites everyone to share in our High Holiday services. We are a secular congregation celebrating and honoring Jewish culture, history and values from a humanistic, inclusive perspective. You can join us for Rosh Hashanah, Tashlich, Kol Nidre or Yom Kippur services, emphasizing the history and culture of the Jewish people and the values of each celebration. The following programs will be led by Or Emet rabbinic candidate Eva Cohen: Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 6 (Virtual only); Tashlich: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7 (Registration required); Kol Nidre: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15 (Virtual only); Yom Kippur: 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 16 (in-person at the Minnesota JCC Sabes Center Minneapolis and virtual). Or Emet requires everyone attending services to mask and maintain social distance in all indoor areas of the JCC for the protection of children and others who are vulnerable. Please note: Plans are subject to change based on CDC and state guidelines. Following the Yom Kippur service, a break-fast meal will be served outdoors under a tent on JCC property. (Registration required). For Humanistic Jews, the High Holidays are a time to reflect on the relationship of the universe to human need and desire. We assess our behavior during the past year and affirm the possibilities for change, improvement and happiness. The High Holidays open the Jewish year with the most important message of Jewish history: human dignity is not a gift of destiny; it is a human achievement, requiring courage and self-reliance. In keeping with High Holiday tradition, Or Emet welcomes nonperishable donations at all services. For more information about Or Emet’s High Holiday services, including registration for Zoom, Tashlich and the Yom Kippur break-fast, email [email protected]. For general information about Or Emet, email  [email protected] or visit oremet.org.

Other/Independent

  • Temple Israel (of Duluth) is affiliated with both the Reform and Reconstructionist movements. All are welcome to participate in our High Holiday services (as well as all other services and programs throughout the year). We are back in person this year, but masks must be worn by all attendees, with the exception that fully vaccinated individuals who have speaking or singing roles on the bima may remove their masks while on the bima in those capacities. Services will also be broadcast on Zoom. Please contact our office at [email protected] to obtain the link. Donations to defray our costs are welcome but not required. In particular, no donations are requested or expected from students from outside the Duluth area who are attending college in Duluth. Our High Holiday service schedule for 2021 is as follows: Erev Rosh Hashanah evening service Sept. 6, 8 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 7: Morning service, 10 a.m.; Tashlich at Chester Bowl, 1:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Sept. 8: Morning service, 10 a.m.; Family Rosh Hashanah and Tashlich at Chester Bowl, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 15: Kol Nidre, 8 p.m. Thursday Sept. 16: Yok Kippur morning service, 10 a.m.; Community discussion, 1:30 p.m.; Mincha, 3:30 p.m.; Avodah & Martyrology Service, 4:30 p.m.; Yizkor, 5:15 p.m.; Ne’ilah 5:45 p.m. Tekiah Gedolah, 6:30 p.m. For further information please call our office at 218-724-8857 or e-mail [email protected].

  • PJ Library has created a new online, interactive High Holidays at Home guide for this year. For more information, contact Carrie Fink in Minneapolis or Anna Burnstein in St. Paul.

  • For additional Holiday offerings from outside the Twin Cities, refer to our extended Holidays + Observances resource guide!

Note: If you’re a community leader and would like to be added to this listing, please email [email protected] with the information and any relevant links.