We’re just about a month away from the start of the Jewish holiday season, so we’re bringing you 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 for the eighth year in a row. Plus, pretty much all these services are free for you and your family this holiday season.
This year, Rosh Hashanah begins at nightfall on Wednesday, Sept. 20 and Yom Kippur begins at nightfall on Friday, Sept. 29. Be sure to contact your preferred place of worship in advance to reserve your spot!
Reform
- Bet Shalom Congregation in Minnetonka Ever since Abraham and Sarah opened the flaps of their tent to welcome the strangers on the road, Judaism has benefited from the practice of hachnasat orchim, embracing others, and at Bet Shalom it remains a paramount Jewish value. You are invited to join us for High Holy Days; while there is no charge for tickets, a voluntary donation of any amount will certainly be appreciated and helps us continue to offer this and many other programs to the community. Also, as an RSVP helps us plan properly, please contact Liz Bodell or call 952-426-6644 and she will help welcome you and provide what you need to join us for services and other programs at Bet Shalom. Please click here for the 2017/5778 schedule of services at Bet Shalom.
- Mount Zion Temple. A welcoming and vibrant Jewish spiritual home. Mount Zion Temple is a Reform Jewish congregation devoted to life-long learning, worship, and acts of loving kindness. In our holy community, we celebrate, comfort, and create meaning in our lives while we seek justice in our world. For a full schedule of High Holy Day services, click here. Tickets are required at each service for every person to help ensure the safety of our community. Anyone can receive complimentary High Holy Day tickets by attending an open house for prospective members on Sunday, Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. RSVP here. Otherwise you may order tickets separately (there is a request for a contribution; you may give anything over $1).
- Shir Tikvah Congregation in South Minneapolis. An Open Door: come one, come all. Shir Tikvah has no tickets or reserved seats for the High Holy Days; However, registration is required for children’s programming. High Holy Day Services are held at the First Universalist Church (“the old Adath”), 3400 Dupont Ave. S. Click here for the High Holy Days schedule and more info including information about our Tot and Youth services. Shir Tikvah is a progressive Reform congregation that would like to welcome you into our community. Meet Rabbi Michael Latz, Rabbi Debra Rappaport and Rabbi Arielle Rosenberg at the door on Erev Rosh Hashanah for a sweet treat to begin a sweet new year!
- Temple Israel in Minneapolis welcomes all who want to celebrate and observe the High Holy Days with us. Temple is an urban congregation, dedicated to serving a diverse community. For a detailed schedule of our service times and types, to register for our on-site childcare program, and review our transportation guide, please visit our website. Admission Cards are required for our worship services, but seating is open. To acquire Admission Cards, please contact Liz at 612-374-0318. Many of our services are also live streamed via our website. See the service schedule for further information.
Conservative
- Adath Jeshurun is a progressive, egalitarian and sacred community. No tickets; bring and be yourself on the High Holy Days. Come as you are to Adath Jeshurun Congregation and leave somehow changed for the rest of the year. Please contact Casey Reiter, engagement coordinator, so we can warmly welcome you to egalitarian services with a complimentary High Holy Day pass. We can also arrange a meal with home hospitality and connect you to a vibrant community of spiritual seekers beyond the High Holy Days. Contact Casey at [email protected] or 952.215.3900. For complete information on the High Holy Days at Adath visit us on the web at www.adathjeshurun.org/high-holy-days.html or review our guide at is.gd/HHD_5778
- Beth El Synagogue in St. Louis Park: no tickets, no charge and no financial solicitation! 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. View our schedule and please contact our executive director Linda Goldberg and she can help welcome you to our synagogue for services, programs or even a holiday meal. E-mail Linda at or call 952-873-7300. For more High Holy Day information, visit: www.bethelsynagogue.org
- Beth Jacob Congregation in Mendota Heights is an egalitarian and participatory community where anyone and everyone is welcome. Please join us for High Holy Days services; we do not use tickets. For anyone. Ever. Our members are eager to welcome you into their homes for High Holy Day meals and Shabbat, and we host a Yom Kippur break fast – open to everyone. We have a vibrant family service, children’s programming, and a welcoming community for young adults, and on the first day of Rosh HaShanah, a Learners’ Minyan! At Beth Jacob, everyone has an equal opportunity to be part of our community, regardless of ability, special needs, or financial status. We look forward to having you join us! If you call our office (651-452-2226) or e-mail [email protected], we will know to look for you and greet you when you arrive!
- Sharei Chesed All are welcome to our house of worship. Because of security, admission passes are required to enter our building during the High Holy Days. If you are planning to attend our services, please call our office at (763) 545-8800 to request a pass and we will mail it to you. We conduct Conservative-style services, with readings in Hebrew and English. Russian siddurim are also available. Please plan to stay for the Kiddush lunch following Rosh Hashanah services and the Break the Fast dinner at the end of Yom Kippur.
- Temple of Aaron in the Twin Cities. Shanah Tovah! You are always welcome at Temple of Aaron! This year, we’ll be entering the spirit of the holidays and focusing on the theme “Our Holy Playground” with an emphasis on the importance of finding Judaism everywhere and through one’s own personal lens. We will end Rosh Hashanah Day 1 with a very special musical guest not to be missed. If you’re looking for something different or if you prefer to stick with the traditional, this year we’re offering three different Musaf services for Day 2 of Rosh Hashanah, one with traditional liturgy, one focusing on music and melody, while a third will offer a chance for learning and reflection. On Yom Kippur, our services last until 12:30 p.m. and we pick up with a variety of classes throughout the day. We come back together at 5:30 p.m. for Mincha and Neilah. We have packed young family services on Rosh Hashanah Day 1 and Yom Kippur which is a great opportunity to meet new families and get to know our clergy. We issue free tickets to all college students and newcomers who call in advance. If you are interested in joining us please contact our Executive Director Ken Agranoff ([email protected] or651-698-8874, ext 106) to explore tickets and service options. For more info, check out: www.templeofaaron.org.
Orthodox/Traditional
- Congregation Darchei Noam, a Modern Orthodox congregation in St. Louis Park, welcomes your participation in any and all services. We proudly offer services at no charge although contributions (not on the holidays) are deeply appreciated. If you will be joining us and are available to accept a meal invitation, please contact us at 952-452-8476. Schedule for high holidays are: Wednesday, Sept. 20: 6:45 a.m., Selichot, Shacharit (morning services), 6:55 p.m. – Mincha (afternoon service), Rosh Hashana Ma’ariv (evening service); Thursday, Sept. 21: 8 a.m. Shacharit, 10 a.m. youth programs begin, 10:45 a.m. shofar, 6:30 p.m. Mincha followed by 7:15 p.m. Tashlich at Twin Lakes Park, 8 p.m. Ma’ariv. Friday, Sept. 22: 8 a.m. Shacharit, 10 a.m. youth programs begin, 10:45 a.m. shofar, 6:50 p.m. Mincha, Ma’ariv; Friday, Sept. 29: 6:45 a.m. Selichot, Shacharit, 3:30 p.m. Mincha, 6:40 p.m. Kol Nidre and Ma’ariv (Babysitting available); Saturday, Sept. 30: 8:30 a.m. Shacharit, 10 a.m. youth programs begin, 11 a.m. Yizkor, 5:30 p.m. Mincha, 6:30 p.m. Neila, 7:40 p.m. Shofar & Ma’ariv.
- Minneapolis Chabad in Minnetonka. The first night of Rosh Hashanah we are having a Holiday Dinner at the Chabad House if anyone needs a place, we’d be happy to have them. All are welcome at Chabad of Minneapolis’ services. Our Services are warm, user friendly and personal. We’ve designed the Services so that you can actually enjoy! Try us – you will not be disappointed. Services are free, no membership or affiliation necessary. For more information and schedule, call 952-929-9922 or visit www.chabadminneapolis.com.
- Uptown Chabad in Minneapolis. Rosh Hashanah program at 6:30 Thursday, Sept. 21 for the Holy Hour and hear the shofar, followed by dinner. Yom Kippur: Friday, Sept. 29 Kol Nidrai services at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30: Morning service from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 6:30 p.m. closing prayer, followed by the break fast at 7:30. Sunday, Oct. 8, there is a Young Adult Sukkot Social at 2 p.m. All events are at the Laguna Apartments, 2900 Irving Ave. S. For more information, call 612-405-6967.
Reconstructionist
- Mayim Rabim Congregation is a warm and eclectic Jewish Reconstructionist community in South Minneapolis; we meet at the Friends Meeting House in the Linden Hills neighborhood at 44th & York Ave S. You are welcome to join us for any of our services and activities 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. Rabbi Sharon Stiefel will teach a class on Going Deeper into the High Holiday Prayers; Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 7-8:30 p.m. High Holiday Services will be led by Rabbi Stiefel and congregants. For Rosh Hashanah, we will gather on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 6-7:15 p.m. and again on Thursday, Sept. 21. High Holiday Services will be held from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., followed by a free light catered lunch. Services for the second day of Rosh Hashanah are Friday, Sept. 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Yom Kippur begins on Friday, Sept. 29, with Kol Nidre from 6-8:15 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30 includes services beginning at 10 a.m., a 4:15 p.m. study session, a 5:30 p.m. closing service, and a dairy potluck break-fast meal after the sun sets, at 7:39 p.m. Donations are encouraged, but everyone is welcome, regardless of ability to pay. For questions, call the office at 612-247-5490 or email [email protected]. Shanah Tovah!
Humanistic Judaism
- Or Emet, the Minnesota Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, will observe the 2017 High Holidays as follows: Erev Rosh Hashanah at 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 20; Kol Nidre at 7 p.m., Friday, September 29; Yom Kippur at 4 p.m., Saturday, September 30 followed by a break-the-fast meal. All services will be at the Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 South Cedar Lake Road, St. Louis Park. Everyone is welcome; no tickets needed. Child care is available upon request. Or Emet celebrates Humanistic Judaism’s proud tradition of leadership in social action and the pursuit of social justice. Our programs emphasize Jewish history, culture, arts and the traditions shaping our identity and values. For more information about Or Emet, send inquiries to [email protected].
Other/Independent
- TEMPLE ISRAEL (of Duluth) is affiliated with both the Reform and Reconstructionist movements. All are welcome to attend our High Holiday services (as well as all other services and programs throughout the year). We do not utilize tickets for service attendance and there are no assigned seats. 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 2017 is as follows: Sat. 9/16: 9:30 p.m. Selichot service (preceded by refreshments at 9 p.m.). Wed. 9/20: 8 p.m. Rosh Hashanah evening service. Thurs. 9/21: 10 a.m. First Day Rosh Hashanah service; 11:15 a.m. Family Rosh Hashanah service (running simultaneously with main service); 1:30 p.m. Tashlikh at Chester Bowl. Fri. 9/22: 10 a.m. Second Day Rosh Hashanah service. Fri. 9/29: 8 p.m. Kol Nidre (Yom Kippur evening) service. Sat. 9/30: 10 a.m. Yom Kippur morning service; 11:15 a.m. Family Yom Kippur service (running simultaneously with main service); 3:30 p.m. Yom Kippur afternoon, Martyrology, Yizkor and Ne’ilah services; 6:30 p.m. Free community Break-the-Fast following Ne’ilah.For further information please call our office at 218-724-8857 or e-mail [email protected]
- National Council of Jewish Women Minnesota is hosting a Yom Kippur Break fast on Saturday night, Sept. 30, from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
- Jewish Family Service of St. Paul offers non-denominational holiday programming and personal visits to Jews who are unaffiliated with a synagogue or who live in non-Jewish residential facilities but who would like to feel connected to the broader Jewish community. For more information or to schedule a High Holiday program or personal visit, contact Rabbi Lynn Liberman, Community Chaplain, at 651-434-4112.
- Sholom is pleased to announce that High Holiday Services and programs are scheduled at both campuses. Residents, their families and the community are invited to attend. High Holiday services and programs at the Shaller Family Sholom East Campus will be held in the Newman Chapel/Mains Auditorium led by Rabbi Nemiroff. Wednesday, Sept .20, evening service begins at 4 p.m., followed by a festive dinner at 5 p.m. (RSVP/Payment Required). High Holiday Services and programs at the Ackerberg Family Sholom West Campus will take place in the Sholom Home West Chapel/Auditorium led by Rabbi Shalom Reznik-Bell. Wednesday, Sept .20, evening service begins at 4 p.m., followed by a festive dinner at 5 p.m. (RSVP/Payment Required). Rosh Hashanah dinner at the Roitenberg Family Assisted Living and Memory Care at Sholom West starts at 5 p.m. (RSVP/Payment required). For more information, call 952-935-6311.
- Chabad at UMN. Our Services are warm, user friendly and personal. We’ve designed the Services so that you can actually enjoy! Try us – you will not be disappointed. All Services and meals will be held in The Chabad House at 1121 University Ave., Minneapolis. Rosh Hashanah: Services at 7 p.m. Sept. 20, Dinner at 8. Services 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Dinner at 8:30. Yom Kippur: Pre Fast 6 p.m. Kol Nidrei, 7 p.m. Morning Services, 10 a.m., Neilah 6:50 p.m. Break-fast, 7:16 p.m.
- AISH Minnesota: GET OUT OF SERVICES FREE! Do you dread going to a long High Holiday service?!? Then join up with Aish Minnesota’s dynamic speaker Rabbi David Fredman, M.Ed., MMFT, who will inspire, engage and entertain you over Rosh Hashanah. This promises to be another memorable New Year with an engaging speaker for classes and all the amenities of synagogue service nearby. As in past years: Aish will offer a Rosh Hashanah dinner on Sep. 21 as well as lunchtime on Sep. 22. Also join up for Rabbi Fredman’s Yom Kippur alternative option. For more details contact [email protected] or Giti at 952-484-5191.
- Minnesota Hillel is the Hillel chapter on the University of Minnesota campus. Minnesota Hillel will not be holding separate services for the High Holidays. Instead, we are encouraging our local students to host their out-of-town friends for a holiday meal and/or to accompany them to local services. We will be partnering with local congregations to help students find and get to High Holiday Services around the Twin Cities. Additional programs for the holidays will be listed on the Hillel Facebook page.
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.
