NYC High Holiday Services Roundup

MANHATTAN

ROSH HASHANAH SERVICES
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Abigail Treu of JCC Harlem will lead warm, welcoming services in Hebrew and English for all. On the second day, Rabbi Laurie Phillips and her team will offer activities for young children, alongside meditations and discussions for adults. Children are welcome to bring toys (no electronics, please). A complete holiday family pass available if you plan on attending multiple days or have a large family. – Wednesday, Sept. 20 and Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-noon, JCC Harlem, 318 W. 118th St., jccmanhattan.org. $18 general/under 6 free (each day).

SELICHOT 2017
MJE hosts a Selichot program with a live music concert, followed by a prayer service to prepare attendees’ for the High Holidays. — Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 16-17, 11:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m., MJE West, 131 W. 86th St., jewishexperience.org. Free.

MJE SERVICES AND MEALS
For the holidays, MJE offers social meals, explanatory services and break-fasts for YJPs 20-30, at all three of its locations. — Wednesday, Sept. 20 – Friday, Sept. 22. Visit jewishexperience.org for more info and to RSVP.

REFORM SERVICES – FREE
College students, graduate students, post-docs, interns, military personnel and young adults away from home are invited to the 51st annual Reform High Holiday service. — Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m., and Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m., Marble Collegiate Church, 1 W. 29th St. (corner of Fifth Ave.), BerniesServices.org.

STANTON STREET SHUL – FREE
The Orthodox Stanton Street Shul offers free High Holy Day services, complete with StantonKids children’s programming. Morning services on both days are followed by a kiddush with light refreshments. RSVP.  — Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:50-7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, various times, and Friday, Sept. 22, various times (check online for full schedule), Stanton Street Shul, 180 Stanton St., (212) 533-4122, stantonshul.com.
KOL HANESHAMAH – FREE
High Holiday services feature Cantor Ari Klein, soulful tenor Mo Kiss and the Neshamah a cappella group. Cantor Klein is known for blending the melodies of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach with the traditional liturgical classics – and Mo’s participatory R&B style adds a new dimension to the traditional liturgy. Dr. Adena Berkowitz, co-founder of Kol HaNeshamah, will use her unique background in both law and Jewish Studies to provide explanations. Also offered are children’s programming, hot kiddushes following morning services and tashlich (91st and Riverside Drive Promenade). — Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22, various times (consult kolhaneshamanyc.org for full schedule), Kol Haneshamah, 805 Columbus Ave. (entrance on 100th St.). Free limited seating available; RSVP recommended: kolnyc@gmail.com, (646) 678-2084.

THE ACTORS’ TEMPLE – FREE
Rabbi/Cantor Jill Hausman, cantorial assistant Aron Bederson and pianist James Besser usher in the New Year with a free musical service of spirituality, acceptance and creativity. — Thursday, Sept. 21, 7:30-9 p.m., The Actors’ Temple, 339 W. 47th St. For more information, other services’ ticket prices and to RSVP, visit theactorstemple.org, email info@theactorstemple.org or call (212) 245-6975.

OHEL AYALAH – FREE
YJPs 20-30 are invited to attend free walk-in services in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens. The services are egalitarian, led by both men and women, and traditional. Prayers will be chanted in Hebrew and interspersed with English explanations, comments and readings. — Wednesday, Sept. 20-Thursday, Sept. 21. For more information, full schedules, service locations and to RSVP, visit ohelayalah.org.

THE CITY CONGREGATION FOR HUMANISTIC JUDASIM
Join a Humanist musical service led by Rabbi Peter Schweitzer and congregation members that combines familiar passages with innovative language, so that cultural Jews can mark the holidays in a way that is consistent with their humanistic beliefs. Children attend their own participatory program and join the rest of the congregation for the blowing of the shofar. ​— Thursday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Watson Hotel, 440 W. 57th St., (212) 213-1002, citycongregation.org. From $25.

CONGREGATION HABONIM
Congregation Habonim (“the Builders”) invites the public to a variety of Conservative Rosh Hashanah services, including a traditional egalitarian service, a “classical” service with organ and choir and family services for parents and young children, school-age children and teens. — Wednesday, Sept. 20-Friday, Sept. 22, services either at Congregation Habonim, 103 West End Ave. or the Ethical Culture Society, 2 W. 64th St. and Central Park West, (212) 787-5347. For more information, visit habonim.net or contact arifkin@habonim.net, (212) 787-5347×100. $150-$240.

OR OLAM
Rabbi Eugene Wernick and Cantor Shiree Kidron lead Conservative holiday services, as well as a special service for kids, some of which do not require tickets. For details, visit east55.org. — Wednesday, Sept. 20-Friday, Sept. 22, Or Olam, 308 E. 55th St., (212) 752-1200.

WEST END SYNAGOGUE
The Reconstructionist West End Synagogue makes High Holy Day guest tickets available for purchase to nonmembers on a first come, first served basis, as well as offering family services, children’s activities and childcare throughout the High Holy Days period. — Wednesday, Sept. 20-Friday, Sept. 22, West End Synagogue, 190 Amsterdam Ave. (at 69th St.), (212) 579-0777×220, wesoffice@westendsynagogue.org. $425 adult/$75 ages 13-21/$36 ages 2-12. For special family rates, contact Rabbi Nadia Gold at (212) 579-0777×222.

SUTTON PLACE SYNAGOGUE
Rabbi Irving Spielman, Cantor Marshall Wise and the Shirah Quartet lead the central holiday service for members and nonmembers alike. There are also specialized programs for preschoolers, children, teens, families and YJPs, some of which do not require tickets. — Thursday, Sept. 21-Friday, Sept. 22, 225 E 51 St., (212) 593-3300. Visit spsnyc.org/spiritual-life/festivals-and-holidays for more details and to RSVP.

 92ND STREET Y
The 92nd Street Y offers an array of inspiring, joyful and interactive Rosh Hashanah services for adults, teens and children, as well as first- and second-day festive community kiddushes and tashlich. — Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m.-noon, 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave., (212) 415-5500, 92y.org. Separate day and full holiday ticket packages available online.

EAST SIDE SYNAGOGUE – FREE
Introducing the high holiday themes and spirit to the unaffiliated and uninitiated, the Reform/liberal Conservative East Side Synagogue invites the public to free Rosh HaShanah services, which include an impressive Shofar ceremony and the music of Jewish gospel singer Joshua Nelson. A complimentary light lunch follows (with a special surprise!). — Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m.-1:55 p.m., East Side Synagogue, 1157 Lexington Ave. (bet. 79th and 80th streets). No RSVP needed, but call (212) 560-2222 or visit www.besthighholydayservices.com for more information.

IN THE HEIGHTS – FREE
If you’re looking for plans, thinking about plans or feeling curious, then celebrating Rosh HaShanah with The Beis Community is for you. Old Jews, new Jews, new-ish, Jew-ish; all are welcome for a variety of warm and special services, including seders with apples and honey galore, dinner party and lunches, prayers with dancing, singing, shofar and meditation, plus a picnic lunch and nature walk/tashlich at the Little Red Lighthouse. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:45 p.m.-Friday, Sept. 22, 4 p.m., The Beis Community, 587 Ft. Washington Ave. (right side door), beitcommunity.com For more info: Hart@beiscommunity.com, thebeiscommunity@gmail.com, JewsInTheHeights@gmail.com.

BROOKLYN

KANE STREET SYNAGOGUE
Kane Street Synagogue the community to join its High Holiday services, as well as its many activities throughout the season, from Rosh HaShanah through Yom Kippur and Sukkot. Childcare and family services available. — Wednesday, Sept. 20-Friday, Sept. 22, various times, 236 Kane St., (718) 875-1550. Visit kanestreet.org for a full schedule and to RSVP. Members free/Nonmembers pay $75 for services and $18 for childcare (available at kanestreet.org/high-holidays-tix).

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS SYNAGOGUE – FREE
Brooklyn Heights Synagogue welcomes all for its community, family and K-3 service led by Rabbi Molly Kane, including a variety of adult, youth and family programs (all are free and open to the public). — Thursday, Sept. 21, 2 p.m., Plymouth Church, 57 Orange St., Thursday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m., Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, 131 Remsen St., (718) 522-2070, info@bhsbrooklyn.org, bhsbrooklyn.org.

UNION TEMPLE OF BROOKLYN – FREE
This Reform congregation offers musical services with a modern approach to tradition. Toddlers, preschoolers and older kids have their own, separate services. Childcare is also available. For details and to RSVP (recommended), visit uniontemple.nirsham.com. — Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m., Union Temple, 17 Eastern Parkway, (718) 638-7600, uniontemple.org, info@uniontemple.org.

KOLOT CHAYEINU – FREE
This inclusive and very progressive community offers services that are open to all. Rabbi Ellen Lippmann, Cantor Lisa B. Segal and Rabbi Miriam Grossman lead the main services; there are also special services for families and children. Free, but get there early, because there are no reserved seats; doors open 45 minutes before services. — Wednesday, Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m. breakfast, 10:30 a.m. service (with concurrent children’s programming), 2:30 p.m. family service, 4:30 p.m. tashlich (rain or shine, at Prospect Park), Friday, Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. breakfast, 10:30 a.m. service, (718) 390-7493, kolotchayeinu.org.

BROOKLYN JEWS
Bringing together Jews from varying backgrounds and experiences, Brooklyn Jews hold traditional services with a progressive outlook. Geared to get young people and families involved in Judaism. For more information about Brooklyn Jews and their programs, please contact rabbinic intern Matt Green at mgreen@cbebk.org. — Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m., Prospect Park Picnic House, 95 Prospect Park W., Friday, Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. joint service with Congregation Beth Elohim, 271 Garfield, Place, (718) 768-3814, brooklynjews.com/cbebk.org. $30 per service/$100 for all three days’ services.

TEMPLE BETH EMETH V’OHR
PROGRESSIVE SHAARI Z EDEK
The congregation is a mix of people: married and single, with and without children, straight and LGBTQ, Jewish and not Jewish, with and without disabilities, as well as many races, ethnicities and ages. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. main service, 1:30 p.m. family service, 2:30 p.m. tashlich, Friday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m., bethemeth.net. Tickets available: please call Alice at the Temple office to purchase; (718) 282-1596.

EAST MIDWOOD JEWISH CENTER 
All are invited to join Rosh Hashanah services, conducted by Rabbi Matt Carl and Cantor Sam Levine, along with the new Assistant Cantor Julia Ostrov. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22, 8 a.m., EMJC, 1625 Ocean Ave., (718) 338-3800, emjc.org. $125 members/$175 nonmembers.

LONG ISLAND

CHABAD OF THE RIVERTOWNS
Warm, friendly and spirited Holiday services including Shofar blowing and a special children’s entertainer. No membership required; all are welcome. RSVP. — Thursday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m., Chabad of the Rivertowns, 303 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, (914) 693-6100, chabadrt.org. Free.

JEWISH CENTER OF THE HAMPTONs
On this sacred day, the whole community comes together to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday cycle. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. morning services (there will also be a concurrent young children’s service), 3 p.m. young family service, 4:30 p.m. tashlich (at main beach; bring family and friends), Friday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. morning services, JCOH, 44 Woods Lane, East Hampton, jcoh.org. Tickets (members free) available via (631) 324-9858, director@jcoh.org.

TEMPLE SINAI
The High Holidays, also known as the Yamim Nora’im, are a period of personal reflection, introspection and (subdued) celebration. Temple Sinai of Roslyn is an inclusive Reform congregation that offers a warm welcome and nurturing home to all who seek a meaningful connection to Judaism. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. (no ticket required), Thursday, Sept. 21, 8:45 a.m. early service (ticket required), noon, second service (ticket required), 3:30 p.m. community children’s service (no ticket required; for toddlers, kindergarten and grades 1-4), 5 p.m. tashlich service at Bar Beach; all welcome, Friday, Sept. 22, 10:30 a.m. services (all are welcome; no ticket required), 425 Roslyn Road, Roslyn Heights, (516) 621-6800, mysinai.org.

DIX HILLS JEWISH CENTER
Welcome the New Yeah with musical services led by Rabbi Buechler and Cantor Hevenstone. There will be programming for adults, teens, children and families. Babysitting available. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30-7:15 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22, various times (please visit dhjc.org for full schedules and to RSVP), 555 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, (631) 499-6644.

THE CHAI CENTER
One of New York’s most unorthodox Orthodox synagogues, The Chai Center is a popular place for Jews of all backgrounds and affiliations, and holds annual High Holiday services for all those interested in a revitalizing New Year. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22, 9:30 a.m. services, 11 a.m. junior congregation, 11:30 a.m. shofar sounding, 5:45 p.m. tashlich service, 6:30 p.m. mincha, 501 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills, (631) 351-8672, thechaicenter.com. mail@thechaicenter.com. Free, but contributions welcome ($125 adults/$50 children).

TEMPLE ADAS ISRAEL – FREE
All are welcome at Temple Adas Israel, a warm and growing Reform Jewish synagogue on the East End of Long Island. Usher in the New Year with Rabbi Daniel Geffen and Cantor Jordan Shaner over an array of services on a first come, first served basis (both days’ morning services followed by kiddush lunch), including tashlich. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., Thrusday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m. morning service, 3 p.m. family service, 4:15 p.m. tashlich at Havens Beach, Friday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m. morning service, 6 p.m. evening service, Temple Adas Israel, 30 Atlantic Ave., Sag Harbor, (631) 725-0904, info@TempleAdasIsrael.org.

QUEENS

TEMPLE SHOLOM – FREE
The Reform-oriented Temple Sholom opens its doors to all who would like to worship. Services will be led by Cantor Josée Wolff and Rabbi Pamela Wax. In addition, all worshippers are invited to donate non-perishable food to the High Holiday Food Drive for distribution to a local food bank. — Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 22, 10 a.m., 262-22 Union Turnpike, Floral Park, (718) 343-8660, templesholom.org.

HILLCREST JEWISH CENTER
A landmark Conservative synagogue serving Queens, Hillcrest JC seeks to foster a love of Judaism and inspire acts of “Tikkun Olam” – making the world a better place, and there’s no better time to reflect and explore than at High Holy Day services. Please contact the shul for more information. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m. evening services, Thursday, Sept. 21 and Friday, Sept. 22, 8:30 a.m. morning service, 10:30 a.m. Kindershul, 10:30 a.m. family service, 11:45 a.m. junior congregation, 11:45 minyan katan, 11:45 a.m. teen minyan, 6:30 p.m. afternoon/evening services, Hillcrest Jewish Center, 183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing, (718) 380-4145, hillcrestjc.org.

YOUNG ISRAEL OF JAMAICA ESTATES
An Orthodox congregation offering creative and diverse educational and spiritual programming throughout the High Holy Days and beyond, including a youth program. YIJE is permeated by a warm, inclusive atmosphere with members who span the ideological, religious and demographic spectrum, and who, together, share a profound sense of joy in belonging to a large, extended family. – Wednesday, Sept. 20-Friday, Sept. 22, various times; please consult yije.org/form/high-holiday-seats.html for service times and to RSVP, YIJE, 83-10 188th St., Jamaica Estates, (718) 479-7500, yije.org. $145 adults/$115 children (22 and under who are unmarried)/$225 for nonmembers.

 

REGO PARK JEWISH CENTER
The Rego Park Jewish Center is a traditional Conservative synagogue that balances a commitment to the time-honored traditions and ceremonies of Halakhic Judaism with everyday life in the modern world; the result is a spiritual home that welcomes Jews of every persuasion, regardless of religious background or observance level. Join RPJC for its Rosh HaShanah services. Tickets are still available, but seating is limited, so RSVP ASAP. – Wednesday, Sept. 20, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 21, 8:15 a.m. Shacharit, 9:30 a.m. Torah reading, 11 a.m. sermon, 11:45 a.m. Musaf, 2 p.m. closing benediction, 4:30 p.m. tashlich, 7:15 p.m. Minchah and Ma’ariv, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park, (718) 459-1000, regoparkjewishcenter.com.

TEMPLE TIKVAH – FREE
Celebrate Rosh HaShanah with tuneful melodies, an introduction to the holiday’s symbols and traditions and the meaning of Rosh HaShanah in story and in song. Open to the community; pre-registration required at ecp@templetikvah.org. – Thursday, Sept. 21, 2 p.m., Temple Tikvah, Early Childhood, 3315 Hillside Ave., New Hyde Park, (516) 746-1120, templetikvah.org.

WESTCHESTER

FAMILY PROGRAM
Celebrate the New Year with a harvest of apples at this meaningful apple-picking morning. RSVP (required) to Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El’s Rabbi Ilyse Glickman at rabbiglickman@sstte.org. — Friday, Sept. 22, 9-11 a.m., Harvest Moon Farm and Orchard, 130 Hardscrabble Road, North Salem, (914) 725-5175, sstte.org. $20 family fee.

FAMILY SERVICES
Bet Am Shalom Synagogue’s reconstructionist Jewish community invites you to celebrate the High Holy Days, welcoming all generations, religious backgrounds and those new to Judaism. No tickets; no reserved seating (RSVP preferred). The main service will be in a tent; there will be a separate, one-hour family service for adults with children at 9:30 a.m. — Thursday, Sept. 21, 9:30 a.m., Bet Am Shalom Synagogue, 295 Soundview Ave., White Plains, (914) 946-8851, betamshalom.org. Voluntary contribution appreciated.

YOUNG FAMILIES SERVICE
Rabbi Goldsmith and Cantor Stone will lead attendees and their children in a warm, community service filled with song and stories. Immediately after the service, stay for apples and honey, arts and crafts and games at the congregation’s “Taste of Sweetness” Rosh HaShanah celebration. For ages 8 and under (older siblings are always invited). — Thursday, Sept. 21, 3-4 p.m., Congregation Emanu-El of Westchester, 2125 Westchester Ave. East, Rye, (914) 967-4382×21, jdubro@c-e-w.org.