Shabbat Sukkot Under the Stars with Elana Arian
Friday, September 29 | Temple Israel Meadow
6 PM: Kabbalat Shabbat
7 PM: Boxed Dinner/Bring Your Own Dinner
7:30 PM: Oneg Shabbat Concert with Elana Arian
Welcome to the High Holy Days at Temple Israel! Our diverse schedule offers something for everyone, including special family-focused services and engaging activities, a new Awakening alternative morning service designed to bring a fresh perspective and ignite personal introspection, and exercises to recharge and reset. Childcare offerings are available to allow you to fully immerse yourself in this sacred time. We are also thrilled to welcome Happie Hoffman back at Temple to share her talent with us. So, join us as we embark on a meaningful season together and embrace the possibilities of a new year. Shanah Tovah!
Free, Quick, and Easy Entry
Childcare
Children of all ages are always welcome to join their families during our worship services; however, we also offer complimentary childcare that will be available for children ages 18 months to 7 years old for Rosh Hashanah eve (6-8 PM), Rosh Hashanah morning (10 AM-12 PM), Yom Kippur Day(10 AM-12 PM and 4-6:30 PM), for children ages 18 months to 7 years old.
To ensure we have adequate staffing and space available, please register online early. Check-in for childcare will open 30 minutes prior to each service. Children should be dressed comfortably for play and movement.
Thank you to Temple Israel’s Sisterhood for making High Holy Day Childcare possible!
To ensure a safe and smooth High Holy Day season please remember:
- Register beforehand if you plan on attending in person.
- Arrive early and allow time to secure parking, check in, and find a seat.
- Please arrive through the Sanctuary entrance. The Welcome Center doors will be closed.
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YOM KIPPUR | Monday, September 25
9-9:45 AM
Yom Kippur Awakening | led by Rabbi Ross Z. Levy and Emily Groff Heilborn
Ettelson-Wax Social Hall
Join Rabbi Ross Levy and Music and Cantorial Director Emily Groff Heilborn for a musical, reflective, and participatory alternative worship experience that will awaken our hearts and souls for the High Holy Days. All ages are welcome.
9-9:30 AM
Tot Family Service | led by Rabbi Jeff Dreifus and Carly Abramson
Danziger Chapel, Parents should accompany children under the age of 12
Learn about our Tot Community!
10 AM
Yom Kippur Morning Service | sermon by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, “What’s Reform Judaism Anyway?”; Happie Hoffman
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Yom Kippur Teen Led Service | led by Rabbi Jeff Dreifus, Emily Groff Heilborn, Carly Abramson, and the Teen Band
Danziger Chapel
12:30 PM
“The Essential Things I Have Learned About Life” with Rabbi Emeritus Harry K. Danziger
Ettelson-Wax Hall + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
1:30 PM
Standing in Solidarity-United Against Hate with the U.S. Justice Department, FBI, and Rabbi Micah Greenstein
Ettelson-Wax Hall + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Stained Glass Window Collage Project
Scheidt Family Center
Family-friendly, all are welcome!
2:30 PM
TIMPO Music Hour
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Dr. Joe Levy Learning Session: “What’s In Your Pocket?”
Meeting Room + Zoom
4 PM
Was and Will Be: Vision Boarding 5784 with Rabbi Ross Z. Levy
Meeting Room
The High Holy Days are a time to look backward in order to move forward–acknowledging who we were in the past year, and who we wish to be in the new one. On Yom Kippur afternoon, Rabbi Ross will guide us in a vision-boarding process focusing on these reflections and intentions. We’ll use clips from various source materials to make a collage-style compilation that will guide us into the new year.
Yizkor Memorial Service
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Click here to view Our Dear Departed, Whose Names Are Inscribed in Our Memorial Book for Perpetual Remembrance.
5 PM
Spiritual Yoga Cleanse before the Shofar Blast with Jenna Kaufman, Ruthie Lichterman, & Marcy Stagner
Scheidt Family Center
Yoga practice will be accessible for all levels and all bodies. We will have mat options for more advanced practitioners and chair modifications for a truly accessible experience. Please bring your own mat.
5 PM
Torah Processional and Closing Ne’ilah Service
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
6:30 PM
Final Shofar Blast/bring your own shofar and join the symphony of Shofars
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Congregational Break Fast
Ettelson-Wax Social Hall
Generously sponsored by the TI Sisterhood
Self-Guided Outdoor Meditative Walk
This podcast experience encourages you to create a moment of reflection on Yom Kippur – use it as a guide as you walk the Temple grounds, or, listen wherever you feel safe and comfortable.
Sukkot with Scheidt Family Fund Artist-in-Residence, Elana Arian
Friday, September 29 | Shabbat Sukkot Under the Stars: Light Up The Night with Elana Arian
6 PM
Kabbalat Shabbat Sukkot featuring Elana Arian – Bring Your Own Candlesticks
in the Temple Israel Meadow
Bring your family, pup, and blanket to enjoy this Shabbat service. We will light our Shabbat candles as the sun goes down.
7 PM
Dinner Under the Stars
in the Temple Israel Meadow
We will provide a boxed dinner to enjoy, but feel free to bring your own beverages and snacks! Sign up for a boxed lunch at the link above.
7:30-8:30 PM
Elana Arian Concert
in the Temple Israel Meadow
Saturday, September 30 | Havdalah Unplugged: An Evening with Elana Arian
7:30-9 PM
Havdalah Unplugged: An Evening with Elana Arian
at TI-Crosstown Suite 457
Join us for an intimate evening with Elana including a special Havdalah service followed by a live recording of the Torah to the People Podcast hosted by Rabbi Ross at our Crosstown space. We’ll have the opportunity to gain insight into her creative process in this interview, and Q & A. Drinks and light refreshments will be served.
Simchat Torah | Friday, October 6
6 PM
Shabbat Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah | Saturday, October 7
9 AM
10:30 AM
Sukkot Yizkor
Torah Study – Back in Person! with Rabbi Ross Z. Levy
Past Services
RABBI ROSS Z. LEVY INSTALLATION WEEKEND
Installation | Friday, September 8
5 PM
Preneg
6 PM
Rabbi Ross’ Installation Shabbat Celebration
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
7:40 PM
Rabbi Ross’ Installation Dinner
We invite you to join us at a dinner filled with delicious Memphis foods following the Shabbat service.
A “Spirited” Selichot Celebration | Saturday, September 9
7:30 PM
Bourbon Tasting, Cocktail Hour & hors d’oeuvres
Atrium Under Glass
8:30 PM
Havdalah | Rabbi Ross Z. Levy and Emily Groff Heilborn
8:50 PM
Selichot Evening with Temple Israel: Ready to Return | Rabbi Ross Z. Levy and Emily Groff Heilborn; creative service for all ages
Danizger Chapel + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Apples & Honey Festival | Sunday, September 10
11 AM – 1 PM
Apples & Honey Festival
Temple Israel, Sanctuary Entrance
EREV ROSH HASHANAH | Friday, September 15
5 PM
Sisterhood-Sponsored Preneg
6 PM
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service | sermon by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, “Staying Young While Growing Older”; Happie Hoffman
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
ROSH HASHANAH | Saturday, September 16
9-9:45 AM
Rosh Hashanah Awakening | led by Rabbi Ross Z. Levy and Emily Groff Heilborn
Ettelson-Wax Social Hall, stage side
Join Rabbi Ross Levy and Music and Cantorial Director Emily Groff Heilborn for a musical, reflective, and participatory alternative worship experience that will awaken our hearts and souls for the High Holy Days. All ages are welcome.
9-9:30 AM
Tot Family Service | led by Rabbi Jeff Dreifus and Carly Abramson
Danziger Chapel, Parents should accompany children under the age of 12
Learn about our Tot Community!
9-9:45 AM
Rosh Hashanah Nosh for New & Future Members
Courtyard Gallery
RSVP Here
10 AM
Rosh Hashanah Morning Service | sermon by Rabbi Ross Z. Levy, “Breaking the Binds: The Akeidah and Us”; Happie Hoffman
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Rosh Hashanah Teen Led Service | led by Rabbi Jeff Dreifus, Emily Groff Heilborn, Carly Abramson, and the Teen Band
Danziger Chapel
KEVER AVOT & TASHLICH | Sunday, September 17
10 AM
Kever Avot Memorial Service | led by Rabbi Greenstein and Happie Hoffman
Levy-Cooper Chapel at the Temple Israel Cemetery + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
4 PM
Spirit Walk ending with Tashlich (5:15 PM) | Rabbi Dreifus and Emily Groff Heilborn
Meet us at 4 PM at this exact location on the Chickasaw Trail at Shelby Farms
Join us on a Spirit Walk as we reimagine how to connect to God. Rabbi Jeff Dreifus and Emily Groff Heilborn lead us on an outdoor worship experience with mindfulness exercises, nature exploration, and Torah. A beautiful opportunity to find holiness in the world around us. Moderate trail walking on uneven terrain – meant for young adults & up.
Spirit Walk ends with Tashlich at Jones Pond Pavillion at 5:15 PM.
Shabbat Shuvah | Friday, September 22
6 PM
Shabbat Shuvah | led by Rabbi Ross Z. Levy and Emily Groff Heilborn
Danziger Chapel + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
EREV YOM KIPPUR | Sunday, September 24
7:30 PM
Kol Nidre | sermon by Rabbi Jeff Dreifus, “Israel: Do Miracles Last Forever?”; Happie Hoffman
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
HIGH HOLY DAYS FOOD DRIVE
Help us convert every dollar into seven pounds of food for those in need in the Mid-south. As we fast on Yom Kippur, we feast on making food possible for Memphians who are hungry every day. Please donate to Temple Israel’s High Holy Days Food drive by sending checks to Temple, payable to Rabbi Greenstein’s discretionary fund (write Food Drive in the memo section). All funds will be given to the Mid-South Food Bank, MIFA, and MAZON: The Jewish Response to Hunger. An envelope will also be enclosed in the Voice for your convenience, or you can donate here.
Speaker Bios
Jenna Kaufman
Jenna Kaufman is a licensed professional counselor, yoga Nidra teacher, and meditation practitioner.
Ruthie Lichterman
Ruthie O’Ryan Lichterman has been teaching yoga since 2015. She is married to Blake, and they welcomed their first child, Emmett, in 2020. Since becoming a mother, Ruthie has focused on slowing down and using props to make her yoga classes more mindful and accessible to students of all levels.
Marcy Stagner
Marcy Stagner was born and raised in Memphis, TN. She received her B.A. in Elementary Education from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. Marcy Moved to Denver, CO where she lived for 7 years teaching middle school and getting her M.A. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a certificate in Gifted Education from the University of Denver. Marcy moved back to Memphis in 2014 and began working at the Memphis Jewish Community Center as the Program Director of Cultural Arts, Adult Services, and Special Events. She now works at Church Health Center. Marcy is actively involved in numerous non-profit organizations and in the arts community in Memphis and is on the board for Memphis Rox and Temple Israel. She has a passion for presenting social issues through the arts in the community and is also a painter and yoga instructor herself.
To observe and maintain the sanctity of the High Holy Days, we ask that you refrain from photography and interacting with social media.
Thank you to the Temple Israel Brotherhood for supporting security, parking, and greeters for the High Holy Days and the Temple Israel Sisterhood for supporting the oneg, break fast, and childcare.
Thank you to the Ringel Family for their support of High Holy Days Music.
Thank you to the Kopald Floral Fund for the Sanctuary and Chapel flowers.