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. 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
If you are a member, we sent you your High Holy Day Pass from SimpleTix. If you are a guest or extended family, pre-registration is required. Please register by contacting Connie Sherman at connies@timemphis.org.
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 5 years old for Erev Rosh Hashanah from 7:30 PM-9 PM, Rosh Hashanah from 10 AM-12 PM, Kol Nidre from 7:30 PM until 9 PM, and Yom Kippur from 10 AM-12:30 PM.
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:
- Members will received their tickets via email. If you would like your ticket mailed to you, please contact Connie Sherman at connies@timemphis.org. Non-members must register to attend services
- 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
HIGH HOLY DAYS SCHEDULE
ELUL SERIES | Wednesdays, September 3, 10 & 17
7 PM
Stability in Our Personal Lives
Wednesday, September 3, 7 PM
We can best meet the challenges and uncertainty of the world around us when we are able to find stability and centeredness within ourselves. In this session, Rabbi Ross Levy will offer methods and practices from Jewish tradition that can serve as tools for personal resilience.
7 PM
Stability in a Shifting Global Landscape
Wednesday, September 10, 7 PM
As we tend to our spiritual selves in this season, we acknowledge how our hearts are often pulled to the conflicts of the world beyond the borders of our country. With anti-semitism on the rise and the war continuing in Israel, we have all felt the uncertainty of a shifting global landscape this past year. Join Rabbi Micah Greenstein as he offers the Jewish perspective on finding stability, resilience, and clarity in uncertain times.
7 PM
Stability in Times of National Division
Wednesday, September 17, 7 PM
In this final session, Rabbi Leah Sternberg will offer tools for a path forward as we navigate the challenging dynamics of division and polarization in the United States. Her teaching will guide us in how we might have difficult conversations and how we, as American Jews, can draw from our religious tradition as a source of moral clarity and resilience.
SELICHOT CELEBRATION | Saturday, September 13
7 PM
Selichot Service
Join us on Saturday, September 13, as we begin the High Holy Days with Selichot—a moving and meditative late-evening service of reflection, connection, and renewal. Featuring an inspiring performance by Spirit & Matter, joined by strings, in the newly renovated Danziger Chapel, this beautiful blend of music, prayer, and community sets the tone for the High Holy Days ahead.
Danziger Chapel
APPLES & HONEY FESTIVAL | Sunday, September 21
11 AM
Apples & Honey Festival
Celebrate with us at Temple for a joyful day filled with fun, flavor, and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re welcoming the Jewish New Year or simply celebrating the season, there’s something for everyone! There will be vendors from the Jewish Community, photo booths, activities for kids, and food trucks. This festival is more than just a sweet treat – it’s a celebration of hope, renewal, and togetherness. Admission is FREE, and everyone is welcome – bring your friends, family, and neighbors!
Temple Israel Campus
EREV ROSH HASHANAH | Monday, September 22
7:30 PM
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service |
Sermon by Rabbi Ross Z. Levy, “Are You Paying Attention”
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
ROSH HASHANAH | Tuesday, September 23
9-9:30 AM
Rosh Hashanah Tot Service
Recommended for ages 5 and below. Parents must accompany children under the age of 12.
Danziger Chapel | Learn about our Tot Community!
10 AM
Rosh Hashanah Family Service
Recommended for ages 5 years and older. Parents must accompany children under the age of 12.
Danziger Chapel
10 AM
Rosh Hashanah Morning Service |
Sermon by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, “The Missing Element”
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
SHABBAT SHUVA | Friday, September 26
6 PM
7 PM
Shabbat Shuva Service
Through heartfelt prayer, timeless teachings, and the beauty of Shabbat, Shabbat Shuva
calls us to slow down, reconnect, and prepare with intention for the sacred day of Yom Kippur
Danziger Chapel
Mastering Sushi with Chef Marisa Baggett – an All-Member Shabbat Dinner
Get ready for a mouthwatering evening at our September All Members Shabbat Dinner featuring Chef Marisa Baggett, renowned sushi chef and cookbook author. Enjoy a live sushi-making demo and a delicious Asian-inspired feast co-catered by Mosa Restaurant for a one-of-a-kind Shabbat experience. $18 for adults; free for 12 and under | Ettelson-Wax Social Hall
KEVER AVOT & TASHLICH | Sunday, September 28
10 AM
Kever Avot/High Holiday Memorial Service
Levy-Cooper Chapel at the Temple Israel Cemetery + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
10 AM
Adult Tashlich
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.
Hyde Lake Pavilion, Shelby Farms
10:30 AM
Tashlich Ritual
Come cast away your sins during this ritual by the water
Shelby Farms – Hyde Lake Pavilion
11 AM
Family Programming
Following the ritual: All ages can take part in our spirit walk, yoga meditations, creative art
projects, and storytime.
Hyde Lake Pavilion
KOL NIDRE | Wednesday, October 1
7:30 PM
Kol Nidre Service
Sermon by Rabbi Micah Greenstein, “When Our Worlds Become Too Small”
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
YOM KIPPUR | Thursday, October 2
9 AM
Yom Kippur Tot Service
Recommended for ages 5 and below. Parents must accompany children under the age of 12.
Danziger Chapel
10 AM
Yom Kippur Morning Service
Sermon by Rabbi Leah Sternberg, “We Are Not Beyond Repair”
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
12:30 PM
Rabbi James A. Wax Social Justice Speaker
Rabbi Harry K. Danziger, “The Night of Broken Glass”
Danziger Chapel + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
1:30 PM
Israel Conversation
Associate Professor Beverly Tsacoyianis in conversation with Rabbi Leah Sternberg, “The American Jewish Experience in a Post October 7 World”
Danziger Chapel+ Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
Connecting Body and Soul: Spirit Walk into Jewish Yoga
Temple Israel Meadow
2:30 PM
Ruach Music Hour
Led by Happie Hoffman
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
“Oh, say, can you hear”
Led by Dr. Joe Levy
Meeting Room
4 PM
Yizkor Memorial Service
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
4:30 PM
Yom Kippur Family Service
Recommended for ages 5 years and older. Parents must accompany children under the age of 12.
Danziger Chapel
5 PM
Torah Processional and Closing Ne’ilah Service
Greenstein Sanctuary + Livestream (timemphis.org & Facebook)
5:20 PM
TIMPO Music Hour
Danziger Chapel
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
Vestibule
Generously sponsored by the TI Sisterhood
PIZZA IN THE HUT | Sunday, October 5
6 PM
Pizza in the Hut – A Family Experience
Come celebrate Sukkot with us! We’ll shake the lulav and etrog, savor delicious pizza in our Temple Israel sukkah, and enjoy a screening of Toy Story under the stars in the Courtyard. Picnic blankets will be provided, but feel free to bring your own chairs for extra comfort. We look forward to sharing this festive evening with you!
Temple Israel Courtyard & Sukkah
EREV SUKKOT | Monday, October 6
6 PM
Erev Sukkot Services
Danziger Chapel
SHABBAT SUKKOT | Friday, October 10
6 PM
Shabbat with Elana Arain
You won’t want to miss this amazing evening of song and prayer with Elana Arian.
Greenstein Sanctuary
SHABBAT SUKKOT | Saturday, October 11
10 AM
One Shabbat Morning with Elana Arian
Feel the joy of Sukkot through song with our exceptional One Shabbat Morning service featuring Elana Arian, our artist in residence. Elana will be joined by the Temple Israel musical team, along with an ensemble of community members, for a unique, intimate worship experience you won’t want to miss! Please be sure to stick around for the kiddush lunch in the Sukkah following the service.
REGISTER HERE
Danziger Chapel & Temple Sukkah
5:30 PM
Sukkot at the Shell
Havdallah, Dinner & Drinks in the portable Sukkah at the Shell. Featuring: North Mississippi Allstars with opener, The Sensational Barnes Brothers.
Hospitality Deck of the Memphis Shell
This program is partially funded by a generous grant from the Memphis Jewish Federation’s Lemsky Endowment Fund.
SIMCHAT TORAH | Monday, October 13
6 PM
Torah Palooza
Experience the joy of Simchat Torah with music, dancing, and celebration! After the service, enjoy a delicious dinner and sweet desserts, plus your final chance to step inside the Sukkah. Together, we’ll honor our incredible teachers and learners of Torah who keep Jewish learning vibrant at Temple Israel. Dinner is $18 per person, with kids 12 & under free.
REGISTER HERE
Ettelson-Wax Social Hall
YIZKOR | Tuesday, October 14
9 AM
Yizkor
A musical service during which Yizkor will be recited for loved ones.
Danziger Chapel
Sim ‘Tot’ Torah for Young Families | Saturday, Oct. 18
10 AM
Special service for families.
Greenstein Sanctuary
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.
To observe and maintain the sanctity of the High Holy Days, we ask that you refrain from photography and interacting with social media.
Due to the sacred nature of the holiday, we consider these events to be private and for members and invited guests only; therefore, we will not be issuing media credentials or granting press access during any of our High Holy Day celebrations.
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.