High Holy Days

Saturday, September 13

Music at Emanu El Concert, 7:30 p.m.

$18 General Admission for Concert Only
Join us for a S’lichot evening of music that invites spiritual contemplation and showcases the beauty of the classical tradition. The concert, performed by Brinton Smith, cello, and Isaac Foreman, piano, will feature works by composers—friends of Beethoven, children of cantors, keyboard virtuosi, and child prodigies—whose Jewish heritage shaped their musical voices.

Register to attend this special S’lichot concert

Dessert Reception, 8:30 p.m.

S’lichot Service, 9:00 p.m.

The season of repentance begins with the observance of S’lichot. We gather on the Saturday evening before Rosh HaShanah to reflect on the past year and the changes we wish to make in the year ahead. Joining Cantor Simmons will be Brinton Smith and Isaac Foreman to enhance this intimate and reflective experience.

The Jewish new year ushers in a spiritual awakening to possibility and potential. A variety of services are available.

Monday, September 22

High Holy Days Kick-Off Reception, 5:00 p.m.
Gather with friends and loved ones before services to celebrate the New Year together over refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.

Rosh HaShanah Service, 6:00 p.m.
Sermon by Rabbi Oren Hayon
Join us for a reimagined High Holy Day service that blends tradition with inspiration. Featuring the timeless prayers and evocative poetry of our High Holy Day prayerbook, Mishkan HaNefesh, this service will be elevated by the powerful voices of Cantor Rollin Simmons and a specially assembled vocal and instrumental ensemble. Together, they will lead us in familiar and magnificent melodies that beautifully express the awe, joy, and spiritual grandeur of the New Year.

Tuesday, September 23

Children’s Service, 9:00 a.m. 
Designed for children 8 and under and their families, this lively and fun service highlights the themes and rituals of the holiday.

Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.
Sermon by Rabbi Joshua Fixler
This intergenerational service combines familiar music and prayers with beautiful liturgical writing and stirring poetry. You will also experience an inspiring and engaging collection of music enhanced by our professional choir and organ.

3^rd through 5^th grade students are invited to pray with their parents for the first half of the service, then they will be led by our Helfman Religious School staff into their own separate High Holy Day celebration with fun and engaging activities. Click here to register.

Tuesday, September 23

Immediately following our 10:30 a.m. Rosh HaShanah morning service

Friday, September 26, 6:00 p.m.

Hear a message of inspiration to deepen your spiritual and moral explorations on this very special Shabbat between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Our member Joel Dinkin will share some personal reflections at the culmination of decades of service to the Jewish community.

Sunday, September 28, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

To complement our High Holy Day Children’s Services, families with children in 2nd grade or younger are invited to join Emanu El clergy and staff for an in-person outdoor experience featuring a story walk. Arrive at your convenience to enjoy a guided walk with activities! This program is free of charge and open to the community; however, space is limited and advance registration is required. Click here to register.

Sunday, September 28, 5:00 p.m.

We invite all to join together in the beautiful, serene surroundings of Emanu El Memorial Park to remember their dear ones.

These services, on the holiest night of the year, will feature the contemplative prayers and stirring music unique to this holiday. They will be accompanied by Yuri McCoy on organ and our professional choir.

Wednesday, October 1

Kol Nidre Service, 7:30 p.m., Barish Sanctuary (in person with streaming options)
Sermon by Rabbi Hayon
This service, on the holiest night of the year, will feature the contemplative prayers and stirring music unique to this holiday. They will be accompanied by Yuri McCoy on organ and our professional choir and include the poignant setting of Kol Nidre played by Brinton Smith, Principal Cellist of the Houston Symphony

Thursday, October 2

Children’s Service, 9:00 a.m., Barish Sanctuary (in person with streaming options)
Designed for children 8 and under and their families, this service offers engaging music, prayers, and stories that will encourage families to reflect on how we can be our best selves.

Morning Service, 10:30 a.m., Barish Sanctuary (in person with streaming options)
Sermon by Rabbi Pamela Silk
This service will be led by our clergy, accompanied by Yuri McCoy on organ and our professional choir. Through stirring music and meaningful prayer, we will reflect on the themes of repentance and forgiveness.

3rd through 5th grade students are invited to pray with their parents for the first half of the service, then they will be led to a unique, age-appropriate Torah experience facilitated by our teen leaders and Helfman staff. Pre-registration required. Click here to register.

Isaiah Variety Hour, 12:45 – 1:35 p.m.
In the Yom Kippur afternoon Haftarah reading, the prophet Isaiah describes “the fast that God desires” as being a fast that leads us to focus on justice, compassion, and ethical responsibility. Through music, poetry, and more, we will shed new light on this ancient and inspiring text.

Healing & Wholeness, 3:45 p.m.
Cantor Rollin Simmons & Rabbi Pamela Silk
Find restoration and strength through poetry, song, and prayer.

Yizkor & N’ilah, 4:45 p.m.
Sermon by Rabbi Roy Walter
We will bring our holidays to a close with an opportunity to honor and remember our dear ones, the final confessions of N’ilah, and the sweetness of Havdalah that marks the separation between the penitential season and the promising new year ahead.

Break the Fast, 6:45 p.m.
Join us as we break the fast as a community with a restorative meal in the Oshman Multi-Purpose Room. Generously sponsored by the Roth and Glauben Family, in loving memory of Evelyn and Franklin Roth and Michelle Roth Glauben.

Thursday, October 2, 1:45 – 3:35 p.m.

Electives Block 1, 1:45 – 2:35 p.m.

Discussion group

LET’S DISCUSS: What Does It Mean to Be a Jew in the World Today?
Join Rabbi Silk for meaningful small group conversations with fellow congregants as we explore the personal and collective experience of being Jewish at this pivotal moment in history. Together, we’ll reflect on questions of identity, responsibility, and belonging—most notably: Do we carry unique obligations simply because we are Jews?
Come share your thoughts, listen deeply, and engage in heartfelt dialogue.

Art session

Facing Myself: A Creative Adventure in Masks, Identity & Self-Expression
This session is repeated in Block 2. Come to either or stay for both. Join artist Ellen Orseck for an inspiring workshop that delves into the contrast between our outward personas and inner selves. Through the use of pre-formed masks, collage, and painting, participants will creatively explore how we present ourselves to the world—and how that differs from who we truly are inside. No artistic experience is necessary—just bring your curiosity and imagination! All are welcome. Please register in advance to ensure materials are available for everyone.

Musical Contemplation

A string quartet of Rice University Shepherd School musicians will create space for personal contemplation and meditation on the themes of the holiday.

Meditative walk

This session continues in Block 2. Need to stretch your legs after morning services? Join Emanu El members and fitness enthusiasts Joanna Hoffman and Lisseth De Masi for a leisurely walk on the path around Rice University. Walkers can find their own comfortable pace and return to temple for the second elective block or for the Healing Service.

“The Price of Atonement”

Rabbi Oren Hayon
In our age of public scandal and high-profile wrongdoing, disgraced public figures and corporate executives convicted of white-collar crimes frequently make significant charitable gifts, either as part of legal settlements or to clear their own consciences. Can this kind of generosity cleanse a person’s guilt? Can one, in effect, legitimately “buy” atonement by giving tzedakah? Is there such a thing as “tainted money” in Judaism? And may a charity accept these “ill-gotten gains”? Join us to discuss the exploration of these questions in Jewish legal and ethical texts.

Electives Block 2, 2:45 – 3:35 p.m.

Art Session

Continued from Block 1.

Meditative Walk

Continued from Block 1.

Meditation

Ann Friedman
Experience a guided journey of mindfulness, utilizing the themes of the Days of Awe.

“What We Carry Forward, What We Leave Behind”

Lucy Mosbacher
Jewish tradition sees Yom Kippur as Yom HaDin – the Day of Judgment. We will re-frame this as self-judgment or conscious choice-making, transforming Yom Kippur from something that happens to us into something we actively choose.

American Democracy in an Age of Religious Nationalism

Join Rabbi Josh Fixler, Rabbi David Segal, and Dr. Al Kahn for a conversation on what it means to support American democracy with Jewish values in an age of religious nationalism.

Sunday, October 5

Sukkah Decorating, 11:30 a.m.

Families are invited to help bring the sukkah to life with homemade decorations as we prepare for the season of Sukkot. We will have construction paper and coloring supplies on hand, so all levels are creativity are invited! Lite bites and refreshments will be provided.

Sensory Inclusion Program, 1:30 p.m.

The community is invited to join us for a pre-Sukkot program designed for all ages and abilities, along with families, caregivers, and allies. Participation of all kinds is encouraged — including devices, fidgets, headphones, movements, and more. This program will feature a selection of engaging sensory-sensitive activities and crafts. This program is funded through a local Impact Grant from The Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Limited capacity. Registration required.

Wednesday, October 8

BYOM: Bring Your Own Mah Jongg, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Mah Jongg tables will be available in the sukkah throughout the day, so bring your team, find a table, and enjoy the fresh air. We welcome guests to bring food of their choice, and Emanu El will provide desserts and beverages. Please contact Allison Hale to reserve your table!

Afternoon Tea with the Clergy, 3:00 p.m.

Sit down with the members of the Emanu El clergy team for an afternoon break to help fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner. Enjoy a sampling of tea, sandwiches and scones.  Limited Capacity. Register today!

YP Program: Etrog Jam Class, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Join Emanu El Young Professionals for a Sukkot celebration! We will learn how to make our own Etrog Jam (one of Rabbi Fixler’s specialties) and enjoy a festive meal together in the sukkah. Register today!

Thursday, October 9

Motherhood Together, 11:30 a.m.

“Painting and Pinot,” presented by Women of Gen X & Emanu El Sisterhood, 6:00 p.m.

The Women of Gen X and Sisterhood invite you to a paint and sip party with Paint the Town. This program includes two hours of guided painting time, including supplies and aprons. Join us starting for lite bites, wine, and other refreshments before tapping into your creative artistic sides! Click here to register.

Friday, October 10

Sushi in the Sukkah, 7:00 p.m.

Following Shabbat service, you’re invited to an Oneg featuring sushi and other light bites and desserts

Sunday, October 12

Sukkot on Sunset, 11:30 a.m.

Join us as we celebrate the joy of Sukkot this season. This year, we will begin the celebration with a brief service at 11:30 a.m., followed by a catered lunch and activities. Register to attend.

Monday, October 13

Simchat Torah Service, Dinner & Learning, 6:00 p.m.

Join us for a special Simchat Torah celebration! We will unroll the Torah as a community and highlight well-known stories and moments with popular songs, accompanied by our band. This will be a lively and family-friendly service. We will march with the Torah to join in a festive meal together and engage with Torah through learning. RSVP for dinner.

Professor Mark Goldberg is our guest teacher: “Rethinking Diaspora: Jewish Houston as a Case Study.”

Tuesday, October 14

Simchat Torah Festival Service & Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.

In this festival service, we read the end of Deuteronomy and begin again with Genesis as the annual cycle begins anew. The service will include prayers of Yizkor, a beautiful and meaningful way to remember our dear ones.

Mark A. Goldberg is an Associate Professor of History at the University of Houston. He is an affiliate of the Center for Mexican American and Latino/a Studies, the Jewish Studies Program, and the Center for Public History. His research focuses on U.S. Latino history, immigration, and borders.
His book, Conquering Sickness: Race, Health, and Colonization in the Texas Borderlands (Univ of Nebraska Press, 2017), examines the role of health and healing in imperial expansion and nation building in the Texas-Mexico border region. He is currently working on another book project on the history of Cuban Jewish migration and a digital archival project, documenting the history of Jewish Latinos in the United States.    Professor Goldberg teaches courses on Latino history, immigration, Jewish Studies, and early America.

Emanu El will again be using digital passes for High Holy Day services.

You must be a member in good standing to receive High Holy Day passes. Each adult member of your household will receive one digital pass via email which may be used for all High Holy Day services. If only one member of your household has an email address in Shulcloud, passes for all adults will be emailed to that address. Emails will be sent from orders@simpletix.com to the email address in your ShulCloud account.

You can print your pass at home or save it on your phone to be scanned when you arrive for services. Passes can also be saved to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Your name will be on your pass; passes are NOT transferrable. Please remember to bring your cell phones or printed versions of your digital passes.  Only individuals with High Holy Day passes will be permitted entry to the Emanu El campus.

Members in good standing may request up to two single service passes for out-of-town guests. Please email Lisa Damen with the name and email address of your guests so that they can receive the Simpletix email with their guest pass.

We also welcome members of the community who have moved to Houston since last High Holy Days. Please ask them to contact Anna Shabtay by email or at 713.529.5771, ext. 261 to arrange for newcomer passes.

Levels 1 and 2 of the Gaylor Parking Facility will be reserved for accessible parking. Space is limited and we encourage you to park off-site. Buses will run continuously between satellite parking and Emanu El.

Parking for Erev Rosh HaShanah and Kol Nidre will be at the Medical Clinic at 1707 Sunset Blvd. The parking garage entrance is located on Rice Blvd.

Overflow parking for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur is in the South Stadium Lot on Rice University Campus.

Directions: Enter from Rice Blvd into Entrance 17. This is the light at Rice Blvd & Shepherd Blvd. Continue straight to the first stop sign and make a right onto Laboratory Dr. Continue straight through the 2nd stop sign and you’ll find a Rice parking attendant. Tell them you are with Congregation Emanu El and they’ll direct you into the lot. The shuttle bus will be waiting for you at the crosswalk before entering the stadium.  Marked on the map with a red X and there will be an Emanu El shuttle sign.

For those attending our Tashlich service, we encourage you to take the shuttle to and from Emanu El as parking near Bill Coats Bridge is extremely limited. The shuttle will pick up at Emanu El, in the circular driveway, and, after Tashlich, drop off at both Rice and Emanu El.

Rice University overflow parking for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur: (click the image for a larger version)

Childcare for children ages 15 months to 8 years is available during Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur morning services.

The deadline to register for childcare is Monday, September 15.

Click here to register for childcare.

Will you be going out of town for Rosh HaShanah or Yom Kippur? Though our affiliation with the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), our congregation enjoys reciprocity with hundreds of synagogues nationally.

If you are planning to attend services at a URJ synagogue, please complete this form. Contact Lisa Damen if you have any issues with the form OR if you plan to attend services at a non-URJ synagogue.

Accessible seating is available for High Holy Day services, but seats must be reserved by September 10.

Please contact Christian Simmons at 713.529.5771, ext. 262, or christians@emanuelhouston.org, and include the service(s) you plan to attend.

Those requesting accessible seating may be granted a maximum of four additional seats for family members.

**Please note seats will be released 15 minutes prior to the beginning of services.

To ensure those who are hard of hearing can enjoy and participate in our beautiful High Holy Days services, we will provide closed captioning for all Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services in the Barish Sanctuary except for the children’s services.

The Barish Sanctuary is equipped with a system which transmits audio signals directly to one’s hearing aids.

Congregation Emanu El’s longstanding commitment to fighting hunger is made possible year after year by our congregants’ generous contributions to the High Holy Day Hunger Appeal. Donations will support emergency food needs in the Houston area, our partners in the community helping to fight hunger and our ongoing service projects with Kids’ Meals and SEARCH.

Please consider joining our collective efforts to help battle hunger by contributing to the High Holy Day Hunger Appeal online or by mailing a check to the congregation. We kindly ask that no dedications be made for this appeal.

There are a variety of options to access the streaming video of each of our special and beautiful services.

• Emanu El Streaming Video
• Facebook
• YouTube

Click here to access captioning for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services.