Home > Worship > High Holy Days 2025/5786
We invite you to join us for Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur worship opportunities at Temple, the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center (JBSC), or online.
To watch additional sermons, click/tap in the video below.
Schedule | Ticketing | Security | Parking | Volunteer & Tributes | Accessibility & Assistance | Additional Details
Please see below for service descriptions.
* Clergy delivering the sermon at the service (TENTATIVE).
ServiceBuildingTimeClergySermon TitleLocationLivestream Kol NidreiWednesday, October 1 Family serviceTemple5:00 pmRabbis Fischel & Schmelkin, Cantor BortnickChapel Intergenerational serviceTemple7:00 pmRabbis Shankman, Fischel, and Lustig, Cantors Bortnick & ManevichHow We Talk to Each Other About IsraelSanctuaryWatch Replay Intergenerational serviceJBSC7:00 pmRabbi Miller, Cantor HamstraThe High Cost of Being So RightSocial HallWatch Sermon 2239 serviceTemple8:00 pmRabbis Fischel & SchmelkinThe Power of AngerChapelWatch Replay Yom KippurThursday, October 2 Preschool serviceTemple9:00 amRabbis Shankman & Fischel, Cantor HamstraChapel Preschool serviceJBSC9:00 amRabbis Miller & Schmelkin, Cantor BortnickSocial Hall Intergenerational serviceTemple10:30 amRabbis Shankman & Fischel, Cantor HamstraWhy Do We Care About Suffering?SanctuaryWatch Replay Intergenerational serviceJBSC10:30 amRabbis Miller & Schmelkin, Cantor BortnickThe Power of AngerSocial HallWatch Sermon Rabbi M. Bruce Lustig Human Relations Study Session: When Words Harm: The Impact of Hate Speech in Our CommunitiesTemple12:30 pmEdlavitch Hall Study Session: Ensuring & Preserving the Jewish Future Around the WorldTemple2:00 pmFreed Youth Wing Study Session: Legacy in Action: Making an Impact at Every AgeTemple2:00 pmEdlavitch Hall Study Session: History of ZionismSTemple2:00 pmOchsman Multipurpose Room Family service, crafted and led by teensTemple2:00 pmRabbi Schmelkin and other clergyChapel Poetry & MusicTemple3:30 pmALLSanctuaryWatch Replay Afternoon, Yizkor & N'ilahTemple4:00 pmALL, Rabbi Shankman (Yizkor)Walking the Path of Loss TogetherSanctuary Community Break Fast^TempleAfter N'ilah Service ^Break Fast Ticket Sales ClosedBOLD: Delivering sermon
S’lichot — September 13
Thank you to the Women of Washington Hebrew Congregation for providing the bimah flowers during the High Holy Days.
Intergenerational Services: These are considered our flagship services, rich with music and full liturgy and designed to engage both adults and children. At Temple, worshippers will sit surrounded by stained glass in our majestic Kaufmann Sanctuary. At JBSC, Erev Rosh HaShanah’s Intergenerational Service will take place outdoors on the beautiful JBSC grounds, while other services will be held in our modern indoor worship space. 2239 Services: These uplifting services on Erev Rosh HaShanah and Kol Nidrei are for our 2239 Young Professionals group and other young professionals ages 22-39. On Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur mornings and Yom Kippur afternoon, young professionals are welcome to join our Intergenerational Services where we have a reserved section for our 2239 community. Preschool Services: These bite-sized, 30-minute services that feature engaging music and interactive storytelling are designed especially for children ages 0-5 and their families. Family Services: Designed for children, teens, and their families, these highly musical, interactive, and engaging services are led with volunteer student leaders alongside WHC’s clergy team. Fun swag and post-service treats on Rosh HaShanah make these services extra special. Children ages 5–13 may especially enjoy the experience, though older and younger siblings are always welcome.
High Holy Day tickets are complimentary for all local Temple members. Our Non-Resident members who will be in the D.C. area can purchase specially priced tickets.
STEP 1: Renew your membership for 2025-26. Already renewed? If you’re a Non-Resident member, go to Step 3, otherwise, move to Step 2
STEP 2: Check your email (be sure to look in your Junk/Spam folders too) for a message from SimpleTix Orders <orders@simpletix.com> with the subject line, “Washington Hebrew Congregation e-Tickets For Order W-xxxxxx”. High Holy Day passes for you and family members in your Temple account will be sent directly to the billing email address we have on file in mid-August. With your High Holy Day member pass, you are welcome to attend any of our services at either of our buildings. If you don’t have an email address, we will mail your passes to you.
STEP 3: We are pleased to offer specially priced Family & Friends tickets for our members. Information about how to order was included in your High Holy Day announcement email. Sustaining Members and single-member households also received a separate email with information about ordering their complimentary guest tickets.
Please check for a second email from Simple Tix Orders (orders@simpletix.com). Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur Passes were emailed separately.
The PDFs attached to your HHD pass emails have multiple pages. Scroll through and you’ll find a pass for each family member.
Stay tuned! You’ll receive an email shortly so you can order a pass for your family member or friend.
From special services for young professionals ages 22-39 to reserved seating areas at our Intergenerational services, you have a community to worship and celebrate with at Washington Hebrew Congregation.
We warmly welcome you to join us for services at either of our buildings.
For many people, the High Holy Days are a meaningful time to begin a relationship with a synagogue. If you’d like to learn more about Temple membership, which includes High Holy Day tickets, please contact Jennifer Millstone, WHC’s Director of Member Engagement at jmillstone@whctemple.org.
Whether you’re in school at American, George Washington, Georgetown, Maryland, or any other college/university, you are welcome to attend services with us here at WHC. Services are FREE for students. Pre-register with your school’s Hillel to receive advance passes, or simply walk in. Just present a student ID along with a second form of identification.
When the N’ilah service concludes and the Yom Kippur holiday ends, our break fast buffet opens! Purchase your tickets and break the fast with us.
TICKET SALES FOR THE BREAK FAST ARE NOW CLOSED
WHC members* who have renewed their membership for 2025-2026 will receive complimentary High Holy Days passes for the people in their Temple account (up to two primary adults and children under 30). Single-adult households will receive an additional High Holy Days pass to enjoy our High Holy Day experience with a family member or friend. Sustaining Members also receive additional complimentary passes.
Yes, many of our High Holy Days services at Temple will be livestreamed. (Please refer to the schedule above.)
Watch the Livestream
After a livestreamed service concludes, it will also be available to watch on-demand on our YouTube page.
We warmly welcome friends and extended family of WHC members as well as members of the greater community to join us for the High Holy Days.
Pricing for Non-members (WHC members receive a discounted rate for guest tickets)
ORDER NON-MEMBER TICKETS
As the Preschool Service is relatively short, we are pleased to offer the option to attend only that service for $25/adult. You may attend either at Temple or JBSC, but note that this ticket does not admit you to the Intergenerational Service later that morning.
If you would like to reserve your historic seats, please call the Temple office at 202-362-7100 or email seatingoffice@whctemple.org and let us know which holiday(s) you would like to use them.
Yes! WHC participates in the Union for Reform Judaism’s courtesy seating program. If you have renewed your Temple membership for 2025-2026, you can request to transfer your High Holy Days tickets to attend services at another URJ congregation. Please use the URJ’s Reciprocal Request Form to make your request.
Although we will miss you, remember that many of our services will be available on our livestream, so you can join your Washington Hebrew community from wherever you are. See the schedule above for which services will be livestreamed.
Do you have a phone with you? Check your email for the pass. It will be from SimpleTix Orders <orders@simpletix.com>, with the subject line, “Washington Hebrew Congregation e-Tickets For Order W-xxxxxx”.
First, check with others in your party to see if they received an email from SimpleTix Orders <orders@simpletix.com> with the subject line, “Washington Hebrew Congregation e-Tickets For Order W-xxxxxx”.
If no one has it, show your photo ID at check-in. If check-in cannot find your reservation, you will be escorted to Will Call for help.
We’re sorry, but you’ll have to wait until they return with them. We encourage each person attending to have their own pass/photo ID with them. SimpleTix allows you to download your passes directly to your phone and can be added to your Apple or Google Wallet.
You may forward the email with your tickets to your partner so they can have a duplicate copy on their phone. Tickets may only be scanned once per person per service.
Give them a call, send them a text, or email them and have them come out to the lobby to give you your pass. Everyone must have their own pass (and photo ID) to enter.
We encourage each person attending to have their own pass/photo ID with them. SimpleTix allows you to download your passes directly to your phone and can be added to your Apple or Google Wallet.
All WHC members in good standing have received their passes via email. If you are not a member and have a government-issued ID with you, you may purchase a ticket on-site.
Due to security concerns, we cannot let anyone in without a pass/ticket and photo ID. Our non-member ticket order form will remain open throughout the High Holy Days.
If you left it in your car, we’ll ask you to return and get it (At Temple, shuttles will be running continuously to the remote parking lots).
If your ID is inaccessible (at home, etc.), you will not be permitted entry. Our new security protocols require any adult (18+) to present a photo ID. We apologize for the inconvenience, some services from Temple will be available via livestream (see schedule above)
These modern metal detectors should enable you to pass through without removing items like phones, keys, or handbags. Some large bags may trigger a warning, and you may be asked to step aside for a brief inspection.
Pacemakers or implants will not be affected. They are also safe for pregnant women.
Limited accessible parking is available at both JBSC and Temple on a first-come, first-served basis. Please have your valid parking tag or placard to show our staff upon arrival.
Two nearby blocks on Macomb St. NW and 39th St. NW are blocked and reserved for our members to park during the holidays.
We have also arranged for you to park at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral (2815 36th St. NW) with round-trip shuttles, including one ADA-compliant shuttle, for some services available at the following times:
On the High Holy Days, we take the opportunity to recommit ourselves to social action and perform acts of tzedakah.
The Community Issues/Social Action Committee and WHECTY have teamed up to help with this year’s High Holy Day Food Drive.
We are collecting the following items to distribute to YWCA National Capital Area, So Others Might Eat (SOME), NW Community Food, and Nourish Now:
If you have any questions about the food drive, please contact Lauren Lieberman at LLieberman@whctemple.org.
Our Greeters ensure that everyone – Temple members, visitors, guests, and extended family –is made to feel welcome when they come into our buildings. From a warm smile to starting a conversation and answering basic questions about WHC, our Greeters help create community.
Want to sign up or learn more? Email Jennifer Millstone, WHC’s Director of Member Engagement at jmillstone@whctemple.org.
This role is similar to that of the Greeter, but ushers are also there to assist with making sure people know where the prayer books are, guiding traffic in case of an emergency, monitoring the doors, ticket-taking, and more throughout the High Holy Days.
Sunflower Bakery helps make the High Holy Days sweeter with holiday favorites, delicious desserts, and round challah (traditional, almond, raisin, honey whole wheat, or vegan) to usher in the New Year. Orders open Tuesday, September 2 and must be placed by 12:00 pm on Tuesday, September 16 for pickup at Temple or JBSC on Sunday, September 19.
To order for pickup at either WHC location, go to sunflowerbakery.org/shop between September 2 and 16 and fill your shopping cart with delicious treats! (Many items from Page 1 can be found in the “Sunflower Culinary” section.) When you get to the payment section, select either JBSC or Temple as your pickup location.
Questions? Email Sunflower or call (240) 361-3698.
*Sunflower Bakery and Café Sunflower are dedicated to providing skilled job training and employment for adults 18+ with learning differences. Sunflower Bakery is one-of-a-kind and the only inclusive training program in Maryland that prepares young adults with learning differences for employment success in pastry arts, baking, or related industries.
Signature Caterers will have a meal pick-up in the JBSC parking lot on Monday, September 22 from 8:30-9:00 am.
Our High Holy Days machzor (prayer book) is Mishkan HaNefesh.
At Temple & JBSC, we have prayer books for you to use when you come for services. If you have your own copies, you are invited to bring them.
Interested in purchasing prayer books? Buy direct from Amazon in hardcover or Kindle editions.
On Rosh HaShanah day, we have a wonderful tradition of reading the names of babies who have come into the lives of our Temple families during the past year (October 3, 2024-September 23, 2025). If you have a child to be recognized, please fill out the form below.
CELEBRATE A NEW BABY
On Yom Kippur day, we take the opportunity to honor the Jewish tradition of celebrating a second (or first!) b’nei mitzvah when a person turns 83 (between October 12, 2024-October 2, 2025). Those whose names are submitted are invited to read the Torah Blessing aliyah with us during our morning Intergenerational Services on Yom Kippur – from your seat at Temple, JBSC, or home! To participate in this aliyah, fill out the form below.
CELEBRATE AN 83rd BIRTHDAY
The deadline for Memorial Book submissions is September 9.
Members can adjust their listing or create one if they never had one in the past, using their Membership Renewal Form.
Already renewed your membership but need to make a change? Have additional questions? Contact Director of Development Alexis Channin at achannin@whctemple.org.
Limited accessible parking is available on-site at both JBSC and Temple on a first-come, first-served basis. Please have your valid parking tag or placard to show our staff upon arrival. One of our shuttles between Temple and St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral will be ADA-compliant.
At Temple, the Macomb St. doors are fully accessible, and there is a chair glide at the parking lot entrance. Our restrooms and worship spaces are all accessible.
At JBSC, the main entrance is wheelchair accessible, and for anyone attending the outdoor Erev Rosh HaShanah service, a ramp is located through the lunchroom that will take you directly outside to the worship area.
We will also have designated seating reserved at both JBSC and Temple for those with special needs. When you arrive for services, please see an usher who can direct you.
At Temple, services will be streamed in the Hurston Library for those who wish to be in a quieter space.
At JBSC, a quieter space is available in the Teen Lounge.
We will have licensed paramedics on hand at both Temple and JBSC just in case there is a need.
ASL interpretation will be offered at Temple (Macomb St.) for the following services:
ASL interpretation is available upon request for any service or Study Session (in-person or via livestream) with at least two weeks’ notice. Closed Captioning is also available on request for our livestream. Please contact Rich Gordon, rgordon@whctemple.org, with any questions.
At Temple, Kaufmann Sanctuary, Albert & Shirley Small Chapel, and Irwin & Ginny Edlavitch Hall are equipped with infrared listening systems. Wireless headphones needed to utilize the systems are available in Hurston Library.
Services will be streamed in the Hurston Library for those who wish to be in a quieter space.
At Temple, you can find large-print prayer books in Kreeger Lobby.
At JBSC, large-print prayer books are available in the Teen Lounge outside the worship area.
