Home > Worship > High Holy Days 2026/5787
Whether you’ve been part of WHC for a lifetime, are new to our community, or are simply looking for a meaningful High Holy Day experience, there’s a place for you at Washington Hebrew Congregation.
Welcome to WHC’s High Holy Day Hub, your resource for all things Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur. Whether you join us at Temple, the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center, or online, this hub has everything you need to prepare for the season ahead — from service schedules and pass information, to volunteer opportunities, holiday treats, and more. We’re grateful to share this sacred season with you and look forward to all that it brings.
Kick off the High Holy Day season with our annual S’lichot service on Saturday, September 5 at Temple:
*For our “Taste of WHC” Oneg, we invite you to bring a favorite holiday dessert to share with the community. Please complete the form below to RSVP for the service and let us know if you’ll be bringing a dessert.
One of our favorite traditions is sharing holiday desserts with one another! If you plan to bring a dessert, please tell us what you'll be bringing and share the recipe so we can make copies for everyone to enjoy.
ASL interpretation is available upon request (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, to arrange either accommodation.
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.
This uplifting service on Kol Nidrei is for our 2239 Young Professionals group and others 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.
These bite-sized, 30-minute services that feature engaging music and interactive storytelling are designed especially for children ages 0-5 and their families.
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 passes are complimentary for all local, financially current WHC members who have renewed their membership for 2026-2027. Our Non-Resident members who will be in the D.C. area can purchase specially priced passes. Passholders are welcome to attend any service at either Temple in Northwest D.C. or at the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center in Potomac.
Once tickets are made available, please check for a second email from Simple Tix Orders (orders@simpletix.com). Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur Passes will be emailed separately.
The PDFs attached to your HHD pass emails will 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.
To make it easy for your out-of-town friends and extended family to join you for the High Holy Days, we offer discounted Friends & Family (F&F) All-Access Flex Passes and complimentary tickets to our Preschool Services. All members will be emailed a link to order these passes.
Although High Holy Day Passes aren’t included with Non-Resident membership, Non-Resident members who will be with us for the holidays are invited to purchase specially priced F&F passes.
Yes! WHC participates in the Union for Reform Judaism’s courtesy seating program. If you have renewed your Temple membership for 2026-2027, you can request to transfer your High Holy Day passes 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.
We warmly welcome you to join us for services at either of our buildings.
Pricing for Non-members (WHC members receive a discounted rate for guest tickets)
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 passes, please contact Jennifer Millstone, WHC’s Director of Member Engagement at jmillstone@whctemple.org.
ORDER ROSH HASHANAH TICKETS
ORDER YOM KIPPUR 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. The Preschool Service Only ticket is available using the order forms above.
Services are FREE for college students. Simply walk in and present your student ID along with a second form of identification at the door. If you’re an American University student, you’re asked to pre-register with Naomi Fainchtein (naomif@american.edu or 202-885-3322).
From an Erev Rosh HaShanah dinner to a special Kol Nidrei service for young professionals ages 22-39 (plus reserved seating areas at our Intergenerational services), you have a community to worship and celebrate with at Washington Hebrew Congregation. Use the order form below for your tickets (NOTE: WHC members do not have to order tickets for services, but do need to order tickets for the dinner and/or break fast).
ORDER 2239 TICKETS
When the N’ilah service concludes and the Yom Kippur holiday ends, our break fast buffet opens! Purchase your tickets using the order form below and break the fast with us.
ORDER BREAK FAST TICKETS
WHC members* who have renewed their membership for 2026-2027 will receive complimentary High Holy Day 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 Day 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 Day 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. We offer specially discounted Friends & Family passes. An email will be sent to members with a link to purchase those passes.
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.
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.
Four nearby blocks are reserved on Macomb St. NW and 39th St. NW 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 shuttle service, including an ADA-compliant shuttle whenever shuttles are operating. The schedule is as follows:
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. An ADA-compliant shuttle will be available between Temple and St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Cathedral whenever shuttle service is operating.
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 reserved seating 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.
Wish friends and family a sweet New Year with Honey from the Heart. Help Women of WHC continue to provide financial support for Temple and community programs. Order honey by Sunday, August 16 for free shipping, or by Thursday, August 27 for delivery before Rosh HaShanah.
ORDER NOW
How to Order:
Every purchase enables WWHC to provide financial support for Temple and community programs, as well as ORT’s ongoing initiatives to provide educational opportunities to students in under-resourced communities.
Still have questions? Email Mildred Amer at mildredamer@gmail.com.
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.
PLACE YOUR ORDER
Questions? Email Sunflower or call (240) 361-3698.
Orders must be placed by 12:00 pm on Friday, September 4. When you get to the payment section, select your preferred pickup location: either JBSC or Temple. All orders will be available for pickup on Wednesday, September 9.
Pickup Locations: Temple — 11:00 am – 8:00 pm JBSC — 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
WHC receives a percentage of the proceeds from all orders picked up at either of our locations.
Signature Caterers offers a selection of unique and delicious Rosh HaShanah menu items, designed by their in-house chef and catering team, to take your holiday meal to the next level with traditional favorites.
Orders must be placed by Monday, August 31. All orders will be available for pickup at JBSC (11810 Falls Road, Potomac, MD 20854) on Friday, September 11 from 8:30-9:00 am.
Questions? Email Catering@TheShalomGroup.com or call 240-290-0032.
WHC receives a percentage of the proceeds from all orders picked up at JBSC.
Get ready for the High Holy Days with these special pre-season programs at WHC.
When: Sunday, August 30, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Where: Temple (3935 Macomb Street NW)
Who: Families with children in Pre-K through 7th grade
Cost: FREE for Religious School Families; $18 for families without a child enrolled in WHC’s Religious School
REGISTER
Religious School begins on Sunday, September 27, corresponding with the second day of Sukkot! With Rosh Hashanah beginning the evening of September 11, and Yom Kippur on September 20, we invite you to join us for a special High Holy Day PREP Program! There will be stations for children, adults, and family engagement.
Prepare by creating High Holy Day ritual items!
Remember the holy day rituals and symbols!
Experience the awe and even joy that comes with these holy days!
Participate alongside new and existing friends!
RSVP is required in order to be part of the PREP!
.
When: Monday, August 31, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Who: All ages
Cost: $36 for WHC members; $50 for non-members (all materials included)
Get ready for the Jewish New Year with WHC and Valerie Zweig, Prescription Chicken’s founder and chef, during an evening that features cooking, science, and soulful connection. It’s an experience for all the senses where you’ll learn variations on fluff, density, and flavor, sample each, and leave not only inspired, but also with a personalized matzah ball mixture for your holiday soup.
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 (September 24, 2025 – September 12, 2026). If you have a child to be recognized, please fill out the form below.
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. If you’re 83 or older, you are invited to read the Torah Blessing aliyah on the bimah (or from home if you’re watching virtually) during our morning Intergenerational Services on Yom Kippur! To participate in this aliyah, fill out the form below.
Use your Membership Renewal Form to create or make changes to your listing. Already renewed your membership but need to make a change? Email communications@whctemple.org by August 22, 2026.
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:
Pick up a donation bag at either Temple or JBSC beginning on Erev Rosh HaShanah (Friday, September 11). Fill it with donations and return it to either Temple or JBSC by the end of Yom Kippur (Monday, September 21).
Please make sure all expiration dates are at least six years after Yom Kippur. 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. Scroll through the schedule, then fill out the volunteer form.
We have volunteer opportunities available at both Temple on Macomb St. NW and the Julia Bindeman Suburban Center (JBSC) in Potomac, Maryland.
Please plan to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before the start of each service.
Please contact Rich Gordon with any questions.
Our High Holy Day 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.
