Shivim Panim—70 Faces

High Holy Day Theme for 5786

As we celebrate 70 years, we look ahead to the future with excitement. Last spring, we launched a new visioning process that will guide us into the next generation. This initiative will focus on deepening the spiritual, educational, and cultural life of our kehillah, growing our endowment, and renewing our physical home.

Seventy, in Jewish tradition, is a number of completeness and transformation. As we mark this milestone, we honour our founders’ dreams by continuing to dream. We remember that the psalmist teaches:שִׁבְעִים שָׁנָה— Seventy years—may feel like exile, but they also mark the moment of return, of renewal, of tikvah—hope.

This is our moment of return—not to what was, but to who we are meant to be.

Beth Tzedec’s story is a story of resilience, vision, and heart. It is a story written not by programs or policies, but by you—the members, leaders, dreamers and doers who make up this sacred community.

As we celebrate 70 years together, let’s continue to write the next chapter—with courage, with compassion and with the conviction that the best is yet to come.

Mazal Tov, Beth Tzedec. Here’s to 70 years—and to building for 70 more.

It's Time to Renew

Whether you join us for our Services in-person or online, we are sure you will find opportunities that are meaningful to you. 

Note: In-person services are accessible only for Beth Tzedec members who have renewed their membership. 

1. Click HERE to renew your membership today.
2. For those who renew prior to September 5, your High Holy Day ticket packages will be mailed. For those renewing after that date, you will be able to pick up your ticket packages from the Synagogue office Mondays through Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Our ticket office will also be open on Sunday, September 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Guide, FAQs, Schedule

To view our High Holy Day Guide for 5786 • 2025, click HERE. 

To download our FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) related to the High Holy Days, click HERE.

To view the schedule of Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidrei and Yom Kippur services and programs, click HERE.

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High Holy Day Programs and Events

Empty Seat at the Table with Rabbi Fryer Bodzin and Yacov Fruchter
Rosh Hashanah Edition
Thursday, September 11 at 8:00 p.m.
For many of us, this year will be the first time there will be people no longer sitting at our Shabbat and holiday tables with us. We miss them and we continue to grieve for them.Take some times out of your High Holy Days preparations and join Rabbi Fryer Bodzin and Yacov Fruchter as they help you get ready for a meaningful High Holy Days with Jewish wisdom texts and tools for resilience and coping. more info>>

Pre-Rosh Hashanah Community Shabbat Dinner
Friday, September 19 | Services at 6:00 p.m.; Dinner following
Join us for a musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service featuring Cantors Chaim Stern and Sidney Ezer and the High Holy Day Choir as we gather to celebrate the coming High Holy Days with an inspiring and meaningful Service followed by a delicious catered dinner. Let's enjoy this time together as a community to celebrate and reconnect with our Beth Tzedec family, friends and neighbours. more info>>

Spinagogue for All Ages
Sunday, September 21 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Revitalize your body and spirit just in time for Rosh Hashanah. Join Beth Tzedec for a community-wide, private Rosh Hashanah-themed spin class at Rocket Cycle. Ticket price includes a spot on a spin bike, spin shoes, a branded reusable water bottle, and a post-ride snack. more info>>

Pre-High Holy Day Picnic and Flower Picking
Sunday, September 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Nothing says living your best life like a field full of flowers for you to pick. On Erev-Erev Rosh Hashanah, join Beth Tzedec in Newmarket at Country Cut Flowers’ beautiful farm for a picnic and flower-picking (970 Miller's Side Road, Newmarket). You'll even have a chance to work with a professional florist to create your own beautiful flower arrangement. more info>>

Ma'aseh Yadaynu: The Work of Our Hands
Pre-Holiday Maker Space Series
Sunday, September 28 from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Sometimes, the way to one’s soul is through the hands. Come and discover a new layer of meaning for upcoming Jewish holiday celebrations, by creating something to be utilized and loved at your holidays for years and possibly generations to come. Create a memory and an object together with a family member, or on your own. Children ages 9 and up are welcome with an accompanying adult. more info>>

Generously sponsored by the Flatt Family in memory of Ab Flatt z"l

Song Circle with Aviva Chernick
Sunday, October 20 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Singing together offers a special kind of comfort and embrace. Join Aviva Chernick for this gathering in song, accompanied by tea and nosh to keep us warm. All lyrics will be translated and transliterated. You do not need to know Hebrew or how to sing in order to participate. more info>>

Let's Sit: Sukkot Edition
Thursday, October 9 from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.

Sitting in the Sukkah offers a special kind of comfort and embrace.

Join facilitator Aviva Chernick, Director of the Beth Tzedec Centre for Spiritual Well-Being, together with fellow community members for this opportunity to rest in loving attention through meditation, reflection and song in a Queer and Trans Jewish space. AND… there will be soup and tea to keep us warm. 

No previous meditation experience required. Any text shared will be translated and transliterated. Please dress warmly. There is no charge. Pre-registration is required. To register, click HERE.

While we honour our allies, this particular event is for those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Please only register if you will be attending the program.

Family Simchat Torah Faire Pageant and Celebration
Tuesday, October 14 from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m.

Celebrate the merriment of Torah and all the pageantry of the holiday at our Family Simchat Torah Faire! Come dressed in a costume or design a hat based on something found in Torah.

Join us for the Torah-related festivities with activities and games, joyous hakafot (aka Torah parades) in the Hendeles Chapel and a light, dairy dinner (pre-registration required). You are then welcome and encouraged to stay for Ma’ariv (evening service) and the Congregation-wide hakafot and dancing beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Community Hakafot Celebration
Tuesday, October 14 beginning at 6:45 p.m.
Come hug a Torah! Join us in person at Beth Tzedec to celebrate as a community at our Simẖat Torah party with a Hakafot and dancing!

• Candy Bar
• Dessert spread
• For all ages
• Open bar for ages 19+
• Dress code: Torah dancing casual

Pre-registration is not required; Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate with us! This service will be live-streamed via bethtzedec.tv.

Simchat Torah Service and Lunch,
honouring Dr. Gary Elman and Debbie Rothstein
Wednesday, October 15
Services 9:00 a.m. | Luncheon 12:30 p.m.
Join us at our Simchat Torah Services where we will honour our Chattan Torah Dr. Gary Elman and our Kallat Bereisheet Debbie Rothstein. Following an uplifting Service, we’ll gather for a delicious luncheon where we can celebrate with the Elman and Rothstein families. Watch for registration information coming soon.