Am Echad, Lev Echad~One People, One Heart

We're thrilled to once again offer your favourite High Holy Day services for you and your family to enjoy, onsite or from the comfort of your own home! Members will have access to our virtual livestream hub to access the Sanctuary Services and the Outdoor Short & Sweet Services. This page will be updated with direct links to access the services as we move closer to Rosh Hashanah.

Participation in on-site High Holy Day services is limited to Beth Tzedec members only (except for the Kehillah Inclusion service, which is open to non-members but requires pre-registration through Rabbi Lara Rodin). Membership must be renewed before September 30 to attend in-person Rosh Hashanah Services. To renew your membership commitment or get more information, including information on our no-fee Generations Membership for those under 40, contact Klara Romm at 416-781-3514 ext. 220.

To view a list of all our High Holy Days services, including Festival Minẖah-Ma'ariv services, scroll to the bottom of this page. (Alternately, you can view our High Holy Days Guide, HERE.)

During the Yom Kippur services, we will reference prayers that are included in the Yizkor Memorial Book.

If you are looking for information about the High Holy Days, you can find quick access to many of your questions with our downloadable FAQ (frequently asked questions) document HERE.

Sanctuary Service

Join Rabbi Steve Wernick, H̱azzan Moshe Fishel and Maestro Meir Briskman and members of the Lishmoa El Harina Ensemble alongside Assistant Rabbi, Lara Rodin for our spectacular and inspiring High Holy Day services with excellent ẖazzanut, choral singing and teaching. Congregational Torah and Haftarah readers will also participate in the Torah service. This Service is offered for both in-person participation and livestream viewing.

Rosh Hashanah - October 3 & 4
8:45 a.m. to ~1:15 pm

Kol Nidrei - October 11
6:25 to ~9:15 p.m.

Yom Kippur - October 12
9:00 a.m. to ~2:30 p.m.

Mezzanine Service

Join Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin, H̱azzan Sidney Ezer and ritual director Lorne Hanick for this participatory service held in the Orenstein Mezzanine Hall. The warm atmosphere and emphasis on singing will help every member of our community engage with the liturgy as we celebrate the ẖaggim. This Service is offered for in-person participation only.

Rosh Hashanah - October 3 & 4
8:30 a.m. to ~1:15 p.m.

Kol Nidrei - October 11
6:25 to ~9:15 p.m.

Yom Kippur - October 12
9:00 a.m. to ~2:45 p.m.

Return Again and Again: Meditation

Begin your day with time in silent reflection, simple repeated melodies and deep learning. Spiritual Leader, Aviva Chernick, will guide us using the mindfulness tools of returning to the breath and the body, together with the teachings of this season, to awaken our hearts and open the pathway for the prayers that are waiting to be spoken. All are welcome. Previous experience with meditation is not necessary. This Service is offered for in-person participation only.

Rosh Hashanah - October 3 & 4
9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Yom Kippur - October 12
12:45 pm. to 1:45 p.m.

Outdoor Short and Sweet Service

Join Yacov Fruchter, Director of Community Building and Spiritual Engagement, and Spiritual Leader, Aviva Chernick, for this spirited and welcoming 90-minute High Holy Day Service highlighting the essential elements of the liturgy (Maẖzor). We will combine familiar melodies and meaningful takeaways in an approachable way. This Service is offered for both in-person participation and livestream viewing.

Rosh Hashanah - October 3 & 4
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Kol Nidrei - October 11
6:25 p.m. to 8:25 p.m.

Yom Kippur - October 12
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Family Service

For children ages six and up and their families, this 90-minute service is intimate, lively and lots of fun. Join Daniel Silverman, Director of Education and Program Coordinator, Cantor Audrey Klein, Director of Family and Young Adult Engagement, and Penina Hoffnung, Family Engagement Specialist, for inspirational stories and songs to delight the whole family.

Rosh Hashanah - October 3 & 4
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Kol Nidrei - October 11
6:25 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Yom Kippur - October 12
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Kehillah Inclusion Service

The Kehillah Inclusion Service offers a safe and inclusive space for children in Grades 1 to 6 with intellectual or developmental disabilities and their families to engage in multi-sensory learning and prayer. Open to members and non-members, we hope you and your child will join us to uplift your spirit and nourish your soul. For more information and to reserve your spot, contact Rabbi Lara Rodin at rabbilara@beth-tzedec.org.

Rosh Hashanah Day 1 - October 3
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Yom Kippur - October 12
10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Yom Kippur Minẖah Service

Join us in the Sanctuary for our Minẖah Service with a Torah reading and a reading of the Book of Jonah. This Service is offered for both in-person participation and livestream viewing, and is open to Jewish community.

Yom Kippur evening - October 12
4:15 to 5:55 p.m.

Neilah, Ma'ariv and Shofar Blowing

Join members of our Spiritual Leadership in the Sanctuary as we conclude the High Holy Days with this beautiful and inspiring service in which we imagine the Gates of Heaven closing and offer our final plea for redemption and life. Neilah will be followed by Ma’ariv, the final shofar blowing and Havdalah. 

If joining us via our livestream for Havdalah, we suggest that you turn off the lights and turn on a glow stick. Then grab your shofar and sound the final blast with us. This Service is offered for both in-person participation and livestream viewing, and is open to Jewish community.

Yom Kippur evening - October 12
 5:55 to 7:25 p.m.