Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.
All of Israel is responsible
for one another.
Actions and resources here.
Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh.
All of Israel is responsible for one another.
Actions and resources here.
At a Glance
High Holidays 5784 (2023)
Full Schedule of Services
Updated August 8, 2023. Subject to Change.
*Service will be held outdoors, weather permitting.
Children's Services
Location: All children's services will be held indoor, due to weather.
Meeting Point: Children and their parents should first come to the large sanctuary where children will be invited to the bima for the beginning of the Torah Service. On Rosh Hashanah II, families return to the sanctuary where children are invited back on the bima for the Shofar Service after the scavenger hunt.
Entry Requirements: Tickets are not required, however we do ask that you RSVP here to let us know which services you expect to attend.
Parent Participation:
Parents are encouraged to attend Family Services and are required to attend Minyan Katan.
Childcare: TBE will be offering free childcare from 11:00am to 1:30pm on September 16, 17, and September 25. Unlike past years, pre-registration is required by September 8.
Food + Refreshments: Children's snacks will be available after children's services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
COVID-19 Policy
Masks: Masks optional.
Vaccination: TBE encourages community members to receive all vaccinations recommended by their physician, but does not require vaccination proof for programs and services.
Capacity Limits: TBE will not have any COVID-19 related indoor capacity limits.
Parking and Accessibility
- The primary entrance to the building is on Wadsworth St. (in the semi-circle). Given that the courtyard entrance will be closed due to construction of Shalom Community Park, the side entrance to the sanctuary on Devonshire St. will be staffed to allow access to the sanctuary for those unable to walk down the stairs from the Wadsworth Street entrance to the sanctuary.
- The semi-circle parallel parking spaces and the first three spaces in the TBE parking lot are reserved for handicap parking.
- A wheelchair is available for those who are in need of additional assistance.
- Special street parking permission during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services: Parking is permitted on both sides of Devonshire Street, the TBE side of Deering Avenue, and on the Temple side only of Wadsworth Street.
- When parking on the street, please help us to maintain good relationships with our neighbors by noting that parking within five feet of a driveway, hydrant, or crosswalk is prohibited. And again, do not park in front of the houses on Wadsworth Street; you may only park on the TBE side of that street.
- The Portland Center for Assisted Living on Devonshire Street is available to us again this year for limited parking. Please only park in the marked spaces; do not park on the grass or in areas of the lot that are not designated for parking, as this can inhibit ambulance access.
High Holiday Shofar
Find High Holiday related information, as well as notes from Rabbi Braun and TBE leadership!
Elul
Elul is the last month of the Jewish calendar before the new year begins at Rosh Hashanah. It is a time of introspection and personal stock-taking in preparation for the High Holidays.
Selichot Services
Saturday, September 9 at 8pm
Susan T. Goldberg Courtyard @ TBE
Join us as we prepare ourselves for the High Holidays. Rabbi Braun, Rabbi Sruli Dresner, and Rebbetzin Lisa Mayer will lead us musically as we sing penitential prayers and center ourselves for the coming Days of Awe.
What are Selichot? Selichot are special prayers that are recited in anticipation of the High Holidays. These beautiful prayers composed by the greatest ancient and medieval poets introduce us to the themes of the upcoming High Holidays and intensify our avid anticipation of their arrival. Learn more at
Exploring Judaism.
Other Elul Resources
Online Learning About/During Elul
- Resources from the Conservative Movement's Exploring Judaism:
- The Month of Elul
- Rituals and Prayers Recited in Elul
- Non-Ritual Ways of Preparing in Elul
- Elul Learning with Hadar: in a series of classes, learners will examine the following: What is the nature of Teshuvah and what are its limits? What is the role of the self in prayer? And what does it mean to put Tzedakah in action?
- Elul Learning with Judaism Unbound
Creating Sacred Space: This holiday season presents the distinct challenge of transforming the space you sleep, eat, and now work into a space where you can have a meaningful, spiritual experience. Here we have compiled some resources to help transform your space for the holidays.
- Creating a Sacred Space at Home
- Creating Your Mikdash M’at by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein
- Making Our Home Altars presented by HighHolidays@Home (Haggadot.com)
Reflective Reading/Writing
- Spiritual Writing Prompts with Rabbi Jordan Braunig
- Elul at Ritualwell: rituals and readings from a variety of authors
- Elul: A Time To Be Hollow by Tel Shemesh, an organization integrating earth-based practices into Judaism
Chants, Psalms
- Turn Your Hope to God: Kavay El Yah by Rabbi Shefa Gold
Audio
- Rosh Chodesh Elul – New Moon of Elul: An audio meditation led by Rabbi Sarah Tasman
Rosh Hashanah Services Schedule
Tashlich at Jewell Falls
Sunday, September 17 at 4:30pm
Jewell Falls, Portland - Trailhead on Hillcrest Ave., off Brighton Ave.
Please join us after services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, as we go to the beautiful Jewell Falls right here in Portland for tashlich. Through this ritual, we express not only our desire to be free from sin but our continuing hope that we will be forgiven for past misdeeds. On the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah it is customary to go to a flowing body of water and to recite prayers while "casting" our sins (represented by bread crumbs) into the water; because the first day of Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbat, tashlich is done on the second day.
There is no need to RSVP. It is a great ritual for the whole family! You can even bring your 4 legged family members (on leash only).
Other Rosh Hashanah Resources
Rosh Hashanah Insights from Exploring Judasim: Explore a wealth of commentaries and more on the themes, texts, and liturgy of the High Holidays with the Conservative Movement's online database.
High Holidays with Judaism Unbound: Watch, read, do, laugh, and/or listen all about the High Holidays! Learn more here.
Want something a little less serious? Check out JewBelong's High Holiday Booklet.
Rosh Hashanah Seder: Thought Pesach had a monopoly on seders? Think again! While most widely observed in Sephardi or Mizrachi homes, the Rosh Hashanah Seder has started to gain observance in the Ashkenazi world. This unique seder tradition is complete with a slew of tasty foods and their symbolic meanings.
- Blessings for a Year of Justice (American Jewish World Service)
- Recustom's Selection of Rosh Hashanah Seders
- A Family Seder for Rosh Hashanah: Put together by Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles, this version is 10 pages long.
- The Rabbinical Assembly’s Rosh Hashanah Seder: Put together by rabbis from the Rabbinical Assembly, this haggadah is 43 pages long.
Bake-It-Yourself with TBE’s Rosh Hashanah Recipes
DIY Tashlich: Here you will find curated resources to lead your own meaningful tashlich ritual.
- Release and Renew: A Tashlich Reflection by American Jewish World Service
- A Personal Tashlich
- Wash My Soul Tashlich Ceremony by Custom & Craft
- An Eco-Sensitive Alternative Tashlich Ritual for Those Unable to Access Flowing Water by Rabbi Janet Madden
- A Woman’s Tashlich by Liturgist Marcia Falk & Rabbi Susan Schnur
- This Tashlich, Let’s Cast Off Our Inaction Over Racism by Jada Garrett
Meditations
- Walking: A Meditation by Rabbi Susan Freeman
Torah Explorations
- The Akedah Project – over 30 videos from a range of perspectives exploring the Binding of Isaac (read during services on the second day of Rosh Hashanah)
- Commentaries on the Torah portions read on Rosh Hashanah from Judaism Unbound
- Shana Tova Coloring Book: A coloring book for all ages! Put together by HighHolidays@Home by Haggadot.com.
Complete Schedule of Yom Kippur Events
Roll of Remembrance Booklet
Click the button below to view the digital version of the Roll of Remembrance booklet.
Other Yom Kippur Resources
Yom Kippur Insights from Exploring Judasim: Explore a wealth of commentaries and more on the themes, texts, and liturgy of the High Holidays with the Conservative Movement's online database.
- The Days Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
- 5 Myths about T’shuvah
- Navigating Yom Kippur with Toddlers and Young Children
Yom Kippur 101 - My Jewish Learning
Torah Explorations
- Seder Ha’Avodah – Ishay Ribo’s interpretation of Yom Kippur’s Seder Ha’Avodah
- Find the lyrics here
- Please Give us a Second Chance: A Reflection on Ishay Ribo’s “Seder HaAvodah” - Rabbi Braun
- Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Ki Teitzei: Ishay Ribo, Seder Ha-Avodah – Rabbi Michael Whitman’s exploration of the above song
- Commentaries on the Torah portions read on Yom Kippur from Judaism Unbound
For Families
Complete Children's Programming Schedule
Rosh Hashanah I (Sept. 16) + Yom Kippur (Sept. 25) Family Services
9:45am - 10:50am
Family Services
Where: Indoors due to weather
Ages: Children ages 6+
Parental Supervision? Parents are encouraged to attend.
Minyan Katan
Where: Indoors, due to weather
Ages: Children ages 6 and under
Parental Supervision? Parents are required to attend.
Both services will begin in the sanctuary where children will be invited to the bima for the beginning of the Torah Service.
Family Kiddush: On Rosh Hashanah I there will be a family kiddush at 11:00am after children's services in Room 1/1a. Stick around to snack, schmooze, and connect with other Jewish families!
Note:
Since Rosh Hashanah I falls on Shabbat, there is no Shofar Service. Come back for Rosh Hashanah II to hear the shofar!
Rosh Hashanah II (Sept. 17) Scavenger Hunt
9:45am - 10:50am
We will begin in the sanctuary to help take the Torahs out of the Ark, followed by a Rosh Hashanah scavenger hunt.
Families will then return to the sanctuary where children will be invited back on the bima for the Shofar Service.
Families are also encouraged to participate in the following holiday related events:
- Tashlich Service at Jewell Falls on Sunday, September 17 at 4:30pm
- Potluck in the Sukkah on Wednesday, October 4 at 5:30pm
- Leil Simchat Torah Holiday Services and Celebration on Saturday, October 7 at 6:45pm
Childcare
Free childcare services are available for children 3 and up.
When: 11am-1:30pm on Rosh Hashanah I + II and Yom Kippur
Please note that pre-registration by September 8 is required this year.
Other Family Resources
High Holidays at Home from PJ Library – Includes materials for Rosh Hashanah —including a haggadah and tashlich ritual—and Yom Kippur.
Shana Tova Coloring Book – A coloring book for all ages! Put together by HighHolidays@Home by Haggadot.com.
Playlists
- Rosh HaShanah Kids Music 2023 – A playlist curated by Rabbi Yael Buechler of The Leffell School (Westchester)
- Apples & Honey – One of Rabbi Shoshana’s favorite Rosh Hashanah kids songs
Videos
- The Rosh Hashanah Shaboom! Special: Be the Best Me – This special Rosh Hashanah episode explores the concept of Teshuva, or being your best self
- Shalom Sesame’s Rosh Hashanah Playlist – A compilation of short Shalom Sesame clips
Yom Kippur with Kiddos
Sukkot + Beyond
Complete Schedule of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah Services
Lulav and Etrog Orders
The Deadline for ordering your Lulav & Etrog is Wednesday, September 6 by 5pm.
We should be receiving the sets by September 27 and will coordinate pick-up times with those who have placed an order.
Sukkot Programs
Sukkah Raising
Tuesday, September 26
from 1-3pm
Our sukkah is ready to make a comeback and we need your help! Join us for the whole afternoon or for just a part as we put the sukkah up and make it festive! Questions? Email office@tbemaine.org.
Potluck in the Sukkah
Wednesday, October 4
from 5:30-7:00pm
Join us for a family friendly potluck in the sukkah! Please bring a vegetarian/dairy dish to share. Questions? Email Abby at education@tbemaine.org.
Spirits + Spirits in the Sukkah
Tuesday, October 5 at 5:30pm
A good drink, thought provoking material, and friends at the same time in the beautiful TBE sukkah? What could be better than this?! Join us for an evening of learning together. Drinks are on us!
Submit a Holiday Greeting
This year we are offering the opportunity for community members to send in messages that we will add to our holiday slideshow. The slideshow will play on a screen in TBE's lobby during high holiday services, and is your opportunity to remember someone special, honor a person in your life, and/or send a holiday greeting to our community. Click the button below to participate today!
Sponsorship + Volunteer Opportunities
Sponsor the Holidays
Every year, our high holidays are sweeter, more beautiful, and more comfortable, thanks to the generous support from High Holiday sponsors. Click the button below to see the available sponsorship opportunities.
Volunteer
The holidays are made possible by folks who volunteer their time to help things run smoothly. From apple cake baking to silver polishing to ushering during High Holiday services, there's something for everyone! Click the button below to sign up.
Questions? Email us at office@tbemaine.org.
FAQs
Updated 8/2023
Are you limiting indoor attendance this year?
As of now, we are not limiting indoor attendance this year.
Are you requiring vaccination?
While we encourage folks to be vaccinated, we will not be requiring proof of vaccination for entry to services.
Will you require masks?
Masks are optional this year.
What about children?
We will be offering two children's services on Rosh Hashanah I and Yom Kippur this year - Family Services (for kids ages 6+) and Minyan Katan (for kids under 6) - as well as a Rosh Hashanah Scavenger Hunt on Rosh Hashanah II. You can find out more information about children's services, and other family programming here.
Are you providing childcare?
Yes! We are offering free childcare for children ages 3 and up on Rosh Hashanah I, Rosh Hashanah II, and Yom Kippur from 11am-1:30pm. Please note that pre-registration is required and is due by September 8. You can register for childcare here.
Why aren't you offering services outdoors this year?
We have made the decision to only offer Children's Services outside this year. The complicated logistical requirements combined with the Shalom Community Park construction has made it too difficult to offer additional outdoor services. We encourage all who feel more comfortable masking indoors to do so and we are offering livestream services here.
Do you need volunteers?
You bet we do! Click
here to sign up to help us with general High Holiday needs or to volunteer as an usher during services. You can also call 207-774-2649 to sign up for a shift, or with any questions.
Rabbi Shoshana Meira Friedman
We are delighted to welcome Rabbi Shoshana back to Portland, where she will be leading High Holiday services with Rabbi Braun! Click the button below to learn more about Rabbi Shoshana.
