High Holy Days
In this season of new beginnings, we invite you to join with your Temple Isaiah neighborhood to pray, study, and reconnect. During the High Holy Days, we are encouraged to look inward at our own souls and deeds, and, strengthened by our community, we strive to make the changes that will enable us to become better people in the New Year. We offer a season of prayer, classes, and programs for those of all ages and backgrounds to learn and grow spiritually. We look forward to starting the year with you in the warm, welcoming community that is Temple Isaiah - Your Jewish Neighborhood. L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu. May your New Year be filled with sweet blessings!
Questions? Contact the Temple Isaiah office at (925) 283-8575 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
- Passes, Registration, and Know Before You Go Information
Passes and Registration:
Passes are included in Temple Isaiah membership (including children ages 13-27). No passes are needed for children ages 0-12.
Additional passes for members and non-members are available for a suggested donation. If you decide to join Temple Isaiah, the High Holy Day pass donation may be applied to membership:
- Non-member Pass: $360/each
- Guest of Temple member Pass: $250/each
- Family of Temple member Pass: $75/each
The online form will close Friday, September 18 at 4pm. Questions? Contact the office at (925) 283-8575.
5787 NONMEMBER/GUEST REGISTRATION
Wednesday, September 2 is the deadline to renew membership to receive passes by mail. Otherwise, passes are available at the Temple office or will call.
What to expect in person:
• Name Tag Passes are required for ages 13 and up. Please wear your name tag pass or have in hand each time you approach the entrance for services. Nametag Holders are available at all entrances through High Holy Days. Ushers will check passes for entry and to get you seated quickly with a separate line for those without passes.EVERYONE needs to bring their name tag passes.
• Seating: First come, first seated. Please do not save seats.
• Please refrain from wearing fragrances.
• Limited free parking is available with a parking pass required.
• Allow plenty of time for arrival. Accessible parking and entry located at the Social Hall. Those taking Uber/Lyft/Taxis, please have your passes in hand to show at the bottom of the driveway, as well as at the entrance to the Sanctuary.Arrival:
If your service follows an earlier service, please do not arrive too early. This will allow attendees from the earlier service time to leave and help clear the parking lot for your arrival.Directions:
Temple Isaiah is located at 945 Risa Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. Need help finding us? Please click here for written directions.Overflow Parking Location Information:
Erev Rosh Hashanah - Friday, September 11 from 6pm to 10pm - Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center
Rosh Hashanah - Saturday, September 12 from 8am to 3pm - Oakwood Athletic Club (shuttle provided)
Kol Nidre - Sunday, September 20 from 4:30pm to 10:30pm - Lafayette Veterans Memorial Center
Yom Kippur - Monday, September 21 from 8:30am to 8:30pm - Lafayette Veterans Memorial CenterHow to worship online:
All livestreamed services are accessible on YouTube via an unlisted link. Temple Isaiah members do not need to register, but nonmembers must register to receive the link.- Preparing for High Holy Days
Prepare your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul for the New Year: Special Programs to Prepare for the High Holy Days
August-September/Elul 5786 – Tishrei 5787
The Art of Repairing the Soul: Who Are We Confessing For? with Rabbi Jill Perlman
Friday, August 14, 12pm on Zoom
How do we move from guilt to genuine growth? Join Rabbi Perlman to unpack the steps of repentance and discover why confession (vidui) is the essential hinge of teshuvah. Learn how to utilize the high holiday prayers of Ashamnu and Al Cheit as profound opportunities for self-awareness and healing. This zoom session will examine what it means to take responsibility for our actions individually and communally, and how this practice can deepen our understanding of teshuvah in our daily lives. To RSVP for this event, please send an email to Katana Collado at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to receive the Zoom link. Meeting ID and passcode can be found in ‘Shavua Tov’ email.
Why Do We Fast?: Preparing for Yom Kippur with Rabbi Aaron Torop
Tuesday August 18, 7pm, In-person in the Beit Knesset
While fasting is one of the most common practices for Yom Kippur, its spiritual significance on this day and other occasions is often overlooked. Together we will explore why we fast, how we relate to this practice if fasting is not an option for us, and the role food (and its absence) plays in deepening our experience on Yom Kippur. Whether you have always fasted, always wanted to, or are simply curious, come and learn together! To RSVP for this event, please send an email to Katana Collado at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World with Rabbi Nicki Greninger
Thursday, August 27, 12pm in the Adult Lounge and on Zoom
As we prepare for the High Holy Days, one of the Jewish tasks is to make amends. Our tradition teaches that God cannot forgive us on Yom Kippur unless we have done our best to ask for forgiveness and make amends with those whom we have hurt. In this Elul session, we will reflect on some passages from the book On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg. You are encouraged to read the book in advance, but reading the book is not required to attend this session. All are welcome!
S’lichot - What Else Can This Be? Preparing Our Hearts for the New Year
With Guest Scholar and Artist Rabbi Leah Berkowitz
Saturday, September 5 at 7pm in the Social Hall
As the New Year approaches, we pray for return, renewal, and repair. Yet, many of the sacred texts we encounter at this season also speak of reversal: reversal of course or reversal of fortune. In this S’lichot session, we will explore Jewish wisdom about reversal, renewal, and transformation, and engage in a creative process to reveal how we might make change within ourselves and in our wider world this coming year. We will follow the methodology of the Jewish Studio Project, which cultivates creativity as a Jewish practice for spiritual connection and social transformation. No previous experience with text learning or artmaking is required. There is a suggested (and not required) donation of $18 for art and other supplies associated with this evening. Following this special S’lichot program, join us for a short Selichot service that will take place in the Sanctuary at 9pm.S’lichot Service at 9pm in the Sanctuary and on YouTube
Join us for a moving, spiritual start to the high holy day season with our service of Selichot in our darkened sanctuary uplifted by the choir’s voices. We will ritually change the Torah mantles to white during the service as we prepare for Rosh HaShanah. If you have never been to S’lichot before, come and be moved.
Cemetery Visits
Sunday, September 6, 10am at Oakmont, 11am at Gan Shalom
Join our clergy for a tradition many find particularly meaningful during the holy day season, visiting the graves of our loved ones to bring their memories especially close during the turning of the seasons and the year. We will join together for a short service of remembrance and an opportunity to say Kaddish. May the memories of our loved ones strengthen us. If you are interested in going, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Mikvah Visits
Thursday, September 10, 10-3pm
Consider what you’d like to leave behind from the past year and what you want to carry with you into the new year. Immersing in a mikvah is a chance to start the new year with a fresh slate, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We have a reservation for Temple Isaiah at the mikvah at Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland from 10:30am-2:30pm. Contact Rabbi Greninger to set up a specific time for you to immerse. Questions? Interested, but want more information? Contact Rabbi Greninger at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Reverse Tashlich
Reverse Tashlich
Saturday, September 19 at 10am in Martinez
Join Rabbi Torop, Values in Action, and the Temple Isaiah community in this special opportunity to care for our Earth. This is great for people and families of all ages to celebrate the creation of the world by taking care of it, and doing teshuvah (repentance) through helping clean up our mistakes. Reverse Tashlich flips the traditional ritual of “tashlich” on its head - instead of casting out our sins (and adding harmful pollutants to the water), we help cleanse and purify the natural world around us.We will begin with a brief moment to celebrate Shabbat and then go out across the Shoreline collecting trash and other debris while connecting with each other as we prepare for Yom Kippur. This year, our Reverse Tashlich is part of the 41st Annual Coastal Cleanup with East Bay Parks at the Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline (283 N Court St, Martinez, CA 94553). Gloves and trash bags will be provided, and the area is mostly flat. Parking is available in the parking lot on N Court Street.
- Rosh Hashanah Schedule
Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday, September 11, 2026
7:30pm Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Locations: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Sermon: Rabbi Aaron Torop
Our service is filled with inspirational readings and sacred music designed to awaken our souls to the uplifting themes of the Holy Days. Our choir will fill our hearts with song. Utilizing our machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, this service will be led by our clergy team and will include a message from our Temple President Jill Singer Douglas. Service is followed with honey cake for a sweet New Year.
Rosh Hashanah: Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00am Rosh Hashanah Morning Service
Locations: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Sermon: Rabbi Jill Perlman
Continuing the warm, uplifting feeling begun the night before, this service, designed for adults, will include the beautiful music of the choir, the sounding of the shofar, chanting from our sacred texts, and the rabbi’s inspirational message for the new year. Led by Rabbis Perlman and Torop and Cantor Korn.
9:00am Rosh Hashanah Teen Service
Location: Adult Lounge
Led by Rabbi Miller, our Youth Director Luke Crumpler, and members of our teen community, our 8th-12th graders will engage in an informal, meaningful Rosh Hashanah experience.
12:00pm Rosh Hashanah Tot Service
Location: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Join other tot families in the Sanctuary with Rabbi Greninger for a special service to welcome in the New Jewish Year with singing, stories, and prayer. Immediately following the service, all tot families are invited to the Temple Isaiah playground for playing, eating, and Rosh Hashanah themed activities.
12:00pm Community Tashlich
Location: Lafayette Reservoir
We invite all members of Temple Isaiah to come together at the Lafayette Reservoir for a Tashlich ritual led by Rabbis Perlman and Torop and Cantor Korn. Temple Isaiah will provide delicious round challahs, apples, and honey for our community. Bring your own picnic lunch if desired! This is an opportunity to symbolically “cast away our sins” at a body of water and prepare our hearts for the year to come.
1:00pm Rosh Hashanah Family Service
Location: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Join Rabbis Greninger and Miller for an informal, participatory, multi-generational service for families with children in grades 0-7th grade. This service will include stories, songs, chanting from the Torah, sounding the shofar and inspirational messages from our rabbis. Following service, there will be family-friendly activities and snacks will be provided.
Shabbat Shuvah with Healing Service
Shabbat Shuvah with Healing Service
Friday, September 18, 6:30pm
Locations: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Join us for this special Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with Rabbi Perlman and Cantor Korn where our focus will be on the theme of spiritual return and healing of the body, mind, and soul.- Yom Kippur Schedule
Kol Nidre: Sunday, September 20, 2026
4:45pm Kol Nidre Children’s Program
Location: Chaiken Family Talmud Torah Center
While parents and older children attend the early Kol Nidre service with their families, we invite Temple Isaiah members’ children in preschool (potty trained) through 4th grade to attend a Kol Nidre Children’s Program in the Talmud Torah Center. The children will eat dinner and participate in an interactive and educational Yom Kippur program. PLEASE NOTE: The Kol Nidre Children’s Program is for members only. Questions? Contact (925) 284-9191. The Kol Nidre children’s program is funded by the Charles and Ellen Emold Memorial Fund. REGISTER HERE
5:00pm Kol Nidre Services
8:00pm Kol Nidre Services
Locations: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Sermon: Rabbi Jill Perlman
The Kol Nidre service with two times to choose from includes the haunting melody of the Kol Nidre (All Vows) prayer sung by Cantor Korn and the choir. It is traditional to don tallitot (prayer shawls) during this service and to wear white throughout Yom Kippur. Utilizing our machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, this service will be led by our clergy team.
Yom Kippur: Monday, September 21, 2026
8:45am Yom Kippur Family Service
Locations: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Join us for a multi-generational service led by Rabbis Miller and Greninger for families with children in grades kindergarten through 7th grade in our awe-inspiring Sanctuary. This service will include stories, songs, and chanting from the Torah.
9:30am Mussar for Yom Kippur
Location: Beit Knesset, In-person only
Prepare for the Day of Yom Kippur with a special Mussar learning with Rabbi Torop. We will set our intentions for worship and teshuvah on this sacred day and spend time in discussion and contemplation as we strive for our ultimate goal: to become a person of honesty and ethical quality trusted and loved by those around us. If you have never studied Mussar, no worries. This session will create a space for new ways of thinking and acting to emerge.
11:00am Yom Kippur Morning Service
Locations: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Sermon: Rabbi Aaron Torop
Gathering in our Sanctuary, we will use our machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh to guide us as we face our transgressions and seek forgiveness during the Day of Atonement. The music of our choir and Cantor Korn add to the majesty and awe of this most holy day. The service includes a Torah service and will be led by Cantor Korn and Rabbis Perlman and Torop.
11:00am Yom Kippur Tot service
Locations: Lafayette Reservoir (incase of rain, Adult Lounge at 3pm)
Join Rabbi Greninger and other tot families for a special Yom Kippur service geared toward young children, including singing, stories, and prayer. Immediately following the service, all are welcome to join at Lafayette Reservoir for playing and Yom Kippur themed activities.
11:00am Yom Kippur Teen service
Location: Adult Lounge
Led by Rabbi Miller, our Youth Director Luke Crumpler, and members of the teen community, includes a service and informal programming on the themes of Yom Kippur for individuals in 8th-12th grade.
Yom Kippur Afternoon Offerings
1:30pm to 3:30pm Yom Kippur Healing Circle with Jeanette Gross
Locations: Beit Knesset and on Zoom
Temple Isaiah’s Annual Yom Kippur Healing Circle is a time to gather in sacred space, sending prayers through our circle and beyond, to ALL in need of healing. For loved ones in need of our prayers, for ourselves, for all beings. Using sacred phrases from our tradition with simple melodies, we support each other as we send prayers around and far beyond our circle.1:30pm to 2:30pm Yom Kippur Text Study with Rabbi Greninger: The (Jewish) Art of Fighting
Location: Adult Lounge
Based on a new book by Priya Parker, Rabbi Greninger will lead a text study and discussion on “the art of fighting,” through a Jewish perspective. On Yom Kippur we make amends and vow to do our best in our relationships in the year to come. And yet, disagreement is inevitable, and healthy conflict can lead to strong relationships. Come to this conversation to discuss ways to approach “fighting” in order to build and sustain healthy relationships, drawing on Parker’s research as well as Jewish wisdom.1:30 to 2:30pm Neshamah Yoga for Yom Kippur with Kendra Fried
Location: CCJDS Makom, Second Floor
Join for a gentle Yom Kippur session of Neshamah yoga. Chairs will be available.2:30 to 3:30pm Grief Support Group with Dawn Boyer
Location: Library
Gather with others for a chance to process the loss of loved ones in our lives.2:30 to 3:30pm Yom Kippur Art Experience with Joani Share
Location: Temple Courtyard between Temple House and Talmud Torah Center
There are no skills or art experience required, just a willingness to explore.
3:30pm Yom Kippur Yizkor Service
Location: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
During our Yizkor (Remembrance) service, we will remember our departed loved ones and pray that their memories will be for loving blessings. Book of Remembrance 2026
4:15pm Yom Kippur Afternoon Service (Jewish Journeys)
Locations: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
Inspired by the journey of our prophet, Jonah whose story we traditionally recall on Yom Kippur, we will continue our new and beloved Isaiah tradition of sharing our Jewish journeys. Our speakers this year are Sheila Himmel and Rob Berg.
Open Ark Time at approximately 4:45pm
Immediately following our Jewish Journeys service and preceding our final Neilah service, the ark will be open. Many find it meaningful to stand in front of the open ark for personal prayer and reflection.
5:00pm Yom Kippur Ne’ilah Service
Location: Temple Isaiah Sanctuary and YouTube
This year, we want to draw your attention to the closing moments of Yom Kippur. Following our Jewish Journeys service, we’ll move right into a quiet, personal time before the open ark (about 4:45pm). You’re invited to step forward for your own prayer and reflection—your personal cheshbon hanefesh (“accounting of the soul”). If this isn’t yet part of your Yom Kippur practice at Isaiah, consider making it part of your journey this year. Following the open ark time, we will turn to Neilah around 5pm, which is the service that concludes our day of prayer, reflection, and fasting. At the end of Ne’ilah, we invite all of our community’s children to join us on the bima with candles (electric) for Havdalah to welcome in 5786 for a true l’dor vador moment.
Please note: If our open ark time runs a little over, Ne’ilah may start after 5pm. During open ark time, we ask that the congregation stay silent. If doing so is difficult, please wait in the sanctuary foyer until we begin Ne’ilah to give our congregants at the open ark silent, reflective time. Thank you.Following services - Break-the-Fast!
Please join us for a community Break-the-Fast following the 5:00pm Neilah service on Yom Kippur as dusk falls, the day ends, and the Gates close. This year, our Break-the-Fast will be catered, allowing participants to enjoy a meal without having to cook on a holy day of fasting. RSVP by Friday, September 18 at 4pm. We suggest a donation amount of $25/adult and $15/child, but please pay what you’re able. Our meal will be a dairy buffet including bagels and lox, tuna and egg salads, plus a green salad, fruit, and lovely desserts.
REGISTER HERE- Festivals
Our month of Holy Days continues with the celebration of the harvest in our Sukkah and dancing with the Torah scrolls on Simchat Torah.
We are honored to share that our Congregational Sukkah is built, financed, and maintained by Anshei Isaiah, the Men’s Club of Temple Isaiah.
Our month of Holy Days continues with the celebration of the harvest in our Sukkah and dancing with the Torah scrolls on Simchat Torah.
Lulav and Etrog Orders
Regular set: $41.45
Prime set: $46.45 (Etrog and lulav are bigger and better quality that regular sets). Deadline to order: September 1. Questions? Contact Katana at (925) 283-8575, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Sukkot
Pizza in the Hut Erev Shabbat Sukkot Dinner and Service
Friday, September 25 in the Sukkah, 6:30pm Dinner, 7:30pm Service
Celebrate the beauty and joy of Shabbat Sukkot with your Temple Isaiah community with a casual vegetarian pizza dinner. We’ll eat and celebrate together, shake the lulav and etrog with a joyous Shabbat service beginning at 7:30pm.
Tot Shabbat Sukkot
Saturday, September 26, 9:30am In the Adult Lounge
Experience the joy of Tot Shabbat and Sukkot with Temple Isaiah - Your Jewish Neighborhood. Geared toward families with children 0-5 years old, Tot Shabbat is an interactive and friendly Shabbat experience led by our clergy. Enjoy activities, music and prayer with other young families.
This experience is free of charge and open to the public.
Kulanu Gaga Tournament & Sukkot Celebration
Saturday, September 26 at 4pm
(Geared towards families with at least one child in K-6th Grade)
We are commanded to be joyful on Sukkot. At Isaiah, playing gaga provides much joy. Before joining together for dinner and Havdalah in the sukkah, we’ll have our annual gaga tournament for all ages. There will be friendly competitions for children AND adults. No previous experience needed. Kids will be divided by age to make it fair, safe and fun! We’ll warm up as a community, provide some instruction and then have a ton of fun playing the most popular sport at Temple Isaiah.
Make a Mitzvah, Help Raise and Takedown the Sukkah
Anshei Isaiah Sukkah Build and Take Down
Wednesday, September 23 and Sunday, October 4 at 10am in Upper Parking Lot
All able-bodied congregants of Temple Isaiah are invited to join Anshei Isaiah in raising and taking down the Sukkah in the parking lot closest to the main sanctuary entrance. Please bring sturdy work gloves, a hat and water. If you have garden shears large enough to cut bamboo- and/or a folding ladder (8 foot generally works the best), please bring those as well. A light breakfast (coffee and bagels) will be provided, as well as generous portions of camaraderie and lavish servings of nach0s. Questions? Contact Andy Shapiro at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Simchat Torah
Simchatarama - Celebrate Simchat Torah with your Whole Family!
Friday, October 2
5-5:30pm: Yizkor Service of Remembrance in the Sanctuary and YouTube
Gather in community to remember loved ones as part of our Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah observance.5:45pm: Simchatarama Dinner in the Social Hall and Oneg Room
A festive community dinner for all ages.6:30pm: Simchatarama Service and Celebration in the Sanctuary and YouTube
Celebrate Shabbat and Simchat Torah with the Mizmor Band! We will honor our newest JQuest learners through Consecration, unroll and parade the Torah, and sing and dance as we begin a new cycle of Torah readings. The celebration continues afterward in the Oneg Room.
Simchat Torah and Shabbat Mussar and Meditation in the Beit Knesset and on Zoom
Saturday, October 3 in the Beit K’nesset and on Zoom
The goal of Mussar is to release the light of holiness that lives within each soul. Mussar is a time-honored Jewish path of personal transformation through study and practice. We look at ourselves through a Mussar lens to set our own ethical, spiritual and relational growth curriculum.- Honoring Our Loved Ones
Honoring Our Loved Ones During the High Holy Days
Please be sure to mark your calendars and take advantage of the following opportunities to honor your loved ones this year.
Hamakom Simcha Path
Deadline: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Hamakom is our beautiful garden with meditation labyrinth and brick simcha path to commemorate celebratory events. We hope our members will consider engraving bricks on the Simcha path as fun, and permanent ways to celebrate their families’ and our community’s celebrations in honor of a bar or bat mitzvah, birth, wedding, anniversary, and more. This is also a wonderful opportunity to join together with family, friends or with your Havurah to honor simchas as a group. Please place your order by the deadline to be included in the simcha path by the High Holy Days.Questions? Please contact Eric Dauer at the Temple office at (925) 283-8575, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
For plaques and bricks, please use the existing donation form accessible by logging into your Salesforce account or by clicking here.
Memorial Plaques
Deadline: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
A wonderful way to remember your loved ones in perpetuity is to have their names inscribed on our Memorial Wall. Names of our dear ones on the Sanctuary memorial plaques are forever included in the “Perpetual Memory” section of the Yizkor Book. Should you wish to purchase a memorial plaque to honor your beloved departed, please contact the Eric Dauer at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)For plaques and bricks, please use the existing donation form accessible by logging into your Salesforce account or by clicking here.
Temple Isaiah Yizkor Book: A Book of Remembrance
Deadline: Friday, August 7, 2026
Yizkor is the part of the service on Yom Kippur day in which we remember our loved ones. Temple Isaiah is publishing our annual Yizkor Book of Remembrance for the High Holy Days. If you would like your names and the names of your beloved departed included in the book, please click below to complete the form. We cannot guarantee any names received after the deadline. In the spirit of Tzedakah, we ask that you make a donation to the Yizkor Fund when completing the form. To help avoid errors, please clearly enter the full names of the departed (In Memory of), and full names of family/friends (Remembered By) that you wish to include in the Yizkor Book of Remembrance. Those who had their names included in the book last year are sent a letter by mail to confirm your listing. May their righteous memories be for a sweet and loving blessing.Questions? Please contact the Temple office at (925) 283-8575.
- Mishkan HaNefesh
Mishkan HaNefesh
High Holy Day prayerbooks will be provided for those who attend in person. For those who would like their own Machzorim to have at home, Mishkan HaNefesh prayerbook sets can be purchased online or borrowed from Temple Isaiah. Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (925) 283-8575 if you are interested in borrowing a book. Mishkan HaNefesh eBooks can be viewed on any device and will need to be purchased should one want to access electronically. Click here to purchase the Rosh Hashanah Machzor. Click here to purchase the Yom Kippur Machzor.