Glossary of High Holy Day Services, Ceremonies & Study Opportunities 5787

Glossary of High Holy Day Services, Ceremonies & Study Opportunities 5787

We recognize the High Holydays are wonderfully full at Holy Blossom.  This guide will help you make the most of the season.  If you’d like additional insight, call the Temple Office or write to [email protected].

We are happy to help you find the best High Holy Day pathway for you.

Adult Services

These contemplative services in our Main Sanctuary and *Mishkan are filled with stirring music and sermons. While these services are designed for adults, teens and children aged 10 and older are most welcome.

*Please note that seating for Adult Services in the Mishkan is limited.

 

Family Services (*for families with children under 13 years old)

These joyful services are complete with Machzor, Torah Reading, Shofar, Storytelling and lots of Music. They are designed for families with children not yet B’nei Mitzvah (younger than 13).  Every Family Service has nearby space for children to go with a parent or grandparent to take a break from the service and enjoy quiet games, books, and snacks.

*Please note that while all are welcome, the Family Services in the Philip and Fannie Smith Congregational Hall at 9 am on Rosh HaShanah and at 9 am on Yom Kippur will be designed especially for families with children aged 6? and younger.

 

Little Blossoms (ages 5 & younger)

These Children’s Services are designed especially for young children.  There is no Machzor, but the theatrical storytelling and playful music introduce our Little Blossoms to the themes of the High Holydays.

*Please note that not-yet-member friends can join you for these services, but pre-registration is required.

 

Young Readers (ages 6-9)

These Children’s Services are designed to introduce our young readers to the prayers, melodies, and big questions raised by the High Holydays.  There is a special Machzor for children learning to read English and Hebrew. The joyful music and theatrical storytelling will captivate our young actors!

*Please note that not-yet-member friends can join you for these services, but pre-registration is required.

 

 

Once per Season

 

Selichot

Study & Service

Saturday, September 5, 8:00 pm

Our reunion at summer’s end begins with sacred study, led by a visiting scholar.  Following a dessert reception, we’ll return to the moving melodies, motifs, and self-reflection of the High Holyday season.

 

Kever Avot (registration required)

Sunday, September 6, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm

This age-old tradition invites individuals and families to visit the graves of dear ones to honour their memories as the new year approaches.  We’ll gather at Holy Blossom’s cemetery on Brimley Rd and at the Holy Blossom section at Pardes Shalom.

 

Shabbat and Yom Tov Candlelighting and Nosh

Friday, September 11, 2026, 5:00 pm

We’ll ring in a sweet new year together with candlelighting in the Schwartz/Reisman Atrium before services begin.  YAD (Young Adult Division) will enjoy their own L’Chayim!

 

Tashlich (multi-generational)

Sunday, September 13, 4:00 pm

We’ll walk to a nearby stream in Cedarvale Park for this brief, but most memorable ceremony when we symbolically cast last year’s transgressions into the water.  BYOC (bring your own crumbs).

 

Kol Nidre

Sunday evening, September 20

The holiest night of the year when the Torah Scrolls stand as witnesses to our collective deeds from the year past and to our collective intentions for the year ahead.

 

Yom Kippur Afternoon Study Sessions (adults and teens)

Monday, September 21, 1:30 pm

In Judaism, study is a form of worship.  Therefore, we take time for multiple, simultaneous learning opportunities, offered by a range of teachers on a range of topics.  No pre-registration required.

 

Be a Goat Whisperer (weather permitting)

Monday, September 21, 10:30 am-2:30 pm

Did you know that goats were an important part of the Yom Kippur ritual in Biblical times?  Children of all ages can stop by the green space next door to learn all about it!

 

Martyrology Service

Monday, September 21, 3:30 pm

Included in our Yom Kippur Afternoon service is the Eila Ezkara, which retells and sanctifies the history of Jewish Martyrdom from the 1^st century to October 7, 2023 to today.

 

Yizkor (Memorial) Service

Monday, September 21, (approx.) 5:30 pm

As we honour the memories of our dear ones, we reflect on how we can dedicate our own lives to build upon their legacy.

 

Neilah & Havdalah

Monday, September 21, 6:30 pm

As the day draws to a close, Yom Kippur builds to a great crescendo of hope and possibility.  The shofar sounds the t’kiyah gedolah and all join together for Havdalah, sweet wine and honey cake.