High Holy Days 5785
With great anticipation, we are now preparing for our joyful Holy Days!
Holy Blossom Temple members: to access our High Holy Day Livestream Services, please go to www.holyblossom.org/hhd and enter the password that was provided to you in your ticket package.
If you require assistance, please contact [email protected] or call 416-789-3291 ext. 221
Yom Kippur Study Sessions
We have an incredible line-up for thoughtful and mindful learning this Yom Kippur!
Click here to learn more
High Holy Days Food Drive
From Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur, please bring food to Holy Blossom to donate to stock and supply our Janis Rotman Tzedakah Centre and Tiny Pantries! Click here to learn more
Little Blossoms & Young Readers Guest Registration Form
Registration for non-members & guests to join us for Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur services: Click here
Tribute Cards
5785 Program Guide!
Click here to see a list of our incredible offerings for the Fall/Winter! For more information and to register for our services and programs please visit our calendar here.
Rosh Hashanah Sweet Treats!
The Judaica & Art Shop is excited to once again offer delicious and beautifully packaged Rosh Hashanah cookies, UBake Boxes, and gift baskets.
For information and to order, visit the Judaica & Art Shop webpage.
Frequently asked practical questions about the High Holy Days at Holy Blossom Temple
Where do I enter and exit the building for High Holy Day Services?
The Schwartz/Reisman Atrium has been designed to serve as a gathering place, and everyone will enter through the new main entrance (Ava Rd). Congregants are asked to arrive early to accommodate our growing congregation and help maintain the security and sanctity of the High Holy Days. While there will be a single-entry point through the Atrium, congregants are asked to exit as follows:
- Main Sanctuary: exit through Bathurst St doors or Herman Chapel doors (accessible)
- Philip & Fannie Smith Congregational Hall: exit through Dewbourne doors (north side)
- Mishkan & Youth Chapel: exit through Schwartz/Reisman Atrium
What arrangements have been made for security?
The security measures in place, both visible and not visible (by design) will be bolstered for the High Holy Days. In addition to security cameras and police presence in the neighbourhood, uniformed security representatives will be on-site and will check purses and tallit bags, and may check ID. Unless you have small children with you, please avoid bringing a bag. HBT Staff & volunteers will be located throughout the Temple and have been trained in security procedures.
Please cooperate fully with our security team and be patient. We are all partners in ensuring our Temple is safe and secure. So please: if you see something, say something.
For more information, please visit holyblossom.org/HHDsecurity.
What health protocols are in place?
For the health of all, if you feel unwell and have flu/cold-like symptoms, we expect you will join services via livestream. Masks are welcome, for those who so choose. Frequent cleaning will continue, and hand sanitizer will be available. A certified Emergency Medical Responder will be on-site during all services. Holy Blossom Temple strongly encourages vaccination for all who are eligible. Please use discretion with Gut Yontif handshakes, hugs, and kisses.
Is Holy Blossom Temple accessible?
Yes indeed. Accessible washrooms are available adjacent to each of the worship locations. Additional washrooms are on the Lower Level. For any specific needs, please contact reception at ext. 221 to arrange assistance in advance. We can provide reserved seating for those with mobility, hearing, or vision challenges. Limited accessible parking (first come-first served) may also be available.
Where can I park my car?
The Toronto Parking authorities are aware of the High Holy Days and will provide considerable leniency for those who park on area streets. However, they will ticket you if you park near a fire hydrant, in front of a resident’s driveway, or too close to a corner. The Ava Rd parking lot can be used to drop off congregants who need easy access to the main entrance.
What’s special for families with children?
We have so many wonderful things planned for our young families over the High Holy Days and throughout the year at Holy Blossom. Please refer to the families insert included with your ticket package and visit holyblossom.org/familyengagement/ for more details on all programs and experiences designed especially for you.
Click here for the High Holy Days 5785: Little Blossoms & Young Readers Guest Registration Form
How do I access the services remotely?
Main Sanctuary services will be streamed on the Holy Blossom website at: holyblossom.org/hhd. To access this page, a password is provided on your ticket in this package. We suggest you practice accessing the page before Rosh Hashanah. If you are having trouble in the thirty minutes before services begin and need remote assistance, please contact tech support at [email protected] or call 416.789.3291.
If you do not have a computer or reliable internet access, please call Membership at 416-789-3291, ext 232 for the call-in information before the holiday.
We hope you had a chance to pick up your complimentary copy of Gates of Repentance, our High Holy Days prayerbook, over the last few years. Please check your bookshelf! To pick up a copy, please reach out to [email protected] or 416-789-3291 by Friday, September 20. Should you wish to use an electronic version of Gates of Repentance, it can be purchased online through Amazon or The Central Conference of American Rabbis.
If you would like to return the Machzorim that you borrowed during the pandemic, you can drop them off at the Welcome Desk for congregational use.
Are the services open to non-members?
Most of our services and Yom Kippur study sessions are for members of the congregation. For guests who would like a “taste of Temple,” our Second Day Rosh Hashanah service will be open to all via our website. And we are very pleased to open our in-house Children’s Services for Little Blossoms and Young Readers to guests. Advanced registration for guests is required: holyblossom.org/guestfamilies/
