SPIRITUAL PRACTICE | Holidays
High Holy Days 5786/2025
All our paths lead to shalom
Our aspiration for shalom is a vision of wholeness — for ourselves, our community, and our world. The High Holy Day season invites us into a sacred time of introspection, renewal, and recommitment. As we enter 5786, in a world that feels fractured and uncertain, we seek ways to gather with courage and compassion, to ground ourselves in belonging, and to draw strength from one another. Together, we open our hearts to the many paths that lead us toward shalom, embracing healing, connection, and hope in the year ahead.
A few things to know for this year:
- High Holy Days registration will open on August 15. Registration for in-person programming will be conducted entirely through your member portal.
- All TBE members will automatically receive Zoom links for all online services. In the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we will email you all Zoom links.
- Please contact TBE at support@tbewellesley.org or 781.997.4205 if you have questions.
Preparing for the High Holy Days
Open up to the High Holy Day season this Elul. Remember a loved one in our Book of Remembrance, contribute to our Hunger Drive, and more.
Services Schedules
Create a High Holy Day experience that will be most meaningful for you. Find services schedules organized by holiday or cohort, in person or online.
Resources
Music playlists, at-home rituals, recipes, and more to enhance your High Holy Day celebrations.
Remember a Loved One
The TBE Book of Remembrance, distributed on Yom Kippur, offers a meaningful way to honor the memory of loved ones while supporting our community. Click here to review last year’s Book of Remembrance.
Book of Remembrance submissions will open on August 15, 2025 and will close on September 8, 2025.
Please contact Gloria Kuris, Development Associate, with questions.
High Holy Day Hunger Drive
Contribute to organizations that address the urgent need for food in our community, locally, nationally, and internationally. Organizations include Family Table, Family Promise Metrowest, Community Servings, Yad Chessed, Mazon, Leket Israel, and the Rabbi Discretionary Fund, an internal fund at TBE used to help members of our community.
Link to contribute coming soon. The last day to contribute to the drive is Wednesday, October 15, 2025 (Simchat Torah).
Repair the World
The High Holy Days are a perfect time to commit to joining the TBE community in service to others, learning, and social justice. Learn more.
Family Table
Family Table is the largest kosher food pantry in New England. Each month we are responsible for supplying cans of salmon and boxes of whole-grain cereal for families in need. If you’re coming to TBE for an in-person event, we invite you to bring cans of salmon or boxes of cereal, which you can place in our outdoor collection bin.
Learn more about our Family Table initiative.
Volunteer
Perform a mitzvah for the High Holy Days. Volunteer to serve as a greeter at one of our services. Welcome fellow congregants and assist in maintaining a sacred atmosphere for this important time in our calendar.
You can sign up as a volunteer when you register for services.
Questions? Contact
Susan Karon
Prayer Books
We recommend that online participants borrow or purchase a machzor (prayer book) to aid in your participation during services, as the prayers will not be projected onscreen. Mishkan HaNefesh, the Reform Movement’s machzor, offers inspiring poetry and essays that enhance the High Holy Day experience. You can order print versions of Mishkan HaNefesh in standard print or large print through the CCAR Press website.
TBE Traditions
Wearing a tallit on Rosh Hashanah morning, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur signifies the sincerity of our repentance and can help elevate our spiritual attentiveness. Please bring your own tallit, if you have one; a limited number are available to borrow at TBE.
For Yom Kippur, we encourage you to dress in white, symbolizing a fresh start to the new year. Fabric (non-leather) shoes or sneakers are also encouraged; tradition teaches that eschewing the luxury of leather reminds us of our equal standing before God and each other.
Abstaining from food and drink is a traditional practice for Yom Kippur as a means of focusing on the needs of the soul over the needs of the body. However, if it is physically or mentally unhealthy for you to fast, it is a mitzvah to give your body the nourishment it needs.
Technology Assistance
On the High Holy Days
If you need help with technology during High Holy Day services and programs, please send an email to support@tbewellesley.org and we will get back to you right away!
Contact
Reservations
If you have questions or need assistance making reservations, please contact support@tbewellesley.org or 781.997.4205.
Membership
Interested in joining the TBE community? Please reach out to Susan Karon, 781.997.4243.
High Holy Day Rituals & Traditions
Whether you’re joining us at TBE or from home, these guides will enhance your High Holy Day experience.
TBE Music & More
High Holy Day stories and songs for all ages from our TBE leadership.