Shanah Tovah!
We look forward to observing the High Holy Days together in community. These “Days of Awe” offer us the opportunity to reflect individually and as a community on our lives this past year, and to anticipate the growth and possibilities of change in the coming year.
In this year of 5787 (2026-2027), Rosh Hashanah begins on the evening of Friday, September 11, and Yom Kippur begins on the evening of Sunday, September 20. The fall holidays continue with Sukkot, which we’ll celebrate with several communal opportunities between Friday, September 25 and Monday, September 28. The cycle then concludes with our celebration of Simchat Torah, which will be held on the evening of Friday, October 2.
On Rosh Hashanah, evening services will begin at 7 pm on Friday, September 11. On Saturday, September 12, early childhood services will begin at 8:30 am and community services will begin at 10 am. On Sunday, September 13, community services will again begin at 10 am. Childcare will be available on Erev Rosh Hashanah and during the first-day community service. For the safety and comfort of our children, preregistration is required by September 4, and walk-in registrations will not be available.
On Yom Kippur, evening services will begin at 6:30 pm on Sunday, September 20. On Monday, September 21, early childhood services will begin at 8:30 am, and community services will begin at 10 am. There will be learning opportunities throughout the afternoon, and community services will resume again at 4 pm and continue until Havdalah at around 7 pm. Childcare will be available on Erev Yom Kippur and during all community services. For the safety and comfort of our children, preregistration is required by Monday, September 14, and walk-in registrations will not be available.
CLICK HERE for a full schedule of High Holy Day services.
Our services are open to members, their guests, and other visitors who wish to attend. All in-person and online attendees must register for services.
CLICK HERE to register for services and for childcare
After you register, you will receive a confirmation email that will include a printable registration card that you should bring to services, as well as a Zoom registration link to use if you would like to attend any services online.
As you make your High Holy Days plans, here are three key things to know:
1. Children are welcome throughout the holidays.
There will be early childhood services in the morning on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and children are welcome at all community services. Childcare for younger children will be available during all community services, but preregistration is required. Breakout sessions also will be offered for older children during the Torah services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. READ MORE about opportunities and options for families and children.
2. Volunteering is a wonderful way to support our community and connect with other members.
CLICK HERE to learn about—and sign up for—the many volunteer opportunities.
3. Giving Tzedakah amplifies the holiness of these Days of Awe. Donations to Kerem Shalom sustain and support our sacred community. Participating in our annual High Holy Days Food Drive is a way for Kerem Shalom to contribute to the well-being of our neighbors.
CLICK HERE to make a donation to Kerem Shalom.
CLICK HERE to learn about the High Holy Days Food Drive.
Here are a few other helpful reminders:
- Rabbi Darby will deliver his main sermons at the evening services on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
- You can help us create a sacred space by making Kerem Shalom a phone- and electronics-free zone (for adults and children) during the High Holy Days.
- Almost all services and activities will be both in-person at Kerem Shalom and online via Zoom. The only exceptions are Tashlich, which will be in-person only at Old North Bridge on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, and three in-person-only programs on Yom Kippur afternoon.
- If you haven’t done so already, please reaffirm your membership commitment to Kerem Shalom by going to Kerem Shalom’s member portal. If you need additional help, contact Robyn Barabe, the Temple Administrator, at ksadmin@keremshalom.org.
- Let us know if you need an ASL interpreter: Interpreters are available but requests for interpreters must be submitted no later than Friday, August 21, 2026. To request an interpreter, please email Robyn Barabe, the Temple Administrator, at .
- Join us for Sukkot and Simchat Torah, which complete the full cycle of the fall holy days and this season of our joy. CLICK HERE for the schedule of Sukkot and Simchat Torah activities.
- Please be considerate when parking. Since our lot fills up quickly please follow the directions given by parking volunteers and be considerate of our neighbors. CLICK HERE for more detailed information on parking.
We look forward to being with you in community.
The High Holy Days Committee
Elisabeth Sackton (Co-Chair)
David Luberoff (Co-chair)
Jonathan Aibel
Patsy Bandes
Robyn Barabe
Sandy Carielli
Sharon Gillett
Djana Paper
Marty Plotkin
Marla Richmond
Julie Rohwein
Debbie Simon
Lloyd Simon
Rehab Hiram Webbe
Sue Wolff