Temple Sholom Opens High Holy Days Registration to All

Temple Sholom in Scotch Plains has opened registration for its High Holy Days season (September 5-21, 2026), welcoming the wider community—not just congregation members—to join in Jewish spiritual observance and celebration. The season represents central Jewish religious calendar marking renewal, reflection, and community gathering around tradition and faith.

The High Holy Days season begins with Community S'lichot program on Friday, September 5. A dessert reception opens the evening at 8 p.m., followed by learning and prayer. S'lichot (meaning "forgiveness") prepares community members spiritually for High Holy Days that follow.

Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) observances run September 11-13, 2026. Events across those three days include Erev Rosh Hashanah, children's services, morning services, tashlich ceremony by the water, Pray & Play family programming, and Lunch & Learn educational offerings. Rosh Hashanah celebrates spiritual renewal and the beginning of year 5787 in Jewish calendar.

Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) falls September 20-21, 2026. The schedule includes Kol Nidrei (opening prayer service), morning services, Yizkor (remembrance of deceased loved ones), N'ilah (closing prayer service), and congregational break-the-fast meal.

Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov and Cantor Darcie Sharlein lead services at Temple Sholom (1925 Lake Avenue). "We, as a temple family, are looking forward with hope to a happy and healthy New Year for both our local community and the world," Rabbi Losben-Ostrov said. "At Temple Sholom, we open our doors and our hearts to those who want to worship with us and we pray the New Year of 5787 is filled with shalom (peace) for all."

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Community Welcome and Interfaith Participation

Temple Sholom explicitly welcomes the broader community beyond congregation membership. All children's services and programs are open to the public at no charge, recognizing that families with younger children may explore religious participation without financial barriers.

Interfaith accessibility reflects Reform Judaism emphasis on inclusivity and community connection across faith backgrounds and Jewish experience levels.

High Holy Days Spiritual Significance

High Holy Days represent Judaism's most sacred observance period, focusing on spiritual renewal, repentance, accountability, and community connection. Rosh Hashanah marks the Jewish new year; Yom Kippur represents the holiest day—a time for prayer, fasting, reflection, and seeking forgiveness.

For Jewish community members, High Holy Days connect individual spiritual practice to collective community tradition and centuries of religious observance.

S'lichot Opening and Spiritual Preparation

S'lichot (forgiveness prayers) program on September 5 prepares participants spiritually for High Holy Days. Dessert reception creates informal gathering before prayer and learning, building community connection through food and fellowship alongside spiritual preparation.

Introductory programming invites those less familiar with High Holy Days traditions to participate and learn.

Rosh Hashanah Programming Breadth

Three-day Rosh Hashanah schedule includes varied programming for different ages and spiritual interests: morning services for traditional prayer, children's services for family participation, tashlich ceremony for symbolic release by water, Pray & Play for families blending prayer and play, and Lunch & Learn for education and discussion.

Diverse programming acknowledges that congregation members and community visitors have different comfort levels, knowledge bases, and spiritual approaches.

Yom Kippur Observance and Remembrance

Yom Kippur includes Yizkor—remembrance service honoring deceased loved ones. For many Jewish families, Yizkor represents significant spiritual moment connecting to family ancestors and communal memory.

Break-the-fast meal following N'ilah (closing service) creates community gathering and shared meal breaking the Yom Kippur fast.

Accessibility and Tiered Participation

• Children's services and programs: Free, open to public

• College students: All services available with valid college ID; suggested donation $18

• Guests and non-members: Tiered rates depending on age

Sliding-scale and free options acknowledge diverse financial circumstances and encourage broad participation.

Rabbi and Cantor Leadership

Rabbi Emily Losben-Ostrov and Cantor Darcie Sharlein provide spiritual leadership for High Holy Days services. Clergy presence guides prayer, teaching, and community spiritual experience.

Temple Location and Contact

Temple Sholom is located at 1925 Lake Avenue, Scotch Plains. Full schedule details, service times, and registration available at sholomnj.org/hhd5787. Temple office: 908-889-4900 or office@sholomnj.org.

For Scotch Plains residents and Union County community members interested in Jewish spiritual observance or exploring Judaism, Temple Sholom's High Holy Days provide accessible community gathering and religious tradition.

Find more Scotch Plains religious communities, events, and local news on Union County Life.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/sholomnj/

FAQ

Q: When are Temple Sholom's High Holy Days services?
A: High Holy Days run September 5–21, 2026. S'lichot begins September 5. Rosh Hashanah is September 11–13. Yom Kippur is September 20–21.

Q: What are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?
A: Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year (marking 5787 in Jewish calendar). Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement—the holiest day in Judaism, focused on reflection, prayer, fasting, and forgiveness.

Q: Is Temple Sholom open to non-members?
A: Yes. Temple Sholom explicitly welcomes the broader community and people of all faith backgrounds. Interfaith participation is welcome.

Q: Are children's services free?
A: Yes. All children's services and programs are open to the public at no charge.

Q: What does Tashlich mean?
A: Tashlich is a Rosh Hashanah ceremony where participants symbolically release their mistakes by casting bread into water, representing renewal and fresh beginning.

Q: What is Yizkor?
A: Yizkor is a remembrance prayer service during Yom Kippur honoring and remembering deceased loved ones and ancestors.

Q: What are college student rates?
A: College students can attend all services with a valid college ID. Suggested donation is $18.

Q: What are the tiered registration rates for guests and non-members?
A: Rates vary by age. Register at sholomnj.org/hhd5787 for specific pricing.

Q: Where is Temple Sholom located?
A: Temple Sholom is at 1925 Lake Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ.

Q: How do I register?
A: Register online at sholomnj.org/hhd5787 or contact the temple office at 908-889-4900 or office@sholomnj.org.