When are the High Holidays in 5786/2025?
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Monday, Sept. 22, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, September 24.
Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Wednesday, October 1, and ends at nightfall (7:04 pm) on Thursday, October 2.
What time do services start?
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 9/22: 6:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah Day 1, 9/23: 9 am
Rosh Hashanah Day 2, 9/24: 9 am
Tashlich, 9/23:
Kol Nidre, 10/1: 5:45 pm
(Access may be limited after services start, so plan to arrive early!)
Yom Kippur, 10/2
Do I need tickets to attend High Holiday services at Temple Israel?
Temple Israel requires registration by all attendees at High Holiday services. You can register online at https://www.templeisraelnh.org/pray/holidays/high-holidays-2025/ or by emailing templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org.
Is there a fee to attend High Holiday services?
No, but we welcome all donations. Below are suggested donation levels to help offset the costs of the services.
Members: Each adult member is entitled to one seat at High Holiday services.
Children, current college students, and active-duty military are welcome with no expected donation.
Guests/Non-Members: Guests of Temple Israel members are invited with a suggested donation of $36 per holiday. Visitors and other non-members are invited with a suggested donation of $60 per holiday per person or $90 per family per holiday.
All donations are deeply appreciated, but inability to donate should not prevent anyone from attending. All are welcome at our services.
The costs of High Holiday services are underwritten by the membership of Temple Israel and by a grant from Temple Israel’s Cultural Endowment Fund.
What is the deadline to sign up for services?
The deadline for Rosh Hashanah reservations is Friday, September 19.
The deadline for Yom Kippur reservations, including Break-the-Fast, is Monday, September 29.
Where are services held?
Open seating for High Holiday services is in our historic Sanctuary (200 State Street, Portsmouth, NH). Youth services (grades 1-5) are held in the Levenson Social Hall. All indoor services are also available via Zoom, with the link sent out to all who register. Access the main sanctuary and social hall through the doors on State Street. Those with limited mobility may enter through the Court Street doors.
Can I participate remotely?
You can access our main services via Zoom on a phone, tablet, or computer. Pre-registration is required. All registrants (including those who register for in-person attendance) will receive a Zoom link. The suggested donation for a Zoom Pass Only for non-members (online access to all High Holiday services) is $36 for all holidays.
Who is leading services this year?
Our main sanctuary services will be led by Rabbi Rosalind Glazer and Cantorial Soloist Sam Tygiel, a fifth-year rabbinic student at Hebrew College.
When can I hear the shofar?
Hear the shofar during morning services on the first and second days of Rosh Hashanah (September 23 and 24) sometime after 11:30 am, and again toward the end of the Musaf service. We will also blow shofar during Tashlich on September 23 on the pier in Portsmouth’s Prescott Park at 1 pm, in Exeter’s Swasey Parkway at the boat launch at 3:30 pm, and at Dover’s Henry Law Park at 3:30 pm. The final shofar blast of the holidays will be at the end of Neilah (7:04 pm) on Yom Kippur (October 2).
When can I recite Yizkor?
The Yizkor service (memorial prayers for our loved ones) takes place on Yom Kippur morning at about 11:40 am. Yizkor is recited again on Shemini Atzeret (Oct. 14, 10 am service).
Who must wear a kippah (head covering)? What about a tallit (prayer shawl)?Everyone who enters the Sanctuary should wear a head covering regardless of age, gender, or religious affiliation to show respect for God. Baskets of kippot are available near all the entrances. A tallit is traditionally worn by Jewish men during a morning service. Because we treat men and women equally at Temple Israel, we encourage women to also wear a tallit, especially if they are going onto the bimah for an aliyah or another Torah honor.
Will there be security?
We take security very seriously and are following a security plan developed by our Security Committee in conjunction with Portsmouth Police and national advisory groups. Large bags and backpacks are not permitted in the building. Advance registration is required for all attendees. Any non-member who arrives without pre-registration will be required to present a photo ID.
Can my children attend High Holiday services?
Children are always welcome in our sanctuary. “Busy bags” and children’s books are located in the rear of the sanctuary. The Temple library also offers a place for quiet play if children need a break during services. Babysitting is available in the preschool classroom for children ages 2-5 (pre-registration is required).
Will we hold children’s services?
Family Services for children ages 6-10 will be held in the Social Hall during each of the High Holidays. Parents should accompany young children. Service times are: Rosh Hashanah day 1, 9:30–10:30 am; Yom Kippur, 9:30–10:30 am. A program for teens will be held 9:30–10:30 am in the Library. Older children are encouraged to attend services with their families in the sanctuary.
Do we offer other programs for children?
Yes! Temple Israel offers a variety of High Holiday experiences for families with children, including babysitting, family services, and youth and teen programs. Children are always welcome in the sanctuary, and we encourage their participation throughout the holidays. Registration is required for all youth programs and babysitting. Changing tables are available in both restrooms, and busy bags and children’s books can be found in the sanctuary and library—just ask an usher. Questions? Contact Erik Martin or Dinah Berch.
See our High Holiday Family Programming page for more details.
Where can I park for services?
Temple Israel’s on-site parking (upper and lower lots) for the High Holidays is reserved for those with limited mobility, who should request a holiday parking pass from the temple office. Everyone else should consider the public parking lot near the South Mill Pond, the High-Hanover Parking Garage, or the Foundry Parking Garage, all within a 15-minute walk of Temple Israel. Some parking is also available at Strawbery Banke (entrance on Hancock St., identify yourself as attending Temple Israel services). Please note: On-street metered parking has a two-hour limit, which is strictly enforced, and any tickets issued will be your responsibility.
What if I need a ride to services?
Please notify the Temple office well in advance if you need a ride for any of the High Holiday services. We will try to match you with someone who can drive you to and from the Temple.
What accommodations do you have for handicapped access?
Our Court Street entrance is accessible by a ramp, and from there the main sanctuary can be reached using an elevator. The on-site parking (upper and lower lots) is reserved for those with limited mobility, who should request a special holiday parking pass from the office in advance.
What are the rules around masking?
Masks are available for those who wish to wear them. If you are unwell, please stay home and participate remotely.
Is a Break-the-Fast meal available?
Temple Israel will host a catered, kosher dairy/pareve Break-the-Fast meal following Neilah and Havdalah on Yom Kippur (October 2) at about 7:15 pm. Separate Break-the Fast registration is required; please register here.
Can I volunteer to help at High Holiday services?
Volunteers are needed to serve as greeters and ushers at in-person services and family services. Please email VPRitual@templeisraelnh.org if you are interested in volunteering.
For more information or to register for High Holidays, visit High Holidays 2025.
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur:
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah:
Read temple member Dinah Berch’s tips for enjoying the holidays with children.
