When are the High Holidays in 5787/2026?
Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Friday, Sept. 11, and ends at nightfall on Sunday, September 13.
Yom Kippur begins at sunset on Sunday, September 20, and ends at nightfall (7:24 pm) on Monday, September 21.
What time do services start?
Erev Rosh Hashanah, 9/11: 6:30 pm
Rosh Hashanah Day 1, 9/12: 9 am
Rosh Hashanah Day 2, 9/13: 9 am
Tashlich, Day 2, 9/13:
Kol Nidre, 9/20: 6 pm
(Access may be limited after services start, so plan to arrive early!)
Yom Kippur, 9/21
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 using our registration form or by emailing templeoffice@templeisraelnh.org.
What does it cost to attend High Holiday services?
There are no set fees, but we deeply appreciate all donations, which help offset the costs of providing these services. Below are suggested donation levels. However, inability to donate should not prevent anyone from attending. All are welcome at our services.
What is the deadline to sign up for services?
The deadline for Rosh Hashanah reservations is Wednesday, September 9.
The deadline for Yom Kippur reservations, including Break-the-Fast, is Tuesday, September 15.
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.
New this year: Entrance to the building will be through the courtyard on State Street. Those with limited mobility may enter there or from the parking lot through the Court Street doors. The doors accessed from the steps on State Street will not be open.
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 Only Pass for non-members (online access to all High Holiday services) is $36.
Who is leading services this year?
Our main sanctuary services will be led by Rabbi Marc Hersch and cantorial soloist Abby Halpern, our Head of School and Family Engagement.
When can I hear the shofar?
Hear the shofar during morning services on the second day of Rosh Hashanah (September 13) sometime after 11:30 am, and again toward the end of the Musaf service. We will also blow shofar during Tashlich on September 13 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 (7:24 pm) on Yom Kippur (September 21).
When can I recite Yizkor?
The Yizkor service (memorial prayers for our loved ones) takes place on Yom Kippur morning (September 21) at about 11:45 am. Yizkor is recited again at services on Shemini Atzeret (October 3, 9:30 am service, yizkor at about 11:30 am).
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 and their bags may be subject to search.
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 on the left-hand side. Adults may accompany their children to the Temple library 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?
Youth Services for children ages 6-10 will be held 9:45–10:45 am in the Social Hall during each of the High Holidays. Parents should accompany children in grade 1 or preschool. Older children are encouraged to attend services with their families in the sanctuary. Registration is required.
Do we offer other programs for children?
Supervised activities for children ages 6-10 will follow the Youth Service, 10:45-11:45 am, on Rosh Hashanah (both days) and Yom Kippur. Registration is required.
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 in advance 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. 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 and State Street courtyard entrances are accessible, and 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 on Yom Kippur?
Temple Israel will host a catered, kosher dairy/pareve Break-the-Fast meal following Neilah and Havdalah on Yom Kippur (September 21) at about 7:30 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 can volunteer.
For more information or to register for High Holidays, visit https://www.templeisraelnh.org/pray/holidays/high-holidays/.
Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur:
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah:
Read temple member Dinah Berch’s tips for enjoying the holidays with children.
