Additional High Holiday Info
Everyone: Food Drive & Tzedakah 💵
High Holiday Food Drive & Tzedakah
During this sacred season of reflection and renewal, we are called to open our hearts — and our hands. As we prepare ourselves spiritually for the new year, we are also reminded of our responsibility to care for those in need.
This year, our High Holy Day Food Drive carries even greater urgency. Food pantries around the country have lost significant money from governmental support and are struggling to meet the needs of our neighbors — people in our own community who rely on this food to nourish their families.
High Holiday Giving
We hope you will be here for Shaare Emeth and contribute a meaningful gift in honor of this year’s High Holidays to Shaare Emeth’s AV Club. In partnership with the Michael Matlof Connection and Communication Fund, the AV Club supports our ability to live-stream every service, which is vital for accessibility and inclusion.
To make your gift now, please click the link below or contact Beth Kodner at 314-692-5306 if you have any questions. Thank you for your generosity.
On-Site: Childcare, Parking, & Accessibility 🕍
High Holiday Childcare Available
Congregation Shaare Emeth is pleased to be able to offer childcare during Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur morning services. For more information, contact Brandi by e-mail or call 314-692-5321.
- Who: Children ages 6 months – 7 years
- When: Saturday, September 12, and Monday, September 21, from 9:30–12:30 p.m.
- Where: Drop-off and pick-up in the preschool hallway
- Cost: $5 per child per holiday
- Registration: Advance registration is required. Space is very limited, so register early!
Parking Locations & Shuttle
In the event our lot fills, overflow parking and shuttles are provided. Plan to arrive early to allow time to park or relocate to overflow parking and take the shuttle.
Overflow Parking Locations:
Scott Properties Medical Offices, 456 and 522 N. New Ballas Road
Elks Lodge #9, 12481 Ladue Road
- Erev Rosh Hashanah, September 11, from 6:30 p.m. – Scott Properties Medical Offices
- Rosh Hashanah, September 12, from 8:30 a.m. – Scott Properties Medical Offices
- Erev Yom Kippur, September 20, from 6:30 p.m. – Scott Properties Medical Offices
- Yom Kippur, September 21, from 8 a.m. – Elks Lodge #9
Accessibility
Your ability to access our facility and enjoy services to the fullest extent possible is extremely important to us. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience beyond the measures outlined below, please let us know by calling the temple office at 314-569-0010, by e-mailing us, or by approaching a staff or board member wearing a silver nametag.
In addition to our facility being ADA-accessible, hearing assistive devices, large-print prayerbooks, wheelchairs, and walkers are available upon request from the South Lobby reception desk. American Sign Language interpretation is provided for High Holiday services in the Stiffman Sanctuary.
Living Our Values: Welcoming All
At Congregation Shaare Emeth, we are so pleased to invite you to join with us to usher in the year 5785. It is our tradition to extend the warmest possible “Welcome!” as we open our doors to all who wish to join us during the High Holidays and throughout the year. All members of the Congregation and all guests and visitors are welcome to join us for our services; no tickets are necessary.
Online: Prayerbook Pick-Up & Livestreaming ▶
Prayerbook Pick-Up
The beloved Mishkan Hanefesh Machzor two-volume set will again be our prayerbook companion for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. If you are planning to attend services by live-streaming, you may borrow prayerbooks to use at home. Get your set(s) at one of the pick-up times listed below. They are due back before Thursday, October 1.
At pick-up, you will be asked for your credit card number and, if your books are not returned by Thursday, October 1, you will be charged $50. No credit cards will be processed before October 2.
Pick-up Dates & Times in the North Lobby
- Tuesday, September 8 • 10 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–7 p.m.
- Wednesday, September 9 • 10 a.m.–Noon and 4–7 p.m.
- Thursday, September 10 • 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Friday, September 11 • 9–11 a.m.
Live Streaming
Congregation Shaare Emeth is proud to offer online viewing options for all of our High Holiday services again this year.
The only link you need is sestl.co/stream. Bookmark it for easy access, even year-to-year!
If at any time you’re experiencing difficulties accessing the livestream:
- Wait a few minutes and try reloading the page
- Try sestl.co/boxcast or sestl.org/upcoming-services
- Call the temple office at (314) 569.0010 for assistance
High Holiday FAQs
About the Season
What are the High Holidays?
The High Holidays are the most sacred season of the Jewish year. They begin with Elul, a month of personal reflection, continue through Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and conclude with the celebrations of Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Together, these holidays focus on self-examination, forgiveness, gratitude, community, and renewal.
Why are the High Holidays sometimes called the High Holy Days?
The names are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the season centered on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, when Jews devote extra time to prayer, reflection, and spiritual growth.
What are the Ten Days of Repentance?
The Ten Days of Repentance, also called the Days of Awe, begin on Rosh Hashanah and end with Yom Kippur. This period encourages us to repair relationships, seek forgiveness, and recommit ourselves to living according to our values.
What does "teshuvah" really mean?
Teshuvah is often translated as repentance, but it more literally means “return.” It is the process of returning to our best selves through reflection, accountability, and meaningful change.
Do I need tickets to attend High Holiday services at Shaare Emeth?
For over a decade, it has been our tradition to extend the warmest possible “Welcome!” as we open our doors to all who wish to join us during the High Holidays and throughout the year. All members of the Congregation, guests, and visitors are welcome to join us for our services; no tickets are necessary. Those unable to attend in our building are encouraged to join us via live stream.
For some programs, we request an RSVP. And for select programs, registration is required. Refer to the details for each service and program for specifics and sign-up links.
Why are years written as both 2026 and 5787?
The Jewish calendar follows its own dating system. Jewish holidays are typically listed using both the Gregorian year and the Jewish year.
For First-Time Attendees
I’ve never attended a High Holiday service before. Will I know what to do?
Absolutely. Congregants, clergy, and staff are happy to help newcomers feel comfortable. You are welcome to participate as much or as little as feels meaningful to you.
What should I wear?
Most people choose attire that feels respectful and festive. Some wear business or holiday clothing, while others dress more casually. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and able to focus on the experience.
Can non-Jewish family members attend?
Yes. Interfaith families, friends, and guests are welcome to attend and participate in the community experience.
Will I understand the prayers if I don’t read Hebrew?
Yes. Our prayerbooks, the Mishkan Hanefesh two-volume series, typically includes English translations and transliterations, making it easy to follow along regardless of Hebrew familiarity.
Rosh Hashanah
Why do we eat apples and honey?
Apples dipped in honey symbolize the hope for a sweet and fulfilling new year.
Why is the shofar blown on Rosh Hashanah?
The shofar serves as a spiritual wake-up call. Its sound challenges us to reflect on our actions, renew our commitments, and prepare for the work of teshuvah.
Do I have to make resolutions?
Jewish tradition places less emphasis on resolutions and more on intentional growth. Many people choose one or two specific areas of improvement rather than creating a long list of goals.
What is Tashlich?
Tashlich is a ritual often held near water in which participants symbolically cast away their mistakes and regrets as a way of embracing a fresh start.
What's the proper greeting on Rosh Hashanah?
It is customary to wish people a “Shanah Tovah” (meaning “a good year”) or simply “Happy New Year.” Another common greeting is “Gut Yontif” (happy holiday).
Yom Kippur
Why do Jews fast on Yom Kippur?
Fasting helps create a day focused on spiritual concerns rather than physical needs. It is intended to support prayer, reflection, and repentance.
Fasting is a personal choice. Click here for a variety of Reform Jewish perspectives regarding fasting on the holiest day of the year.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Jewish tradition prioritizes health. People who are ill, pregnant, nursing, recovering from medical procedures, managing eating disorders, or otherwise unable to fast should follow medical advice and care for their well-being.
What if I have never fasted before?
Start where you are. Many people choose alternative forms of observance if a full fast is not possible. Meaningful participation is more important than perfection.
What does “Kol Nidre” mean?
Kol Nidre is the moving service that opens Yom Kippur. It is one of the most emotionally powerful moments of the Jewish year and marks our entry into the Day of Atonement.
What's the proper greeting on Yom Kippur?
The proper greetings for Yom Kippur are “G’mar chatimah tovah” (may you be sealed for a good year) and “Have an easy/meaningful fast.” Because Yom Kippur is a solemn day of atonement rather than a celebration, it is customary to avoid saying “Happy Yom Kippur.”
Families & Children
How can I help children connect with the High Holidays?
Consider involving them in age-appropriate traditions such as hearing the shofar, dipping apples in honey, setting family goals for kindness, decorating a sukkah, or participating in family programming.
We offer program and worship opportunities for families with children of all ages.
What should I tell my child about forgiveness?
The High Holidays teach that everyone makes mistakes and everyone can grow. Apologizing, making amends, and trying again are central values of the season.
Is it okay if my child makes noise during services?
Children are a valued part of Jewish communal life at Shaare Emeth. Families should participate in the ways that work best for them while respecting the shared worship experience. Noise is expected (and even encouraged!) at our Boker Tov worship services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mornings.
Sukkot & Simchat Torah
Why do we build and eat in a sukkah?
A sukkah reminds us of the temporary shelters used by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It also encourages gratitude for life’s blessings and awareness of human vulnerability.
What are the Four Species?
The lulav and etrog are ritual plants used during Sukkot. The lulav consists of three branches: palm, myrtle, and willow. Together, they symbolize unity, diversity, and the many ways people contribute to the Jewish community.
Does Shaare Emeth have a sukkah that I can visit?
We have two sukkot at Shaare Emeth – a small one in the North Lobby and a larger one in the courtyard. These are used throughout Sukkot by our preschool and religious school students, as well as members and guests during scheduled programs. Our sukkot are not available to the public. If you are interested in visiting one of our sukkot, please call the temple office at 314-569-0010.
What is Simchat Torah?
Simchat Torah celebrates the completion of one annual cycle of Torah reading and the beginning of the next. It is a joyful holiday that highlights continuous learning and engagement with Jewish tradition. At Shaare Emeth, as with many congregations, we celebrate by singing and dancing with the Torah, then unrolling the scroll entirely before re-rolling it to the beginning.
Historically, Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah were two separate holidays (a day of reflection after the end of Sukkot and a celebration of Torah the following day). However, in Israel and in Reform congregations, which generally observe one day of holidays rather than two, Sh’mini Atzeret is observed concurrently with Simchat Torah.
Why do we start the Torah over instead of finishing it and stopping?
Judaism views learning as a lifelong journey. Beginning again immediately after finishing reminds us that sacred learning never truly ends.
Remembrance & Community
What is Yizkor?
Yizkor is a memorial service during which we remember loved ones who have died and reflect on the impact they continue to have on our lives.
May I attend Yizkor even if I am not observing a recent loss?
Yes. Many people attend to honor parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, friends, or others whose memory remains meaningful to them.
Why is charitable giving emphasized during the High Holidays?
The season encourages us not only to reflect inwardly but also to act outwardly. Giving tzedakah and helping those in need are meaningful expressions of Jewish values during this time.
At Shaare Emeth, we collect tzedakah during the High Holidays to distribute to three organizations (two local, one Israeli) dedicated to fighting food insecurity. We also hold a robust food drive between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
