Kulanu Kol Nidre Intergenerational Service, geared to K-5th Grades at 5:00 PM - This is a a 30–40-minute intergenerational service that touches upon the power of Kol Nidre. We’ll hear the cello, the ancient words of Kol Nidre, and turn to our liturgy as we mark the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. This service is geared towards families with elementary aged children.

Kol Nidre - 7:30 PM - The evening service of Yom Kippur is known as Kol Nidre. The service takes its name from the prayer recited at the beginning of the service. Kol Nidre (“All Vows”) is actually a legal formula, developed during the medieval ages, which absolved one from vows made under duress.

Kol Nidre is recited three times, often while the Ark is open, and the Torah scrolls are held by those representing the leadership of the community. The haunting melody to which Kol Nidre is sung provides a solemn and moving backdrop to this holiest of days.

Kol Nidre is also the only night of the Jewish calendar when a tallit (prayer shawl) is worn. In fact, it is traditional to wear a tallit for all of the Yom Kippur services.

Kulanu Intergenerational Service,
geared to 1-5th Grades at 8:45 AM - Kulanu meaning “all of us” is a unique worship experience that is open to attendees of all ages, though it is designed as a prayer option for those families with students in grades 1 – 5.  This interactive and intergenerational service includes a family-oriented prayer book, guitar accompaniment, as well as stories and meaningful discussion. At Kulanu, we intend kids and adults to share a time of connection, celebration, and awe.

Laughing on Yom Kippur with Rabbinical Intern Audrey Klepser - Monday, September 21 at 9:45 AM in the Library - Each year, on Yom Kippur afternoon, Jews all over the world read the Book of Jonah. Throughout the ages we have struggled to understand Jonah. We are not alone. Join our Rabbinic Intern, Audrey Klepser, to explore the Book of Jonah and meet "Jonah‘s girlfriend" through modern Midrash … She’s unimpressed, frustrated, and would really like to hear from him. Who knows…maybe laughter can give new life to this familiar tale and this oh-so-serious day! Register here.

Sanctuary Service at 10:45 AM - These services are the core of Temple Emanu-El’s worship experience. They aim to inspire and engage worshippers through the fullness of the High Holy Day liturgy, Torah and other scriptural readings, and sermons. Worship is oriented toward adults, but those of all ages are very welcome.

Creativity for the Soul: Hands on Art Experience - 1:30 PM in the Library Shari Seltzer an artist and a congregant will lead an art experience for teens and adults, reflecting on the themes of the High Holy Days and our own personal journeys and reflections. No artist experience is necessary. All supplies will be provided.
Please plan to arrive on time and stay for full session. This is not a drop in experience. Register here. Maximum class size is 12 participants. 

Tiny Tot Service for Families at 2:00 PM in the Tent -NEW THIS YEAR! Experience Yom Kippur through story. Designed especially for pre-readers and their families, this unique Tiny Tot experience weaves together interactive storytelling, music, and prayer. Children and grown-ups will march, imagine, move, sing, and participate together as the themes of Yom Kippur come to life through a guided storytelling adventure featuring movement, audience participation, and imaginative props. Following the experience, families are invited to stay for a special meet-and-read with our guest storyteller and enjoy additional holiday books together.

Israel On Our Minds at 1:30 PM with Rabbi Eric Yoffie
Join us for an update on the current situation in Israel.

Musical Mediation at 2:30 PM in the Sanctuary - This Yom Kippur afternoon, we are programming a new dimension of sacred time during our Yom Kippur Afternoon services- a Musical Meditation featuring the diverse talents of our very own community.

This non-liturgical gathering offers a soulful pause- an opportunity to reflect, listen, connect, and heal through music. With a spirit that blends the holiness of the sanctuary with the creativity of a soulful salon, each offering will be shaped by what our talented congregants choose to share- Jewish, secular, or somewhere in between.

If you are interested in performing, sharing a piece, or being accompanied, please contact Suzanne Moore at smoore@tewnj.org.

Come be moved (and maybe even surprised) by the gifts among us.

Study Session with Rabbi Chuck Lightner at 2:30 PM in the Library - Yom Kippur in the Second Temple. What do we know about its observance? And how did that change over time?

Yizkor - This is a reflective memorial service to remember and honor our loved ones who have died.

Neilah - Join our community outside for the concluding service on Yom Kippur. We will end services with the sound of the shofar (bring your own to help with a final blast) and also havdalah – everyone will have the opportunity to hold a candle as we end the holiest day of the year.