This Year's Services
Elul | Sept. 6-27
- Announcing Our New Machzor
- Fridays in Elul (9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27)
- Lunch & Learn (9/7)
- Visiting Scholar Etgar Keret (9/14, 9/15)
Elul 5784 – New Books, Old Stories: Mishkan HaNefesh and Teshuva for the New Year
Each year, as we approach the months-long challenge of preparing everything needed for the High Holidays, our clergy team starts the season by reading this story together:
Several days before Rosh HaShanah, Rabbi Mordecai of Nadvorna, a 19th-century Hasidic master, stopped another rabbi who was racing past him. “Why are you rushing so?” Rabbi Mordecai asked. His colleague replied, “I must get to my study to review the High Holy Day prayers and examine all the holiday plans to put them in the proper order.” Rabbi Mordecai paused momentarily and said, “The prayer book hasn’t changed a bit since last year. It is better to examine yourself, your heart and your deeds of the past year. The most important thing is to put yourself in proper order!”
It always reminds us that if we spend too much time with our prayerbooks and cue sheets before the holy days, the services may be logistically seamless but their spiritual impact would be diminished. This year, however, is different. We have a new machzor (High Holy Day prayerbook) called Mishkan HaNefesh – the Reform Movement’s newest machzor, published in 2015. If you missed the announcement of this new machzor in June, read it here.
Jewish tradition teaches that the month before Rosh HaShanah, the month of Elul, is meant to be a time for teshuva– introspection with the intent to mend our ways and return ourselves to awareness and self-knowledge. We encourage everyone to engage in the work of teshuva and dedicate our Shabbat worship and teachings throughout Elul to support you in that process. This year we will spend Elul getting to know our new prayerbook so it can be a useful tool for our efforts to do teshuva and a helpful resource for engaging in our prayers this season.
Our first Shabbat of Elul is September 6, we will focus on the structure and “topography” of the prayerbook and how form and function relate in both teshuva and prayer.
Join via Livestream
Our second Shabbat of Elul, September 13, we will focus on the creative interpretations and poetry in Mishkan HaNefesh. The service will be preceded by a Family Shabbat Dinner at 5:30 pm. RSVP link to come.
Join via Livestream
On the third Shabbat of Elul, September 20, we will focus on theology in Mishkan HaNefesh and in our own pursuit of renewal and celebration in the High Holidays.
Join via Livestream
On the fourth Shabbat in Elul, September 27, we will hold our Selichot Shabbat, singing High Holy Day melodies and prayers alongside our Shabbat liturgy. On this night, we will change the Torah mantles to white as we enter the last stage of preparation before Rosh HaShanah. This service will be in the round and will focus on communal singing and music as a critical part of teshuva. The service will be followed by a Shabbat dinner. RSVP link to come.
Join via Livestream
Elul Lunch & Learn with the Editor of Mishkan HaNefesh
Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 pm
“Tell Us a Story with a Happy Ending” with Israeli author Etgar Keret
Book Talk & Discussion
Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 pm
Spinning Yarns Workshop
Sunday, September 15 at 4:00 pm
Keret will lead a workshop to help us rediscover our own family stories and curate them in relationship to objects we own and to our understandings of our identities.
Members Only
Elul | Sept. 6-27
- Announcing Our New Machzor
- Fridays in Elul (9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27)
- Lunch & Learn (9/7)
- Visiting Scholar Etgar Keret (9/14, 9/15)
Elul 5784 – New Books, Old Stories: Mishkan HaNefesh and Teshuva for the New Year
Each year, as we approach the months-long challenge of preparing everything needed for the High Holidays, our clergy team starts the season by reading this story together:
Several days before Rosh HaShanah, Rabbi Mordecai of Nadvorna, a 19th-century Hasidic master, stopped another rabbi who was racing past him. “Why are you rushing so?” Rabbi Mordecai asked. His colleague replied, “I must get to my study to review the High Holy Day prayers and examine all the holiday plans to put them in the proper order.” Rabbi Mordecai paused momentarily and said, “The prayer book hasn’t changed a bit since last year. It is better to examine yourself, your heart and your deeds of the past year. The most important thing is to put yourself in proper order!”
It always reminds us that if we spend too much time with our prayerbooks and cue sheets before the holy days, the services may be logistically seamless but their spiritual impact would be diminished. This year, however, is different. We have a new machzor (High Holy Day prayerbook) called Mishkan HaNefesh – the Reform Movement’s newest machzor, published in 2015. If you missed the announcement of this new machzor in June, read it here.
Jewish tradition teaches that the month before Rosh HaShanah, the month of Elul, is meant to be a time for teshuva– introspection with the intent to mend our ways and return ourselves to awareness and self-knowledge. We encourage everyone to engage in the work of teshuva and dedicate our Shabbat worship and teachings throughout Elul to support you in that process. This year we will spend Elul getting to know our new prayerbook so it can be a useful tool for our efforts to do teshuva and a helpful resource for engaging in our prayers this season.
Our first Shabbat of Elul is September 6, we will focus on the structure and “topography” of the prayerbook and how form and function relate in both teshuva and prayer.
Join via Livestream
Our second Shabbat of Elul, September 13, we will focus on the creative interpretations and poetry in Mishkan HaNefesh. The service will be preceded by a Family Shabbat Dinner at 5:30 pm. RSVP link to come.
Join via Livestream
On the third Shabbat of Elul, September 20, we will focus on theology in Mishkan HaNefesh and in our own pursuit of renewal and celebration in the High Holidays.
Join via Livestream
On the fourth Shabbat in Elul, September 27, we will hold our Selichot Shabbat, singing High Holy Day melodies and prayers alongside our Shabbat liturgy. On this night, we will change the Torah mantles to white as we enter the last stage of preparation before Rosh HaShanah. This service will be in the round and will focus on communal singing and music as a critical part of teshuva. The service will be followed by a Shabbat dinner. RSVP link to come.
Join via Livestream
Elul Lunch & Learn with the Editor of Mishkan HaNefesh
Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 pm
“Tell Us a Story with a Happy Ending” with Israeli author Etgar Keret
Book Talk & Discussion
Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 pm
Spinning Yarns Workshop
Sunday, September 15 at 4:00 pm
Keret will lead a workshop to help us rediscover our own family stories and curate them in relationship to objects we own and to our understandings of our identities.
Members Only
Rosh HaShanah | Oct. 2-3
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Non-members can purchase tickets to the evening service in the sanctuary as capacity permits beginning 9/6.
Wednesday, October 2
6:30 pm – Evening Service in the Sanctuary
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Welcome Rosh HaShanah with a service meant to open your heart to connection, expand your mind to new Torah, and fill your ears with song. Anyone is welcome to join us – member and non-member individuals and families of all ages. This service will be conducted using our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh. Copies will be provided for all in-person attendees.
7:00 pm – Evening Kehillat Yom Tov Service in the Bet Am
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
With music led by Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman and liturgy led by a variety of congregational lay participants, this service offers a reflective and heymish opportunity to enter into the holidays in a meaningful and intimate way. We welcome participation both in person and via Zoom. We will be using our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided.
Join via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 709 308 5696)
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Thursday, October 3
10:00 am – Morning Service in the Sanctuary
(approximately 2 hours)
This service in our temple sanctuary will be led by Rabbi Roos, Rabbi Diamondstein, and Cantor Rhodes, with keyboard artist Neil Weston and the adult choir. This service will use our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided. Rabbi Roos will deliver the sermon.
9:15 am & 11:30 am – Morning Bethesda Services
(approximately 75 minutes)
Rabbi Goldstein, Cantor Robins, and Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman will lead this service with piano, bass, and percussion at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. The service will be interactive and casual in style. Families praying with their children will be comfortable here, as will individuals who seek an alternative service appropriate for adults. These services will follow custom prayer books, which will be provided for congregants. Please be aware that these services will not include the full liturgy and ritual components found in the Sanctuary. Rabbi Goldstein will deliver the sermon.
These services will not be livestreamed.
4:30 pm – Tashlich at Grove #6, Rock Creek Park
Join Rabbi Roos, Cantor Rhodes, and Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman for Tashlich on the afternoon of Rosh HaShanah at Grove #6 in Rock Creek Park. Bring your shofar and join the communal shofar blasts. This event is for everyone – all ages are welcome. No tickets are required; this is an in-person program only.
This year’s Tot Services are open to anyone in our community. The ticket request link will be available beginning 8/12.
Thursday, October 3
4:00 pm – Tot Service in the Sanctuary with Apples and Honey on the Playground
Join Cantor Robins, Rabbi Goldstein, and Rabbi Diamondstein for a special service designed and led for our youngest children (ages 0-5) and their loved ones in the Temple Sinai Sanctuary. The service will be followed by apples and honey and time to play on our playground. This service will also feature a special welcome for all the new babies born in the previous year.
Rosh HaShanah | Oct. 2-3
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Non-members can purchase tickets to the evening service in the sanctuary as capacity permits beginning 9/6.
Wednesday, October 2
6:30 pm – Evening Service in the Sanctuary
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Welcome Rosh HaShanah with a service meant to open your heart to connection, expand your mind to new Torah, and fill your ears with song. Anyone is welcome to join us – member and non-member individuals and families of all ages. This service will be conducted using our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh. Copies will be provided for all in-person attendees.
7:00 pm – Evening Kehillat Yom Tov Service in the Bet Am
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
With music led by Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman and liturgy led by a variety of congregational lay participants, this service offers a reflective and heymish opportunity to enter into the holidays in a meaningful and intimate way. We welcome participation both in person and via Zoom. We will be using our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided.
Join via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 709 308 5696)
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Thursday, October 3
10:00 am – Morning Service in the Sanctuary
(approximately 2 hours)
This service in our temple sanctuary will be led by Rabbi Roos, Rabbi Diamondstein, and Cantor Rhodes, with keyboard artist Neil Weston and the adult choir. This service will use our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided. Rabbi Roos will deliver the sermon.
9:15 am & 11:30 am – Morning Bethesda Services
(approximately 75 minutes)
Rabbi Goldstein, Cantor Robins, and Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman will lead this service with piano, bass, and percussion at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School. The service will be interactive and casual in style. Families praying with their children will be comfortable here, as will individuals who seek an alternative service appropriate for adults. These services will follow custom prayer books, which will be provided for congregants. Please be aware that these services will not include the full liturgy and ritual components found in the Sanctuary. Rabbi Goldstein will deliver the sermon.
These services will not be livestreamed.
4:30 pm – Tashlich at Grove #6, Rock Creek Park
Join Rabbi Roos, Cantor Rhodes, and Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman for Tashlich on the afternoon of Rosh HaShanah at Grove #6 in Rock Creek Park. Bring your shofar and join the communal shofar blasts. This event is for everyone – all ages are welcome. No tickets are required; this is an in-person program only.
This year’s Tot Services are open to anyone in our community. The ticket request link will be available beginning 8/12.
Thursday, October 3
4:00 pm – Tot Service in the Sanctuary with Apples and Honey on the Playground
Join Cantor Robins, Rabbi Goldstein, and Rabbi Diamondstein for a special service designed and led for our youngest children (ages 0-5) and their loved ones in the Temple Sinai Sanctuary. The service will be followed by apples and honey and time to play on our playground. This service will also feature a special welcome for all the new babies born in the previous year.
Yom Kippur | Oct. 11-12
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Friday, October 11
6:00 pm & 8:30 pm – Evening Services in the Sanctuary
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Enter the drama and majesty of Yom Kippur with this service. Our clergy will lead the service together, along with Neil Weston, our adult choir, and cello. Rabbi Roos will deliver the sermon. This service will use Mishkan HaNefesh and copies will be provided.
Join Early Livestream Join Late Livestream
7:00 pm – Evening Kehillat Yom Tov Service in the Bet Am
(approximately 2 hours)
With music led by Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman and liturgy led by a variety of congregational lay participants, the service offers a reflective and heymish opportunity to begin Yom Kippur in a meaningful and intimate way. We welcome participation both in person and via Zoom. We will be using our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided.
Join via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 709 308 5696)
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Saturday, October 12
10:00 am – Morning Service in the Sanctuary
(approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes)
Rabbi Roos, Rabbi Goldstein, Cantor Rhodes, and Student Cantor Lehrman will lead our reflective and meaningful morning service. Rabbi Goldstein will deliver the sermon. We will use our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided.
9:15 am & 11:30 am – Morning Bethesda Services
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Rabbis Diamondstein and Cantor Robins will lead this service at Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS, accompanied by piano, bass, and percussion. Rabbi Diamondstein will deliver the sermon. The service will be interactive and casual in style. Families praying with their children will feel comfortable here, as will individuals seeking an alternative service appropriate for adults. Custom prayer books will be provided for congregants. Please note that these services will not include the full liturgy and ritual components found in the Sanctuary.
These services will not be livestreamed.
1:30 pm – Afternoon Panel Discussion
**Reginald Dwayne Betts on Freedom Reads and the Power of Teshuvah**
Between the morning and afternoon services, we offer a special opportunity for learning and reflection with guest speaker Reginald Dwayne Betts, in conversation with broadcast journalist Ted Koppel and Rabbi Jonathan Roos. Mr. Betts, a poet and lawyer, and 2021 MacArthur Fellow, is the Executive Director of Freedom Reads, a non-profit organization transforming access to literature in prisons through the installation of Freedom Libraries across the country. We will explore High Holy Day-related themes, including sin and repentance, justice and judgment, and the transformative power of books, words, and stories.
2:45 pm – Healing Service
Yom Kippur is a time of prayer and introspection, and it is also a day when we are asked to stand before God as our most vulnerable selves. Our healing service is open to all who seek a comforting and peaceful place to pray for healing of body, mind, and soul. The service will incorporate our healing liturgy with moments of music, silence, and meditation. Rabbi Roos and Cantor Rhodes will lead this service.
3:45 pm – Afternoon (Mincha, Yizkor, & Neilah) Services
Our Mincha (afternoon) service includes a Torah service and the reading of the story of Jonah. This year, we will also remember those killed on October 7th in a special “Eileh Azkarah” ceremony. The Yizkor (memorial) service will follow at 4:45 pm. At approximately 5:45 pm, we begin the Neilah (concluding) service. We will end with the final “Tekiah Gedolah” (Great Sounding) of shofars and Havdalah, marking the conclusion of the holiday. We expect to end Neilah and break-fast as a congregation at approximately 7:00 pm.
7:00 pm – Congregational Break-Fast
Join us as we conclude with a congregational break-fast sponsored by the TSMRJ and TSWRJ.
This year’s Tot Services are open to anyone in our community. The ticket request link will be available beginning 8/12.
Saturday, October 12
8:30 am – Yom Kippur Tot Holiday Service
(approximately 40 minutes)
The Tot Holiday Service will be led by Rabbis Roos, Goldstein, and Student Cantor Lehrman. Join us in the sanctuary for a service designed for our community’s youngest members (0-5 years old), featuring a special Yom Kippur story.
Yom Kippur | Oct. 11-12
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Friday, October 11
6:00 pm & 8:30 pm – Evening Services in the Sanctuary
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Enter the drama and majesty of Yom Kippur with this service. Our clergy will lead the service together, along with Neil Weston, our adult choir, and cello. Rabbi Roos will deliver the sermon. This service will use Mishkan HaNefesh and copies will be provided.
7:00 pm – Evening Kehillat Yom Tov Service in the Bet Am
(approximately 2 hours)
With music led by Student Cantor Gabriel Lehrman and liturgy led by a variety of congregational lay participants, the service offers a reflective and heymish opportunity to begin Yom Kippur in a meaningful and intimate way. We welcome participation both in person and via Zoom. We will be using our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided.
Join via Zoom
(Meeting ID: 709 308 5696)
Members can request tickets in the Member Portal beginning 8/12.
Saturday, October 12
10:00 am – Morning Service in the Sanctuary
(approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes)
Rabbi Roos, Rabbi Goldstein, Cantor Rhodes, and Student Cantor Lehrman will lead our reflective and meaningful morning service. Rabbi Goldstein will deliver the sermon. We will use our new machzor, Mishkan HaNefesh, and copies will be provided.
9:15 am & 11:30 am – Morning Bethesda Services
(approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Rabbis Diamondstein and Cantor Robins will lead this service at Bethesda-Chevy Chase HS, accompanied by piano, bass, and percussion. Rabbi Diamondstein will deliver the sermon. The service will be interactive and casual in style. Families praying with their children will feel comfortable here, as will individuals seeking an alternative service appropriate for adults. Custom prayer books will be provided for congregants. Please note that these services will not include the full liturgy and ritual components found in the Sanctuary.
These services will not be livestreamed.
1:30 pm – Afternoon Panel Discussion
**Reginald Dwayne Betts on Freedom Reads and the Power of Teshuvah**
Between the morning and afternoon services, we offer a special opportunity for learning and reflection with guest speaker Reginald Dwayne Betts, in conversation with broadcast journalist Ted Koppel and Rabbi Jonathan Roos. Mr. Betts, a poet and lawyer, and 2021 MacArthur Fellow, is the Executive Director of Freedom Reads, a non-profit organization transforming access to literature in prisons through the installation of Freedom Libraries across the country. We will explore High Holy Day-related themes, including sin and repentance, justice and judgment, and the transformative power of books, words, and stories.
2:45 pm – Healing Service
Yom Kippur is a time of prayer and introspection, and it is also a day when we are asked to stand before God as our most vulnerable selves. Our healing service is open to all who seek a comforting and peaceful place to pray for healing of body, mind, and soul. The service will incorporate our healing liturgy with moments of music, silence, and meditation. Rabbi Roos and Cantor Rhodes will lead this service.
3:45 pm – Afternoon (Mincha, Yizkor, & Neilah) Services
Our Mincha (afternoon) service includes a Torah service and the reading of the story of Jonah. This year, we will also remember those killed on October 7th in a special “Eileh Azkarah” ceremony. The Yizkor (memorial) service will follow at 4:45 pm. At approximately 5:45 pm, we begin the Neilah (concluding) service. We will end with the final “Tekiah Gedolah” (Great Sounding) of shofars and Havdalah, marking the conclusion of the holiday. We expect to end Neilah and break-fast as a congregation at approximately 7:00 pm.
7:00 pm – Congregational Break-Fast
Join us as we conclude with a congregational break-fast sponsored by the TSMRJ and TSWRJ.
This year’s Tot Services are open to anyone in our community. The ticket request link will be available beginning 8/12.
Saturday, October 12
8:30 am – Yom Kippur Tot Holiday Service
(approximately 40 minutes)
The Tot Holiday Service will be led by Rabbis Roos, Goldstein, and Student Cantor Lehrman. Join us in the sanctuary for a service designed for our community’s youngest members (0-5 years old), featuring a special Yom Kippur story.