High Holy Days 5771 (2010)

Join us for the High Holidays!

Download the schedule.

Our services are located in the historic Frank Lloyd Wright auditorium of the First Unitarian Society. They combine traditional prayers with contemporary poetry, readings, and songs. We are participatory and encourage our members and friends to lead elements of the service, sing along, share English readings, chant Torah and Haftarah, and blow shofar. Our services last several hours; we encourage you to take breaks and sit outside on the lawn or chat with a friend in the lobby. Many people come and go throughout these days. We hope you make our space your home during this time.

Since its founding, Congregation Shaarei Shamayim has never required visitors to purchase tickets. We want everyone to feel welcome, whether you are a relative of a member, a long-time friend, or a guest checking us out for the first time.

We have children’s services led by Rabbi Laurie on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Bring your kids and celebrate with our community. We begin at 10:15 a.m. New this year: We will also have a teen service on Rosh Hashanah which begins at 11:00 a.m.

During the afternoon of Yom Kippur, we have a moving Yizkor service where we remember loved ones who have passed away. Later in the day, a member of the congregation leads either a meditation or a discussion. Just before Neilah, our closing service, we have a creative Avodah program. Anyone is welcome to read poetry, sing a song, or share any other offerings for the community.

We organize two potlucks over the High Holidays – one on Erev Rosh Hashanah and one for break fast at the end of Yom Kippur. All potlucks are vegetarian. Please bring a lot of food and sign up to help set up or clean up.

On the second day of Rosh Hashanah we gather at Lake Mendota to do tashlich and have a picnic lunch. Please bring enough food for you (and your family) and meet at the First Unitarian Society at 12:30 p.m.

If you are in your 20s or 30s, we have special programming throughout the year through our Young Adult Havurah. On the evening of the first day of Rosh Hashanah we have a potluck dinner, and on the Saturday of Sukkot we have a wine and dessert gathering in the sukkah. Please see the schedule for more information.

For more information, please click on the following links:

• Schedule
  • A listing of services and programs for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, as well as special events for our Young Adult Havurah.
  • Parking Map: Parking at First Unitarian Society can be difficult on weekdays. This map directs you to an alternate lot.
    
• Reservation Form for Child Care and Potlucks
  • Please note that reservations are required by August 25. If you have missed the deadline, please contact the office.
    
• Child Care Policies and Permission Form
  • Please note that all parents must sign this form to enroll their children in our child care program.
    
• Make an online reservation and payment for child care or a potluck
  • Register for the Erev Rosh Hashanah Potluck!
  • Register for the Yom Kippur Break Fast Potluck!
  • Register for Child Care!
• Make a donation
  • Help Congregation Shaarei Shamayim defray the cost of offering services free of charge to the Madison Jewish community.