Shalom!
As the High Holidays begin to approach, we want to extend a heartfelt welcome to all those, regulars of our house or not, who are looking for a supportive community to experience this important season in the Jewish cycle/calendar.
We hope you’ll find the below information and explanations useful. Etz Chaim is a house for all who are seeking connection and prayer, which is why we make all of our High Holidays experiences free of charge. Please note that we do not require tickets for our services and there will be security present – please be prepared to show ID upon entering our sanctuary.
Warmly,
Rabbi Berenson and Cantor Nesis
Rabbi Berenson and Cantor Nesis lead our worship experiences at Etz Chaim, welcoming all who are hungry for prayer and connection. Services at Etz Chaim combine Hebrew, English readings, moments for personal introspection, and beautiful musical settings, all rooted in traditional liturgy.
Our Evening (Maariv) and Day (Shacharit) Services
Tashlich
With the beauty of the harbor only a few steps away from our exquisite sanctuary, we come together for an informal but meaningful ceremony. We symbolically “throw and wash” our missteps away, as we prepare to enter the New Year by granting ourselves, and others, the opportunity to reengage in the work of being the best version of ourselves.
Children’s Rosh Hashanah Service
Cantor Nesis leads this 45 minute service that incorporates Rosh Hashanah songs, prayers, an interactive story, and a short Torah reading to help the young (and the young at heart!) connect with the deeper meanings of the Holidays in a joyful and spiritual way. A craft, snacks, and an opportunity for families to socialize follows the service.
Meditative Service
Cantor Nesis leads a 30 minute meditation service exploring the topics of return (T’shuva) and forgiveness (Selicha), woven together with evocative song and text exploration. No previous meditation experience required!
All services can be accessed live on YouTube via https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW0wuLvc5CgeMtKwJYDlrJQ/live
Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 11, 2026
6:45pm
Erev Rosh Hashanah – Maariv
Sermon by Rabbi Gary Berenson
Saturday, September 12, 2026
9:00am
Rosh Hashanah Day 1 – Shacharit
10:45am
Shofar sounding
Remarks by Judge Jonathan Levy
“New American Jew” sermon delivered by Jennie Shapiro, Leora Kirk, and Julia Bailin, founders of Chavurat Habayit
12:30pm
Tashlich – Walk down India St. to the harbor at the conclusion of the service
2:30pm
Children’s Service for kids ages pre B’nei Mitzvah and their families
Led by Cantor Sheila Nesis
Sunday, September 13, 2026
9:00am
Rosh Hashanah Day 2 – Shacharit
10:45am
Shofar sounding
“Sermon in Song” led by Cantor Sheila Nesis
Yom Kippur
Sunday, September 20, 2026
6:15pm
Kol Nidrei
Sermon by Rabbi Gary Berenson
Remarks by President Mark Aranson, MD
Monday, September 21, 2026
9:00am
Yom Kippur – Shacharit
10:30am
Remarks by Judge Kermit Lipez
4:00pm
Meditative service
Led by Cantor Sheila Nesis
4:30pm
Yizkor service
5:00pm
Mincha – Neilah
7:00pm
Shofar sounding and break the fast