People of the Book
High Holy Days
As we prepare for the High Holy Days of 2026/5787, we are guided by our commitment to lifelong learning and embrace our identity as “People of the Book.” Our theme for this Jewish year reflects a tapestry of belonging that celebrates storytelling, education, identity, and intellectual and emotional expansion.
Our collective journey is a beautiful, complex story. This year let’s write the next chapter together.
This year, we both learn and teach one another through the narratives of our own lives and by broadening our worldviews. We believe this process deepens our empathy and understanding of one another, no matter our relationships, ages, or life stages. May the treasured books, beloved narratives, and personal stories we share this year strengthen our connection with community, God, and one another.
May the treasured books, beloved narratives, and personal stories we share this year provide an essential conduit toward deeper connection with community, God, and one another.
Inspired by Temple Isaiah’s High Holy Days 2026 theme, “People of the Book,” we invite adults and teens ages 13+ to join our community-wide monthly book club from September 2026 through June 2027.
Each selection explores Judaism, Jewish life, identity, or learning and has been thoughtfully chosen by our clergy and staff. Reading the book is encouraged, but you are welcome to participate even if you have not finished it.
We look forward to reading with you!
Wishing you a Shanah Tovah – a year of beauty, purpose, and renewal.
Prepare for the High Holy Days
SEP
5
SAT
From Selichot to Tomorrow: The Future of Judaism
Saturday, September 5 • 8:15 PM • Sinai Temple
Begin the High Holy Day season with a meaningful Selichot service followed by a timely conversation with leading voices from the Los Angeles Jewish community. Rabbis Malachi Kanfer, Dara Frimmer, Rebecca Schatz, and Adam Kligfeld, Rabbi Cantor Hillary Chorny, Cantor Marcus Feldman, and Benjamin Fingerhut will explore the evolving landscape of Judaism, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and how we can shape the future of Jewish life together.
Rosh Hashanah
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11
FRI
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Friday. September 11 • 5 PM • Temple Isaiah
This intimate and meaningful service allows us to begin the High Holy Days immersed in both family and community. On this Rosh Hashanah evening, our clergy will lead us in kindling the Yom Tov and Shabbat lights, introducing the sound of the shofar, and giving us a taste of the meaning and melodies of the High Holy Days. We will gather as a community in the sanctuary, enabling us to welcome the New Year in our Isaiah home. Services will conclude by 6pm.
ALL AGES
SEP
12
SAT
Morning Service for Young(ish) Families
Saturday, September 12 • 9:00 AM • UCLA Royce Hall
Our clergy and songleaders will begin the Rosh Hashanah celebration with interactive and fun services for families with young(ish) children (0-8). All families and children are invited to the conclusion of the Main Rosh Hashanah service for joyful singing and the final shofar blasts (~12pm -12:30pm).
CHILDREN
SEP
12
SAT
Morning Childcare
Saturday, September 12 • 9:45 AM • UCLA Royce Hall Donor Lounge
Childcare will be available for children ages 2-6 (enrolled in Temple Isaiah Preschool) following the Young(ish) Families Service until the conclusion of our main Rosh Hashanah Service All families and children are invited to the conclusion of the Main Rosh Hashanah service for joyful singing and the final shofar blasts (~12pm -12:30pm). Advance RSVP required through the membership portal – no sign-ups at the door.
CHILDREN
SEP
12
SAT
Morning Service
Saturday, September 12 • 10 AM • UCLA Royce Hall
Our clergy, choir, band, and community will greet the New Year with thought-provoking and profound words, powerful and engaging music, chanting from our sacred Torah, and the dramatic sounding of the shofar. Family Services (K-7) and Teen Services (7-12) will be held separately (see below). The entire community (all ages) will join for the conclusion of the service for joyful singing and the final shofar blasts (~12pm -12:30pm).
ALL AGES
SEP
12
SAT
Family Service (K-7th Grade)
Saturday, September 12 • 10 AM • UCLA Royce Hall Basement
Upbeat and engaging services for families. Parents required to attend. Family service participants are encouraged to join the main service for the Torah reading and sermon following the Family service.
CHILDREN
ADULTS
SEP
12
SAT
Teen Service (7th-12th Grade)
Saturday, September 12 • 10 AM • UCLA Royce Hall West Lobby
Participatory, meaningful services for our teens, led by our teens! Teen service participants are encouraged to join the main service for the Torah reading and sermon following the teen service.
TEENS
SEP
13
SUN
Service and Playtime for Young(ish) Families
Sunday, September 13 • 9 AM • Temple Isaiah Sanctuary & Vollmer Deck
We will continue the Rosh Hashanah celebration with interactive and fun services for families with young(ish) children (0-8). Playtime and snacks on the Vollmer Deck follows services.
ADULTS
CHILDREN
SEP
13
SUN
Morning Service and Lunch
Sunday, September 13 • 10:30 AM • Temple Isaiah
Our clergy, choir, and band lead us in a Second Day of Rosh Hashanah services, offering not just a repeat of the first day’s rituals, but an exploration of Rosh Hashanah in a more intimate, communal environment in the Temple Isaiah Sanctuary, followed by lunch in the Social Hall.
ALL AGES
SEP
13
SUN
Tashlich
Sunday, September 13 • 4 PM • Santa Monica Beach Tower 22
The Clergy and our Ba’alei T’kiah (Shofar Blowers) will share blessings, songs, and the sounds of Shofar as we participate in Tashlich, the ritual casting off of sins into living waters, the Pacific Ocean. This beautiful ritual and casual service is appropriate for all ages. Service begins 4:30pm.
ALL AGES
Yom Kippur
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20
SUN
Kol Nidre
Sunday. September 20 • 7:30 PM • UCLA Royce Hall
Our clergy and musical leaders help us create moments of profound beauty and meaning for this ultimate day of the High Holy Days. The most solemn day of the Jewish year begins with the seminal, sacred music of Kol Nidrei, and features words and music of self-reflection, repentance, and renewal.
ALL AGES
SEP
21
MON
Morning Service for Young(ish) Families
Monday. September 21 • 9 AM • UCLA Royce Hall
Our clergy and songleaders will lead an engaging and age-appropriate service for families with young(ish) children (0-8).
ADULTS
CHILDREN
SEP
21
MON
Morning Childcare
Monday. September 21 • 9:45 AM • UCLA Royce Hall Donor Lounge
Childcare will be available for children ages 2-6 (enrolled in Temple Isaiah Preschool) following the Young(ish) Families Service until the end of the Main Yom Kippur Morning Service (~12:30pm). Advance RSVP required through the membership portal – no sign-ups at the door.
CHILDREN
SEP
21
MON
Morning Service
Monday. September 21 • 10 AM • UCLA Royce Hall
As on Rosh Hashanah, our clergy, choir, and band will lead us with powerful and sacred words and music, inviting us to continue the meaningful process of T’shuvah, reflection and repentance. This service will also feature the voices of our community and chanting of Torah. Family Services (K-7) and Teen Services (7-12) will be held separately (see below).
ALL AGES
SEP
21
MON
Family Service (K-7th Grade)
Monday. September 21 • 10 AM • UCLA Royce Hall Basement
Upbeat and engaging services for families. Parents required to attend. Family service participants are encouraged to join the main service for the Torah reading and sermon following the Family service.
ADULTS
CHILDREN
SEP
21
MON
Teen Service (7th-12th Grade)
Monday. September 21 • 10 AM • UCLA Royce Hall West Lobby
Participatory, meaningful services for our teens, led by our teens! Teen service participants are encouraged to join the main service for the Torah reading and sermon following the teen service.
TEENS
SEP
21
MON
People of the Book Club Discussion
Monday. September 21 • 1 PM • UCLA Royce Hall West Lobby
Rabbi Dara will lead the first of our monthly “People of the Book” Club discussions on Sarah Hurwitz’ two books: Here All Along and As a Jew. This will also serve as a preview to Sarah joining us as our featured speaker on October 11th.
ADULTS
SEP
21
MON
Afternoon Service & Mincha
Monday. September 21 • 3 PM • UCLA Royce Hall
Join us for sacred words of Torah, the reading of the Book of Jonah, and poetry and music of renewal and repentance.
ALL AGES
SEP
21
MON
Yizkor
Monday. September 21 • 4 PM • UCLA Royce Hall
Perhaps Judaism’s most powerful moments are found in the communal blessings and music of memory. Amid a day of self-reflection, we take time to honor the memories of those we have lost and to reflect on grief. Families with young children will be welcomed back to the Sanctuary for the start of N’ilah at 5pm.
ALL AGES
SEP
21
MON
N'ilah
Monday. September 21 • 5 PM • UCLA Royce Hall
The gates do not close and the Book of Life is not sealed until the sun sets on Yom Kippur. This holiest of days concludes with this uplifting and joyful service—a perfect way to end the day before breaking the fast.
ALL AGES
As we look ahead to 2026-2027, you will see the generous donations of our congregation hard at work. From new, engaging programming to upgrades to our physical campus, your generous gift ensures the growth and development of our community as we lead the way into 5787.
As part of our tradition of Yizkor during the Yamim Nora’im, we invite you to join us in remembering our loved ones who have died at this season and in seasons past. Our Digital Book of Remembrance will be accessible on the Temple Isaiah website for Yom Kippur and throughout the year.
Whether it’s your first time joining us or a cherished tradition, we welcome you to celebrate the High Holy Days with our community. Non-member tickets are available for friends, family, and guests who would like to attend services with us. We look forward to coming together in prayer, reflection, and community during this sacred season.