High Holidays FAQs

Welcome to the Temple Emanuel High Holidays Frequently Asked Questions page!  Here you will find up-to-date resources to make your High Holidays as meaningful as possible without having to worry about the logistics.

Quick Links:

When do I receive my tickets? High Holiday tickets will be sent to you on September 18th.

Is parking available? We kindly ask that you keep in mind that Temple Emanuel is part of a neighborhood and community. When parking, driving, and dropping off, please be mindful of our neighbors, street signs and regulations.  Thank you in advance for your consideration.

What is Yizkor? Yizkor is a memorial prayer recited four times a year: on Yom Kippur, Shemini Atzeret and the last days of Passover and Shavuot. At these times, it is customary to commemorate the life and passing of loved ones with tzedakah. Please consider contributing to the Temple Emanuel General Fund or one of our Synagogue Gift Funds.

What are your accessibility options?

  • All indoor services are fully accessible and ramps have been installed to ensure access to the bimas in both the Rabbi Chiel Sanctuary and the Adelson Community Hall.
  • There are wheelchairs, large print prayer books, and hearing devices available for anyone who needs them. Please speak to an usher if you should have questions or need assistance.
  • Feldberg, next Housman Activity Area, will be available for nursing mothers.
  • Classroom 21 will be used as a reflective space to retreat from services and take a moment to yourself.
  • The Reisman Hall Terrace will be a scent/fragrance free space to watch the High Holidays on Livestream.
  • We respectfully ask you to refrain from using your cell phones in the building on the holidays.

What are your safety and security guidelines?

Safety and Security is our #1 Priority!

Please familiarize yourself with the following top five safety guidelines:

  1. See something. Say something. (All ushers and staff will be wearing name badges.)
  2. In a medical emergency – EMT is on site in Room 23
  3. Please review our safety and security bookmark
  4. In the event of an emergency, please meet your children at the corner of West Boulevard. Please do not attempt to find them, but rather leave the building as quickly as possible. Babysitters and youth service leaders will escort all children out of the building safely.
  5. Trained staff, security and police officers will guide you in an emergency. Newton Police will be stationed on both the Ward Street and Ashford Road entrances. There will be private security stationed throughout the building.

Is babysitting available?

Yes! We do offer babysitting during the following time frames:

Rosh Hashanah Day 1: 7:45am – 2:00pm

Rosh Hashanah Day 2: 8:45am – 2:00pm

Kol Nidre: 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Yom Kippur: 7:45pm – 3:00pm

Ne’ilah: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Do you offer reciprocity tickets?

Yes, we have reciprocity tickets for you to go to any service you would like regardless of denomination.To request reciprocity tickets to attend Temple Emanuel services or to attend the holidays at another congregation, please click here.

Do I need a ticket to get into services?

Yes, advance registration is required to attend High Holiday services. You must bring a physical printed copy of your ticket or be ready to show your QR code on your phone to enter the building.

How do I access the virtual mahzor?

Virtual Mahzor available soon!

What is swatting?

“Swatting” is the act of making false emergency calls, often to 911 or other emergency services, with the intention of triggering a significant response from law enforcement, particularly specialized units like SWAT (Special Weapons & Tactics) teams. The term itself is derived from the acronym SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). SWAT Teams are often used by law enforcement agencies to handle high-risk situations. Swatting threats have been on the rise in recent years, leading to increased community concern and a robust and coordinated response by the FBI, other federal agencies and organizations, and state and local government and law enforcement.

Click here for more information.

 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Erin Moseley .  

We look forward to seeing you on the holidays! Shana Tova!  

Shanah tovah u’metuka