This page will be continuously updated. Please submit any corrections to rachel@jewishannarbor.org.
Sermons & Reflections from Around Ann Arbor
Rabba Yael Keller, Director of Education and Religious Engagement at Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan
Rabbi Ora Nitkin-Kaner, Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation
Rosh Hashanah: Leaving Behind the Idol Shop; Or, Enthroning An Orientation Towards Love
Yom Kippur: Carrying Our Imperfections Gently In Our Hearts
Rabbi Nadav Caine, Beth Israel Congregation
Rosh Hashanah Day One: Leaving the Victim Triangle Behind: Going from Blamer to Creator
Rosh Hashanah Day Two: It’s Time to End the Fertility Bias in Covenant: Our Shame in Shutting Out Those Without Children
Kol Nidrei: Halakhah and Zoom Minyan: Adding Windows of Inclusion to the House of Israel?
Yom Kippur: Combatting the Curses Against Israel with History not more Scapegoating
Tilly Shemer, Executive Director at Michigan Hillel
Rabbi Josh Whinston, Temple Beth Emeth
Video recording of live Rosh Hashanah sermon
Rabbi Daniel Alter, Director of Education at Temple Beth Emeth
A Little Nonsense (Delivered via Zoom to Temple Beth Sholom in Anchorage, Alaska)
Pardes Hannah
Community members explored the theme “Surfing the Ebb and Flow”
High Holidays Letter by Reb Elliot Ginsburg
Vort (words) by community member Deb Hansen
Vort (words) by community member Jane Blumenthal
Vort (words) by community member Jordyn Platt
High Holiday Services with Local Congregations
Please visit each congregation’s website for registration information and more details.
Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan
The Ann Arbor Orthodox Minyan is an intimate and vibrant orthodox congregation. Our membership is multigenerational, including families with babies and school-aged children, young couples just starting out, empty-nesters, and retirees. The diversity of our community is reflected in our programming, which provides frequent opportunities for our members to learn Torah, celebrate, socialize, and connect with Judaism in ways they find meaningful.
→ In Person services
→ Outdoor services
→ Indoor services
→ Masks required indoors
→ Masks required outdoors
→ Vaccination required if eligible
→ Advance registration required for in person
⊗ Virtual option
Ann Arbor Reconstructionist Congregation
AARC members actively explore and debate Jewish beliefs and practices, balancing a respect for traditional Jewish teachings with the responsibility to interpret them in the light of our contemporary values. We are affiliated with Jewish Reconstructionist Communities.
→ In Person services
⊗ Outdoor services
→ Indoor services
→ Masks required indoors
→ Masks optional outdoors if vaccinated, recommended if not
→ Vaccination required if eligible
→ Advance registration required for in person (priority to members)
→ Virtual option
Beth Israel Congregation
Beth Israel is an active, egalitarian, community-minded congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. We are passionate about life-long learning, tikkun olam (healing the world), sharing our heritage with the next generation, and innovative activities of all kinds.
→ In Person services
⊗ Outdoor services
→ Outdoor children’s activities
→ Indoor services
→ Masks required indoors
→ Vaccination required if eligible
→ Advance registration required for in person (priority to members)
→ Virtual option
Chabad House of Ann Arbor
Congregation Chabad is a family-oriented synagogue consisting of members of many diverse backgrounds, including students and community members. Services are conducted year-round in conformance with traditional Jewish law and practice. Prayer books are also available in English and Russian.
→ In Person services
→ Indoor services
→ Outdoor tashlich and shofar blowing
→ Masks optional indoors if fully vaccinated
→ Advance registration suggested for in person
⊗ Virtual option
Jewish Cultural Society
A Humanistic Jewish congregation provides group identity, adult education, youth education, a setting for public celebrations of holidays and life-cycle ceremonies, and a community voice for the Humanistic Jewish point of view.
⊗ In Person services
→ Outdoor Tashlich
→ Virtual option
Pardes Hannah
Pardes Hannah is the Jewish Renewal Community of Ann Arbor in affiliation with ALEPH: The Alliance for Jewish Renewal. In the tradition of Jewish Renewal communities, Pardes Hannah is committed to strengthening the three pillars of Jewish life- prayer, study, and action.
⊗ In Person services
→ Virtual option
Temple Beth Emeth
We are a Reform congregation and member of the Union for Reform Judaism. Our deeply held beliefs and principles guide the actions and behaviors of the congregation. TBE’s congregational family is founded on the values of warmth, togetherness, openness, belonging, caring, and the sharing of Jewish living.
→ In Person services
→ Outdoor services
→ Indoor services
→ Masks required indoors
→ Masks required outdoors
→ Advance registration required for in person (members only)
→ Virtual option
National Resources
Hillel International: Higher Holidays
Now is your chance to tune into out-of-this-world Hillel Higher Holidays Festival experiences! Sign up for the Festival Launch Party, interactive Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur events, and use our handy search tool to get connected to programs on your campus.
Virtual services and resources from of seven path‐breaking Jewish communities across the United States who have come together in the spirit of collaboration. These include: IKAR in Los Angeles, Kavana in Seattle, The Kitchen in San Francisco, Mishkan in Chicago, Sixth & I in Washington, D.C., and Lab/Shul and Romemu in New York.
Telling and listening to stories creates a powerful connection. Take some time to create meaning during the holiday by using the following conversation prompts with family and friends.
Not sure what the High Holidays are all about? MyJewishLearning has a Rosh Hashanah FAQ and a list of 9 things you might not know about the holiday, among many other resources.
Guide to fall holidays with activities and resources for families with young kids.
Essays and study guides for reflection
National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) [PDF download]
A high holiday guide including questions for reflection and commentary from NCJW Scholar in Residence, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg.