The Minutiae of High Holidays
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– By Casey J. Adler
Rosh Hashanah: September 22, 2025
Yom Kippur: October 1, 2025
In a surprise to everyone, the High Holidays are coming up … again. These ritual observances are the pinnacle of annual Jewish worship, uniting the ultra-observant, the sometimes-observant, and the amI-still-considered-Jewish-if-I-eat-pepperoni-pizza-observant.
The High Holidays can be a time to reset and renew. However, what many attendees may not be aware of is the amount of work that’s involved in producing what is essentially Jewish Coachella Fest. Each synagogue, large and small, has a whole host of needs and necessities that must be accomplished in order for Rosh Hashana, Kol Nidre and Yom Very Hungry to go smoother than Larry David trapped in a church on Christmas.
JLiving polled four separate congregations in Los Angeles — Temple Israel of Hollywood, Temple Ner Simcha, Temple of the Arts and Kehillat Israel — to get a sense of how the local Jewish community is preparing for the inevitable.
Pre-Registration: Please Do It Early
While Temple Ner Simcha has roughly 150 active members at its synagogue, the High Holiday services there can swell to 1,000. Pre-registration notifications are sent out in June through snail mail and email. But as Rabbi Barclay says, last-minute stragglers are welcome, since Simach is one of the only congregations (perhaps in the country?) that doesn’t require individuals to “pay to pray” to attend its High Holiday services. Simach’s services will be held at the venerable Canyon Club in Agoura Hills.
Similarly, Temple of the Arts in Beverly Hills makes an effort to be inclusive to Jews whose pocketbooks may be strained. Since “arts” is in the organization’s name, it caters to many workers in the entertainment industry, both in front of and behind the camera. Rabbi David Baron emphatically stressed that, due to the massive strain put on Angelenos over the past two years because of productions leaving Los Angeles, the temple is once again extending free entry to WGA and SAG members (who must provide appropriate ID). The temple’s services will be held at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.
For Temple Israel of Hollywood (TIOH), pre-registration for the High Holiday services begins with membership renewal. All members receive tickets to the High Holidays before any tickets go on sale to non-members. Lasker said that direct marketing occurs about a month prior to the High Holidays. This includes website information, newsletters and social media. TIOH also takes pride in “offering discounts based on people’s needs.” TIOH’s services will be held at its main campus in Los Angeles.
Similar to TIOH, Kehillat Israel, the synagogue that survived the Pacific Palisades fire, provides tickets to its members. Non-members can purchase tickets separately. KI begins sending information regarding the High Holidays in the middle of summer. Rabbi Daniel Sher said they expect 2,000 people in person this year — and more via live stream. The temple’s services will be held in Barnum Hall at Santa Monica High School.
Security: Obviously
Whether it’s private security or police patrols, every congregation ensures that security is front and center.
Musicians: It’s Not Bad If You Have a Grammy
Temple Ner Simcha said the congregation has a core group of Grammy Award-winning musicians who’ve worked together for years. They know the arrangements of the music, and they know how to improvise if something veers off course. Unlike many other congregations not spend more than the night before on a sound check. Regarding lighting and event services, all tech is controlled by the staff of the Canyon Club, who work 365 days a year on events, so all they need is a production sheet with their cues.
Similar to Simach, Temple of the Arts employs many industry-related artists (heck, it’s in the name!). In addition to Cantor Ilysia Pierce, who performed on Broadway in “Beauty and the Beast,” the congregation’s musicians and actors interpret the themes of the prayers each in their own way. This means the performers work primarily on their own time and schedules.
Temple Israel of Hollywood executive director Dr. Zach Lasker emphasized that their musicians rehearse for four weeks. Lasker didn’t mention whether any of TIOH’s musicians were Grammy Award winners, but one can assume there are likely a few.
Kehillat Israel begins tech prep approximately eight weeks out from the High Holidays. Rabbi Sher said that the “High Holidays are one of the larger logistical tacklings of a congregation.” While musicians are contacted months in advance, he stressed that the choir is the major component for their High Holidays. Made up of congregants, he said, “We have a choir director so that our congregants have a chance to play k’lay kodesh — tools of the holy.”
Live Streaming?
Live streaming is readily available in every congregation. The consensus seems to be that each congregation employs a combination of in-house tech services and third-party operators.
Conclusion
Smaller congregations put an emphasis on looser protocols, while larger ones work for months in advance around every logistical question. For some, the High Holidays are tantamount to producing the Oscars. For others, it’s like playing jazz. The most important question above all is: Where will you be eating to break your fast?
