THEME: Refu’at Nefesh – Healing the Soul in Unsettled Times
We are living through times that feel volatile and uncertain. Sometimes we feel the echoes of the world’s brokenness in ourselves. The High Holidays offer the long, dignified process of teshuvah – returning, repairing, and renewing ourselves — in a safe, comforting container of ritual and community.
Together, we will also find rest, restoration and hope in the wisdom and compassion of our tradition. We are invited to recalibrate our souls toward healing and joy. Whether you are returning to synagogue or joining us for the first time, you will find meaningful prayer, inspiring music, thoughtful learning, and a welcoming community.
At Agudas Achim Congregation, we proudly make the High Holiday accessible to all: tickets are not required. While there is no fee to attend, voluntary donations are deeply appreciated and help us maintain the Jewish values of inclusivity and welcome. To help with the costs of planning, events, and security, we ask that you register at this link.
SCHEDULE
EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
Tuesday, August 25, 7:00-9:00 p.m – Open Session of the Introduction to Judaism course. (Everyone is welcome, not just those registered for the course.) “The High Holidays, part 1—Understanding the Days of Awe”
Wednesday, August 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Big Ideas Book Club will read Rabbi Alan Lew’s This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared—The Days of Awe As A Journey of Transformation (At Iowa City Public Library)
Tuesday, September 1, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Open Session (again, everyone is welcome) of the Introduction to Judaism course. “The High Holidays, part 2 – Machzor (High Holiday prayer book) Basics.”
Saturday, September 5, 9:00 p.m – Selichot (prayers of reflection to introduce the High Holiday season)
Tuesday, September 15, 7:00-9:00 p.m. – Open Session of the Introduction to Judaism course. “The High Holidays, part 3—Understanding the Festival of Sukkot.”
ROSH HASHANAH
Friday, September 11
- 7:00 p.m. – Reception with wine and cheese
- 8:00 p.m. – Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Saturday, September 12 –
- 9:30 a.m.- Rosh HaShanah Morning Services;
- 10:00 a.m. – Short Children’s Service
- 8:00 p.m. – Rosh Hashanah 2nd Evening Service
Sunday, September 13
- 8:30 a.m. – Rosh Hashanah Morning Service
- 3:00 p.m. – Tashlich
SHABBAT SHUVAH
Friday, September 18
- 7:00 p.m. – Shabbat Shuvah Service
Saturday, September 19
- 9:30 a.m. – Shabbat Shuvah Service
- After services – Kiddush presentation: “Composing Your Ethical Will” with Leah Haravon Collins
YOM KIPPUR
Sunday, September 20
- 6:15 p.m. – doors open for Kol Nidre
Monday, September 21
- 8:30 a.m – Yom Kippur Morning Services, Conservative
- 9:30 a.m. – Yom Kippur Morning Services, Reform
- 10:00 a.m. – Yom Kippur Children’s Service, age 8 and younger
- 4:45 p.m. – Yizkor
- 5:15 p.m. – Minchah (Afternoon Service)
- 6:45 p.m. – Neilah (Closing Service)
- 8:00 p.m. – Havdalah and Blowing of the Shofar
SUKKOT
Friday, September 25
- 7:00 p.m. – Erev Shabbat + Sukkot Service
Saturday, September 26
- 9:30 a.m. – Shabbat + Sukkot Morning Service
Sunday, September 27
- 9:30 a.m. – Sukkot Morning Service
SHEMINI ATZERET and SIMCHAT TORAH
Friday, October 2
- 7:00 p.m. – Erev Shabbat + Shemini Atzeret Service
Saturday, October 3
- 9:30 a.m. – Shabbat + Shemini Atzeret Morning Service (and Yizkor)
- 6:30 p.m. – Family-friendly Dinner 6:00 p.m. Erev Simchat Torah Service
Sunday, October 4
- 9:30 a.m. – Simchat Torah Morning Service