Study Reflection Learning High Holy Day High Holy Days Stephen Wise Temple

At Wise, we recognize that not everybody worships or learns in the same way. That’s why we offer a variety of opportunities to engage with the High Holy Day liturgy.

During the Days of Awe, in addition to our meaningful worship services, you will have many opportunities to learn with our clergy and your community both online and in-person.

Spirit of the High Holy Days

The morning of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, get a taste of our weekly Spirit of Shabbat learning. If you have not joined us before, you’ll pray, laugh, learn, and grow as you experience our special brand of communal study with our clergy. Texts will be provided in English and Hebrew and all learners are warmly welcomed!

Plotkin Chapel | In-Person or Participate on Zoom | Register

Torah Readings for Rosh Hashanah With Rabbi Ron Stern
Both Torah readings for Rosh Hashanah tell stories of childless women longing for children. How do these accounts of longing and subverted dreams relate to the themes of these High Holy Days? Together, we will explore the themes evoked in these poignant stories.

Chilling and Life-Changing Words With Rabbi David Woznica
“On Rosh Hashanah it is written and on Yom Kippur it is sealed: How many shall pass away, how many shall be born? Who shall live and who shall die …”

There are no more powerful words we chant than on these days. How are we to understand them? Does Judaism believe our fate is shaped between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? Perhaps most importantly, we will consider how these words should specifically impact our actions during the next 10 days.

Plotkin Chapel | In-Person or Participate on Zoom | Register

Join Rabbi Yoshi for text study and reflection around the key themes of t’shuvah (repentance) and s’licha (forgiveness) that animate the Days of Awe. Get your Day of Judgment off to the right start by joining with your community in words of Torah!

Spend the Day Learning With Us on Yom Kippur

Monday, September 25

Our clergy and musical team have created space for our community to learn, pray, reflect, and engage with our tradition in a variety of ways during the afternoon of Yom Kippur. Many undertake a fast during Yom Kippur, abstaining from food and drink so as to focus body and soul on the task of t’shuvah. Helping center us on the themes of repentance and reflection, it is common practice to spend most of the hours of the day in synagogue. While prayer is a central aspect of the Yom Kippur day, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that prayer without action and introspection is not a true fast. So, what better way to spend the fast than by drinking in the ancient words of our tradition, filling ourselves with knowledge and wisdom, and sharing the nourishment of our text—and its commitment to action—through lively discussion? Join us for what promises to be a moving and inspiring afternoon.

Monday, Sept. 25 | 1:15-2 p.m. | Plotkin Chapel | In-Person or Participate on Zoom | Register

With Rabbi Sari Laufer and Yael Farber, Rabbinic Intern

Much emphasis is placed on forgiveness and the processes around asking for and granting it. Join Rabbi Sari and Rabbinic Intern Yael Farber for a conversation about what comes next—can we really forgive and forget, or are we asked to do something else?

Plotkin Chapel | In-Person or Participate on Zoom | Register

With Rabbi David Woznica

Can we reconcile a just and all-powerful God in a world where there is unjust pain and loss? Rabbi Woznica will lead us through this vitally important and, for many, personal question, as he offers his thoughts while welcoming inquiry and the experiences of others.

Plotkin Chapel | In-Person or Participate on Zoom | Register

With Music Director Tali Tadmor and the Wise Musical Team

Our Wise musicians have curated a program of choral, solo, and instrumental music that is certain to touch your heart and comfort your soul. Featuring Dr. Iris Levine and solos by flutist Lesili Beard and Cantorial Intern Andrew Paskil.

Just before Ne’ilah, join us for an interactive and entertaining look at the book of Jonah. Jonah is a terrific story and filled with not a small amount of humor. We’ll sing songs, tell our version of the story, and learn some important lessons.