NOTE: The Registration Deadline has passed. Please contact the office at 301-299-7087 and we will do our best to accommodate everyone for services.
At this time, registration for the High Holy Days 5782 has closed. Please contact the Synagogue Office at 301-299-7087 and we will try to accommodate everyone.
- To order a Mahzor, click HERE.
- To order a Men's Club Sukkah Kit, click HERE (order deadline August 23).
- To order Honey to support the Sherman ECC, click HERE.
- To order a Lulav & Etrog, click HERE.
- Questions regarding the Yizkor Book (Book of Remembrance) should be directed to Leslie at Leslie@harshalom.org.
- Questions regarding Billing should be directed to Jessica at jrailey@harshalom.org.
Wishing you a Shana Tova!
- The Har Shalom Staff
Dear Friends,
I am excited to share our plans for the 5782 High Holy Days. We are pleased to offer in-person, outdoor, and streaming options. Based on the results of our High Holy Day Survey, we estimate approximately half of our congregation plans to attend in-person. In addition to our usual services in the Burke Sanctuary and Paul Family Social Hall, we will be offering in-person youth and family opportunities in the Cahan Sanctuary as well as an outdoor service option.
Key to our decisions is that nearly 99% of eligible survey respondents indicated they are or soon will be fully vaccinated. The Reopening Task Force has been meeting regularly to evaluate local and state guidance, research and data, and our congregant feedback. Their guidance has been invaluable and I want to thank them profusely for helping to keep our community safe.
Like last year, this year the High Holy Day Ticket Request will be done exclusively online – please make sure you are logged into your ShulCloud account before you begin filling out the form. The deadline to order tickets or register for virtual options is August 11.
Below are important notes pertaining to the High Holy Day experience for 5782. Please visit www.harshalom.org/HHD5782 for more detailed information.
- For the safety and security of our community, every person entering the building must have a ticket. Tickets and detailed information will be mailed in late August.
- We will be offering in-person and virtual services with staggered start times. The Burke Sanctuary service will always be streamed.
- We have added an outdoor service option for Rosh Hashanah Day 1, Kol Nidre, and Yom Kippur.
- Covid-19 Safety
- Masks should be worn by all individuals, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not, at all times when present inside the synagogue building.
- For the Outdoor Service, as well as other outdoor events, masks are recommended but not required for all vaccinated persons. For unvaccinated individuals, masks are required, except when eating.
- All service leaders and those sounding the shofar will be required to be vaccinated and submit a negative PCR test, in order to be unmasked. In addition, plexiglass and air purifying filters will be in place by the Reader’s Tables. Youth service leaders will be masked.
- While we cannot predict the exact number of participants, we are planning to limit capacity to 60-70% in our services. Please consider this when filling out your ticket request form.
- Please remember, if you or someone in your family does not feel well, please stay home and join us virtually.
Please review the included information carefully and fill out your Ticket Request Form as soon as possible. Service locations will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. If you have never logged into your account at harshalom.org or need password assistance, please reach out to Leslie, in the clergy office (leslie@harshalom.org).
Thank you for your dedication to Har Shalom and your continued cooperation as we navigate the High Holy Day Season together.
My family (Danny, Shai and myself), would like to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Sweet New Year.
L’shanah tovah tikatevu v’techatemu (May you be inscribed and sealed for a good New Year)!
Carly Litwok
Synagogue Administrator
Accessibility & Inclusion
At Har Shalom, we want all congregants, potential congregants, and others in the community to know that we are, and always aspire to be, an inclusive community and one that is accessible to those with disabilities. The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee is always on the lookout for ways to make Har Shalom even more accessible, and the Committee welcomes input from congregants. Please feel free to contact us with suggestions and feedback.
Erev Yom Kippur / Kol Nidre:
6:45PM: Kol Nidre - Burke Sanctuary Service** (Ozur Bass/Elson; with sermon from Rabbi Elson)
Please enter through the Burke Sanctuary doors
7:00PM: Kol Nidre - Outdoor Tent Service (Cahan; with sermon from Rabbi Elson)
Please enter through the Main Office doors
Yom Kippur Day:
8:00AM - 11:00AM: Outdoor Tent Service including Yizkor (Elson/Cahan; with sermon from Rabbi Elson)
Please enter through the Burke Sanctuary doors
9:15AM: Young Families Service (families with children 5 and under) in the Har Shalom Parking Lot (MollyBeth Rushfield)
Please meet us in the Loop closest to the Sherman ECC doors
10:00AM - 1:00PM: Burke Sanctuary Service** including Yizkor (Ozur Bass/Elson; streamed sermon from Rabbi Raskin)
Please enter through the Burke Sanctuary doors
11:00AM: Family Service with Ruth (students in Grades K-7 with guardians and siblings) in the Outdoor Tent (Ruth Szykman)
Please enter through the Main Office doors
11:00AM: Teen Program (Grades 8-12) in Cahan Sanctuary
12:00PM - 1:00PM: Youth Program (Grades K-7) in Classrooms - limited space available; contact Ruth to register
3:45PM - 4:45PM: Rabbi's Discussion: A Study Session led by Rabbi Cahan - Zoom & LiveStream
Please enter through the Burke Sanctuary doors
5:00PM: Minha - Burke Sanctuary** (Ozur Bass/Elson)
Please enter through the Burke Sanctuary doors
6:30PM: Neilah - Burke Sancutary** (Ozur Bass/Elson)
Please enter through the Burke Sanctuary doors
7:40PM: Ma'ariv & Havdalah: Burke Sanctuary** (Ozur Bass/Elson)
Please enter through the Burke Sanctuary doors
7:55PM: Final Shofar
**NOTE: All Services in the Burke Sanctuary will be available for viewing via LiveStream or Zoom. Please refer to your email for Access Links.
Available on Rosh Hashanah Day 1 & 2 and Yom Kippur Day
9:15AM | Young Families Service in the Cahan Sanctuary/Parking Lot (families with children 5 and under)
Join MollyBeth Roshfield for a fun and engaging service at Gan Yom Tov. We’ll sing, dance, enjoy story time and make the holidays meaningful for young children. Doors open at 9:00AM, Service will begin at 9:15AM.
10:15AM | Family Service with Ruth in the Cahan Sanctuary/Outdoor Tent (students Grades K-7 with their guardians/siblings)
Join Director of Education, Ruth Szykman for a family service filled with High Holy Day songs and prayers and a chance to hear the shofar.
11:00AM - 12:15PM | Youth Program in the Cahan Sanctuary and Classrooms (students Grades K- 7)
These programs offer developmentally appropriate, engaging opportunities for our children to celebrate the High Holy Days with their friends.
11:15AM - 12:15PM | Teen Program in the Cahan Sanctuary and Classrooms (students Grades 8-12)
Interactive, thought-provoking morning program just for teens. Ideas or topics you are interested in discussing? Please reach out to Ruth at ruth@harshalom.org.
** NOTE** Due to Covid-19 restrictions, babysitting will ONLY be available for Sherman ECC families. Information will be shared in the weekly e-Newsletter.
TRADITIONAL SERVICE | Burke Sanctuary, Paul Family Social Hall, *NEW* Outdoor Service
Burke Sanctuary Service: Will reflect all the major components of the High Holy Day service. It will be a more concise worship experience, similar to past years. This service will also be available via LiveStream.
Paul Family Social Hall Service: Will feature more traditional High Holy Day prayers and readings, with some modifications.
*NEW* Outdoor Service: Will be similar to the structure of the Burke Sanctuary Service. The Outdoor Service will be at Har Shalom.
VIRTUAL SERVICE | Available on Zoom and LiveStream
The Traditional Service in the Burke Sanctuary will be available for viewing LIVE throughout the High Holy Days. Please select and complete the Virtual Service option on the Ticket Order Form to receive access information.
NOTE: Virtual Service Links will be shared in August with all congregants who complete online registration.
GAN YOM TOV | Cahan Sanctuary
Join MollyBeth Rushfield for a fun and engaging service at Gan Yom Tov. We’ll sing, dance, enjoy story time and make the holidays meaningful for young children. This service is geared toward families with children 5 years and younger (siblings welcome).
FAMILY SERVICE WITH RUTH | Cahan Sanctuary
Join Director of Education, Ruth Szykman for a family service filled with High Holy Day songs and prayers and a chance to hear the shofar.
YOUTH & TEEN PROGRAMS | Cahan Sanctuary & Classrooms
Youth Programs offer developmentally appropriate, engaging opportunities for our children to celebrate the High Holy Days with their friends.
There will also be an interactive, thought-provoking morning program just for teens. Ideas or topics you are interested in discussing? Please reach out to Ruth at ruth@harshalom.org.
TASHLIKH & MINHA SERVICE | Gregerscroft Neighborhood Park
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we perform the ceremony of Tashlikh. This custom is derived from Micah 7:19, "You shall cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." We will meet at 4:30PM at Gregerscroft Neighborhood Park (12021 Gregerscroft Rd.). Bring a small supply of bread to cast into the water (symbolizing casting off one's sins) and a Mahzor for Minha. Families are invited to stay and play at the park after Tashlikh!
SHOFAR SERVICE | Har Shalom Parking Lot
Hear the Shofar: Join us for an opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah in the Har Shalom Parking Lot on Wednesday, September 8. Please be aware of traffic flow - you will be told where to park and will be asked to stand next to your car. Families are invited to join us for a sweet treat after the shofar!
MAHZOR REQUESTS
A very limited number of Mahzorim are available to borrow at Har Shalom. You can purchase a Mahzor Lev Shalem (published by the Rabbinical Assembly) from Har Shalom in your Ticket Order Form (Regular Edition: $54 | Large Print Edition: $84).
If you are interested in purchasing a digital version of the Mahzor Lev Shalem, please click HERE.
HONEY FUNDRAISER FOR THE SHERMAN ECC
Click HERE to order honey to support the Ira & Maryjo Sherman Early Childhood Center at Har Shalom! ORT America's "Honey from the Heart" program is the sweet way to raise money and help transform lives and improve the world through education. Questions? Email honeysale@harshalom.org.
HIGH HOLY DAYS FAMILY GREETINGS
Family Greetings will be published in the Membership Directory 2021/5782, which will be distributed at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services. To be included, entries must be received by Wednesday, August 11. You can purchase a Family Greeting Line ($36) or Family Greeting Box ($54) in your Ticket Order Form.
TASHLIKH
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, we perform the ceremony of Tashlikh. This custom is derived from Micah 7:19, "You shall cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." We will meet at 4:30PM at Gregerscroft Neighborhood Park (12021 Gregerscroft Rd.). Bring a small supply of bread to cast into the water (symbolizing casting off one's sins) and a Mahzor for Minha.
KOL NIDRE FOOD COLLECTION - OPERATION ISAIAH
Each Kol Nidre, Har Shalom congregants heed the words of Isaiah to "share your bread with the hungry" (Yom Kippur Haftarah). We ask everyone to bring nonperishable food on Kol Nidre to be distributed by the Manna Food Bank to those in need in our community.
SELIHOT
Join us the evening of Saturday, August 28. Details coming soon!
ARK VISITS
In addition to Neilah, Ark Visits will be available to congregants on Sunday, September 12 from 3:30PM - 5:30PM. Sign-up link coming soon!
LULAV & ETROG ORDERS
This year, you can purchase your Lulav & Etrog through the Ticket Order Form. We are offering Standard ($55), Deluxe ($65), and Premium ($80) options.
MEN'S CLUB SUKKAH KITS
Be the first on your block to perform the mitzvah of building and dwelling in a Sukkah. Your family will enjoy it and you’ll be a hero. Men’s Club is pleased to offer this year a larger 10’ X 10’ size, and stronger, Sukkah. Order kits for yourself, or as a gift for others. Click HERE for more details!
Place your order through the Ticket Order Form or by printing the PDF and sending a check. Orders must be received by Monday, Aug 23. Pick-up at Har Shalom at 9:15 AM to Noon on Sunday, Sept 12.
THE YIZKOR BOOK, 5782 (2021-2022)
The Yizkor Book (Book of Remembrance) is available at the Yom Kippur Yizkor Service as well as Yizkor Services throughout the year. To be included in this year's book, entries must be received by Wednesday, August 11. Please complete your entry with your Ticket Order Form. Last year's Book of Remembrance can be viewed at www.HarShalom.org/BOR.
ANNUAL CEMETERY SERVICES
The annual public Memorial Service in memory of all departed will be conducted by clergy at both:
- Judean Memorial Gardens (16225 Batchellors Forest Road, Olney) on Sunday, September 12 from 10:30AM - 12:00PM. For more information, contact Judean Memorial Gardens (301-384-1000).
- Garden of Remembrance (14321 Comus Road, Clarksburg) on Sunday, September 12 at 10:00AM and 2:00PM. For directions and other information, visit www.gardenofremembrance.org or call 301-428-3000.
This is a long-standing, uplifting custom of including the memories of our loved ones as a part of our personal reflections for the High Holy Day season.
PARKING
Regular HHD Parking: HHD Parking for the general public is off-site with regular shuttle bus service to and from Har Shalom starting at 7:45AM. Parking locations, instructions and shuttle bus schedules will be mailed with your tickets.
Special Needs Parking: Parking spaces at Har Shalom are primarily for Congregants with disabilities. Parking passes issued by Har Shalom are required to park in the Har Shalom lot. Congregants with disabilities may apply for a parking pass in the Ticket Order Form.
Purchased Reserved Parking: A limited number of reserved parking spaces in the Har Shalom parking lot are available for purchase for use throughout the HHDs for $500 on a first come first served basis. Proceeds support programming and operations expenses. Please use the Ticket Order Form to purchase parking.
Alternatively, you may also purchase a raffle ticket in the Ticket Order Form to win a parking space.
Throughout the High Holy Days, we will be streaming the Traditional Service from the Burke Sanctuary. Please select and complete the Virtual Services option on the Ticket Order Form to receive access information.
NOTE: Virtual Service Links will be shared in August with all congregants who complete online registration.