High Holidays FAQ
Online Services
Is there an online option for participating in services? Yes, all services (except for Tashlich which is outdoors and on-the-move) will be streamed online via Zoom. All online participants will be muted, and chat is disabled during services. We encourage anyone joining us to have your camera turned on, so we can see you in our sanctuary as well. Once you turn your camera on, please be mindful that everyone in the sanctuary can see you. We encourage you to be present in that moment with us, without TV, cellphones, food, or other distractions.
Where can I find the Zoom links for services? Zoom links will be sent out to everyone who registers for Zoom access to services. For members, the Zoom links will also be available on the Zoom Links & Passwords page on your ShulCloud portal.
Hazzan
Is CEH hiring a Hazzan for the High Holidays? Yes!
Gila Drazen is thrilled to be joining the CEH community for the 5784 High Holiday season! A graduate of the University of Judaism, Gila spends her days in the development department at Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York. She has led High Holiday services in Austin, Texas; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; Los Angeles, California; St. Paul, Minnesota; La Crosse, Wisconsin; Brooklyn, New York; and Huntington, West Virginia; growing up, she was a member of the choir at Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, Nebraska. She and her husband Rob live in New York City, where they are members of the Forest Hills Jewish Center.
Registration and Attendance
Do I need to Register for Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret, & Simchat Torah? No. Registration is not required for Sukkot, Hoshanah Rabbah, Shemini Atzeret, & Simchat Torah
Why do I have to register for Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah Services? Requiring registrations improves the safety and security of the services; it lets us pre-print Name Badge Tickets and enables us to understand the actual interest in in-person attendance. Registration deadline is August 20th, 2023, Register here.
Can I bring a guest? Yes, you’re welcome to bring friends, relatives, prospective new members, etc., but these guests must be registered in advance, Register here.
Ticket Fees
I’m a CEH member, are tickets free? Yes. Your membership in CEH includes all High Holiday services and activities.
Is there a Guest or non-member fee? Yes. For non-members, we would love to have you with us, either in person or online. Tickets for non-members are $180. Register here.
Please contact office@etzhayim.net for college and military discounts.
Youth Programming
What Youth Programming is available? On both days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, CEH will be running educational Youth programming from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Activities include: learning stations, services, and song sessions.
May parents attend Youth Programming? Parents may attend the tefilla portion of Youth Programming. Please contact the Director of Jewish Learning and Programming or Preschool Director to discuss special circumstances.
What age ranges are considered “Youth?” Anyone who is older than 18 months in age and who has not had a Bar/Bat/B-Mitzvah yet.
Is there babysitting? If you are interested in some kind of babysitting, please share your interest with us in the registration form so we can be in touch with you about that.
What if my child wants or needs to leave the Youth programming? Youth may not roam the building; they’ll be required to stay in the programming space until you pick them up. If a child requests to see you, a member of the staff will relay that message to you so that you can come down to get your child. All children in Youth Programming will receive a blue bracelet so staff can identify and care for them.
Will snacks be provided? Yes, on Rosh Hashanah Days 1 & 2 we will provide apples, honey & challah. On Yom Kippur there will be light snacks.
Special Accessibility
Can I request/reserve handicapped parking and accessible seating? Yes. Please contact Marcy for more information.
Security
Security? As they have done in the past, Arlington Police will be at the door providing security.