CONGREGATION SHA'AR ZAHAV

    Selichot   *   Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services   *  Children’s Activities and Childcare

Please join Congregation Sha’ar Zahav for inspiring and uplifting services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and for other events and services leading up to the Days of Awe.  Here’s everything you need to know:

Selichot Service: An introspective, reflective service that commences the High Holy Day season

Saturday, September 8, 8:00 - 10:00 pm (at Congregation Sha'ar Zahav)

For centuries, Jews have gathered in synagogues on Saturday evening near Rosh Hashanah to prepare for the sacred season of self-scrutiny and renewal with a service called Selichot, "forgiveness."  We will begin with Havdalah, marking the end of Shabbat, and will continue with a moving service.  Explore High Holiday musical and religious themes as they touch our emotions and move us toward self-judgment and new resolutions.  This hour of worship is one of the most inspiring of the year. 

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services

Tickets are required for entrance to MOST services at Herbst Theater, including morning services.  There is a charge for guest tickets to the three evening services (Erev Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, and Neilah), but no charge for guest tickets for the morning services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur at the Herbst Theatre.

To request these free tickets and/or to purchase tickets, there are several options available:

• You may download the Non-member ticket order form and either email the completed form to Shaun Hannan: shaun@shaarzahav.org or mail it to the CSZ office.

• You may order tickets via our secure Paypal ordering page (for purchased tickets only).

• Or you may call the CSZ office at 415-861-6932 to order tickets over the phone. 

All services will be held at the Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Avenue at McAllister, unless otherwise noted.

ROSH HASHANAH

Sunday, September 16
7:30 p.m     Ma’ariv (ticket required) (Oneg to follow)

Monday, September 17
9:30 a.m.    Shacharit & Musaf (free ticket required)
9:30 a.m.    Family Services
2:00 p.m     Tashlich brownbag picnic (at Crissy Field)
3:00 p.m.    Tashlich service (at Crissy Field)

Tuesday, September 18
9:30 a.m.    Shacharit & Musaf (at CSZ, 290 Dolores Street)

Sunday, September 23
10:00 a.m. Kever Avot V'Imahot at Hills of Eternity Cemetery*

YOM KIPPUR

Tuesday, September 25
7:30 p.m.    Kol Nidre (ticket required)

Wednesday, September 26
9:30 a.m.    Shacharit & Musaf (free ticket required)
9:30 a.m.    Family Service for Pre-Readers
9:30 a.m.    Service for Readers
1:30 p.m.    Mincha Service
2:30 p.m.    Niggun Service
3:30 p.m.    Names Service
3:30 p.m.    Study Sessions: 1, A and B**
4:30 p.m.    Study Sessions: 2, A and B **
5:30 p.m.    Yizkor & Neilah (ticket required)
~7:30 p.m.    Oneg / Break-fast (time approximate)

CSZ will participate in The San Francisco Food Bank’s High Holiday Food Drive.  Bins will be provided in the lobby of Congregation Sha'ar Zahav and at the Herbst Theater. Donations of non-perishable canned/packaged food will be greatly appreciated.

Please join us for a brief service at the graveside of friends and family who are buried in our synagogue cemetery.  Services will be led by Rabbi Angel and Sha’ar Zahav member, Paul Cohen. Food and shared memories will follow services.

**Yom Kippur Study Sessions

Children’s Activities and Childcare

Child Care. Paid child-care is available with pre-registration. Children will be divided into two groups: 6 months to 5 years, and 6-11 years. The program for older children will provide High Holiday related activities and structured free time.  The program for younger children will provide a wide variety of toys and different play areas including High Holiday related art activities for tots.  

For keeping our children safe, we would like to request that all children either be in childcare or with their parents/guardians at all times.

You may download this High Holiday Childcare Registration Form and either send the completed form to the office via email at shaun@shaarzahav.org or postal mail.

Registration must be completed no later than Friday, September 14, 2012.  For the safety of all of our children we will restrict admission based on staffing capacity. 

Children’s and Family Services.  There are age-appropriate services for children and their families on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mornings. There will be two family services running simultaneously on Rosh Hashanah.  One is for younger children/pre-readers (0-6) and their families.  The other is for older children/readers (7-12) and their families. On Yom Kippur morning there will be a Family Service for young non-readers, and a program for older readers. Parents will not attend the program with their older children, but are still encouraged to attend the Family service with their children who are Kindergarten and younger ages. Please make whatever determination is right for your family if you have children in both groups. Please follow the signs to find the appropriate room. Children 12 and above are strongly encouraged to attend regular services with their parents.

During those times that Family Services take place (see below), there will be no childcare.  Parents are encouraged to attend Family Services with their children.  Family services are open to all children and their families whether or not the children are registered for childcare. Remaining from last year, the Yom Kippur Program for Readers is not a family service.  Pre-registration for Family Services is not required.  

Children’s programming sessions on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur mornings are not required for Beit Sefer Phyllis Mintzer students.       

Sanctuary Seating for People with Children.  Parents with children often find it convenient to sit in the balcony, for easy access to childcare facilities.  However, there is no reserved seating specifically for people with children.  All seating in the balcony and the main floor is open to everyone. 

On Arriving at Herbst. When you arrive at Herbst, please bring your children to the appropriate room.  All children attending childcare must be registered by parents or guardians and checked in and out.