Temple Emanuel of the Merrimack Valley invites everyone to our High Holy Day Services! We do not charge for seats (we rely on voluntary donations from attendees), and do not require tickets or reservations—just come to celebrate and pray with us. We welcome all who wish to explore Jewish practice–our community includes both Jewish and Jewish/interfaith families, families of multiple ethnicities and geographic origins, and LGBTQ+ families and individuals.
All services (except the Plum Island service) will be led by Rabbi Robin S. Sparr and Rabbinic Intern Jennifer Stevens. Our services are musically rich and diverse, and include opportunities for both participation and reflection. Of particular note are our afternoon “family” services at 3:00 p.m. on Rosh Hashana and at 2 p.m. on Yom Kippur. These brief, engaging services will include liturgical highlights for each holy day, as well as songs, a story, shofar calls, and (on Rosh Hashanah) honey sticks! All are welcome—this is a wonderful opportunity for adults and children to worship together, as well as for those who may have other school or work obligations in the morning, are looking for a taste of TEMV, or would simply enjoy a shorter service. Bring your friends, neighbors, and relatives!
Please note that some services are at TEMV while others are down the street at the UTEC Catalyst Center. Both buildings are accessible to those with disabilities.
Parking
TEMV, 151 Warren St., Suite 200, Lowell
We are on the #2 LRTA Bus Route. There is free onsite parking. There is also a large, free parking lot within a few minutes’ walk at 131 Church Street.
UTEC Catalyst Center, 3rd floor, 17 Warren Street, Lowell
You may park free at the 131 Church Street parking lot, which is a few minutes’ walk away. Additionally, for $1.50/hour, you may use the Lower Locks Parking Facility or on-street parking across the street from UTEC. (Free after 6 p.m.)
Erev Rosh Hashanah
Sunday, September 29, 8:00 p.m.
At the UTEC Catalyst Center, 3rd floor, 17 Warren Street. Lowell
Rosh Hashanah
Monday, September 30
10 a.m. Morning service and Torah reading
At the UTEC Catalyst Center, 3rd floor, 17 Warren Street. Lowell
Apples and honey kiddush following service
Many thanks to Farmer Dave’s in Dracut for donating apples to our Rosh Hashanah kiddush.
3:00 p.m. Family Service
At TEMV, 151 Warren St., Suite 200, Lowell
4:00 p.m. Tashlich
We will perform the traditional ritual of tashlich, casting away our sins and leaving the negatives parts of our lives behind, beside the Concord River on Rosh Hashanah following the family service at 4 p.m. Just a gentle reminder: bread is not good for waterfowl – instead of crumbs, we will bring oats to cast. If you’d care to bring your own, recommended are cracked corn or barley, frozen (but defrosted) peas, or duck feed pellets. Meet at TEMV at 3:45 and we will take the two-minute walk to the river together.
Plum Island Sunrise Service
Tuesday, October 1
Meet at Plum Island at 6:15 a.m.
Celebrate the 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah at our joyous sunrise service with the sound of song, shofar, and drums. Join us for a lovely pot luck breakfast and short service followed by a walk on the beach, wading, or swimming. Please bring a special poem or reading to share and a shofar if you have one.
Sunrise on Tuesday, October 1 is at 6:40 a.m. We will meet at the beach at 6:15 a.m. We will be just off the boardwalk from the 1st parking lot. Set your GPS to Parker River Wildlife Refuge or Plum Island. Please contact Karen Lipshires at karen@temv.org if you have any questions or are considering joining us. Since this service is dependent on the weather, please tell her you plan on coming in case we need to cancel.
Shabbat Shuvah
Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m.
At TEMV, 151 Warren St., Suite 200, Lowell
Kol Nidre
Tuesday, October 8, 8:00 p.m.
At the UTEC Catalyst Center, 3rd floor, 17 Warren Street. Lowell
Cello accompaniment by Cameron Sawzin
Yom Kippur
Wednesday, October 9
10 a.m. Morning Service and Torah Reading
At the UTEC Catalyst Center, 3rd floor, 17 Warren Street. Lowell
All of the following services will be at TEMV, 151 Warren St., Suite 200, Lowell:
12:15 p.m. Study and reflection with Rabbinic Intern Jennifer Stevens
2:00 p.m. Family Service
3:00 p.m. Quiet time in sanctuary for meditation and prayer, with Western Wall
On Yom Kippur afternoon, a box for prayer requests will be placed at the back of the sanctuary. The box will be returned to the Ark and in the spring the prayers will be hand delivered to the Western Wall in Jerusalem! Everyone is invited to put in the names of loved ones, persons and places in need of healing, and other prayers that may be in your hearts. Please remember to pray for peace in Jerusalem. We ask that you enter the sanctuary quietly, as this will be a time of for reflection and meditation.
4:00 p.m. Mincha/Afternoon service with Torah reading
5:00 p.m. Yizkor Service of Memory and Reflection
Our yizkor service is about an hour and includes music, prayer, candles, and periods of quiet contemplation. Please note: we no longer read aloud a list of those we wish to remember. Instead, all who are present are invited to share the names of their loved ones aloud. You may wish to bring a written list along to help you recall everyone.
6:15 p.m. Neilah – Closing Service
7:00 p.m. Havdalah and Potluck Break-the-Fast
Please bring food that doesn’t need cooking or heating. RSVP (helpful but not required) to breakfast@temv.org.