High Holy Days

Hurricane Milton Update

Dear Congregants and Visitors,

We hope you were able to join us for our special Zoom evening service last night. Today, as many of you remain without power—including Schaarai Zedek’s building—we invite our community to gather outdoors at the Temple.

Regardless of whether power is restored this morning, we encourage those who can safely travel to the synagogue to join us. We will be holding a Yom Kippur “Open House” from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Join us outside for visits, prayers, and songs of strength and healing—and we may even have coffee! The sanctuary will also be open for private prayer and reflection. Please prioritize your safety, considering factors like gas availability, road conditions, and your comfort level before coming to Temple.

If you prefer a formal streaming service, our friends at Temple Beth El in Charlotte, NC, have graciously invited us to join their service at 11:00 AM, welcoming our congregation with open arms.

While we won’t have a formal Yizkor service today, we invite you to our Sh’mini Atzeret Yizkor service on Thursday, October 24, at 10:30 AM. Temple Beth El will also stream their afternoon service today, beginning at 3:30 PM, via the same link as above.

We know the High Holy Days have taken a back seat for many, as you focus on your homes and families. For others, there is disappointment in not being able to gather in person. However, as our theme throughout the High Holy Days reminds us, we are united no matter where we are, and we are here to support one another in every way possible.

Chazak chazak v’nitchazeik – Be strong, be strong, and may we strengthen one another!

Warm regards,

Congregation Schaarai Zedek

 

Greetings!

We welcome everyone into the synagogue for services. We know that the High Holy Days are a special time for our community to come together and celebrate our faith. We encourage you to join us in person for services, but we also understand that some people may prefer to stay home. For those who are more comfortable at home, we will continue to offer our online streaming and public access TV options.

This page contains all of the information you will need for the High Holy Days. Please read this material carefully, including our new ticket process.

On behalf of your Officers, Board of Trustees, Clergy, and Staff, I wish you a healthy and happy new year! I hope that you will take some time during the High Holy Days to reflect on the past year and to make resolutions for the year ahead. I also hope that you will join us for services and that you will find inspiration and meaning in our community’s shared traditions.

Shana tova,

Carla Markowitz
President

 

MEMBER TICKETS

  • Each household in good standing was mailed one complimentary All Services Ticket. This single ticket covers your entire family and grants access to all Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, including our family and tot services. Please bring your ticket with you to each service.
  • If your paper ticket is missing, simply fill out the RSVP form. Your email confirmation will act as your ticket.
  • To aid us in our preparations, kindly inform us of the High Holy Day events or services you wish to attend by registering online. We won’t hold you to your selection, but we will reserve a spot for you!

Member Ticket RSVP

NON-MEMBER TICKETS

  • Any person not affiliated with a congregation may join us in person by requesting a non-member ticket.
  • Non-member tickets are $50 per person/$100 per family per holiday. A ticket allows you to attend as many services for each holiday as you would like.
  • Upon arrival at Schaarai Zedek, please present your email confirmation either as a printout or on your mobile device.

Interested in membership at Congregation Schaarai Zedek? Please fill out this form and someone from our office will be in touch shortly!

Non-Member Ticket Requests

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

  • Please arrive early for services. This will help us to ensure that everyone is seated and comfortable before services begin.
  • We will utilize metal detectors at the entrances to the temple. Please leave anything that may be considered a weapon at home. All bags will be opened and searched.
  • Uniformed security officers will be present. Tampa Police Department and other security personnel will be on duty during our services.

ROLL OF REMEMBRANCE & MEMORIAL PLAQUES

The Roll of Remembrance is a booklet distributed during the Yizkor Memorial Service on Yom Kippur. To memorialize a departed family member in this year’s Roll of Remembrance, please complete the Roll of Remembrance form by Friday, September 27. The deadline is firm so that we have adequate time to compile and produce this special booklet. We request a donation of $18 per name to be included in the Roll of Remembrance. 

Deadline: Friday, September 27, 2024

Suggested Donation: $18 per name

Roll of Remembrance & Memorial Plaques Form

CHILDCARE

During High Holy Days, childcare is available for children between the ages of 18 months and seven years old. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own diapers, snacks, and juice, appropriately labeled. For child drop-off, please use the Amy Gail Buchman Preschool entrance. Drop-offs without reservations will NOT be allowed.

Deadline: Friday, September 27, 2024

Childcare Registration Form

HIGH HOLY DAYS HUNGER PROJECT

Join the Hunger Project

Schaarai Zedek High School Teens invite you to participate in our annual High Holy Day Hunger Project. This year, we are collecting monetary donations to support the Tampa Jewish Family Services (TJFS) Community Food Bank.

How can I help?

You can make a monetary donation to the Hunger Project by:

  • Cash donations can be made at the temple office.
  • Checks can be made payable to Congregation Schaarai Zedek and delivered to the temple office. Please write “Hunger Project” on the memo line.
  • Online donations can be made when RSVPing for tickets or by donating directly here.

How will this help?

Your donation will help the TJFS Community Food Bank purchase food items for families in need in the Tampa Bay Area. Each year, TJFS donates over 5,500 bags of food to 450 households.

Together, we can make a difference.

By participating in the Hunger Project, you can help to ensure that everyone in our community has access to the food they need. Your donation will help to make a real difference in the lives of those who are struggling.

Thank you for your support.

We are grateful for your mitzvot and your contribution to our kehilah k’doshah, our “holy community.”

TICKETING FAQ

To prepare and participate in this year’s High Holy Days, please carefully read the information below. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Sarah at salexander@zedek.org or (813) 876-2377 ext. 203.

Who will receive High Holy Days tickets?

The following will receive High Holiday Tickets free of charge:

  1. Members of Congregation Schaarai Zedek whose accounts are current at the time tickets are distributed.
  2. Members of congregations for whom we receive courtesy request forms asking for reciprocity and confirming membership in a Jewish congregation.
  3. Full-time college students, undergraduate and graduate students, who show valid identification cards at the time tickets are issued.
  4. Family of members in good standing who reside outside of Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco Counties (members should notify office and obtain tickets one week or more in advance).
  5. In-town children who are unmarried and age 25 or under, of members in good standing.
  6. Any relative of members in good standing who are permanent residents of nursing homes.
  7. Full-time enlisted military personnel.

The following will be required to make a contribution as determined by the Board of Trustees:

  1. Guests of members in good standing who reside outside of Hillsborough, Pinellas or Pasco Counties.
  2. Full-time military officer personnel.
  3. Any person not affiliated with a congregation.
Are tickets available for guests and non-members?

We invite friends and extended family of CSZ members and members of the greater community to join us at any or all of our High Holy Day services. Tickets for non-members are $50 per person, or $100 per family, per holiday. Request Non-Member Tickets

How and when will I receive my High Holy Days tickets?

Tickets will automatically be mailed to members in good standing. Each family will receive one ticket that will be valid for all High Holy Day services. Additional tickets for non-members may be purchased. To receive your High Holy Days tickets, information, and alerts we need to have your current email address. If you receive our emails, no update is necessary. But if you do not, please be sure to provide us with your preferred email. Please contact the Temple office at (813) 876-2377. We ask that you contact us at least two weeks prior to Erev Rosh Hashanah to give us ample time to mail you printed tickets.

Where do I enter for services?

For the safety of all attendees, there will be a single entry point for High Holy Days. Will call for all tickets is located just inside the right side door.

  • Please arrive early for services. This will help us to ensure that everyone is seated and comfortable before services begin.
  • We will utilize metal detectors at the entrances to the temple. Please leave anything that may be considered a weapon at home. All bags will be opened and searched.
  • Uniformed security officers will be present. Tampa Police Department and other security personnel will be on duty during our services.
Will there be a livestream for services?

There are a variety of options to access the streaming video of each of our special and beautiful services: Livestream Page Facebook Live YouTube Live Public Access Television We are happy to announce that Schaarai Zedek has arranged with the Tampa Bay Community Network (TBCN) to broadcast our services on public access television in Hillsborough County. We hope this will continue to make the congregation accessible to all of our members. • Frontier Channel 30 • Spectrum Channel 639 • Comcast Channel 20

Do you offer childcare during services?

During High Holy Days, childcare is available for children between the ages of 18 months and seven years old. Space is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Please bring your own diapers, snacks, and juice, appropriately labeled. For child drop-off, please use the Amy Gail Buchman Preschool entrance. Drop-offs without reservations will NOT be allowed. If you have questions about childcare, please contact Rita at rraley@zedek.org.

I'm traveling for the High Holy Days and want to attend services elsewhere. Can I?

We understand you may be unable to join us in person. Fortunately, many of our services are livestreamed for your convenience. Please see our schedule for details on which services are available online. If you’re a member in good standing, you can also request seating at another URJ Reform congregation.

PARKING FAQ

Will you have accessible parking?

Accessible parking is available, but spaces are limited. Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please display your valid disability parking permit for verification by our staff upon arrival.

Will you have additional parking?

Additional parking available! We’ve secured additional parking spots at two locations:

  • First Pres Tampa (3302 W Horatio St)
  • Henderson Blvd Church of Christ (3402 Henderson Blvd)

Our security team will be at both locations to guide you. Remember to follow their instructions and local parking regulations. Since this is a residential area, street parking is limited. Be sure to follow all posted signs and avoid blocking driveways to avoid any inconvenience.