Kol Nidrei Services

October 1    
6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

The CSZ Clergy, lay leaders, and choir welcome you to the Congregation Shaarey Zedek Sanctuary for Kol Nidrei Services.

LIVE STREAMING: A high-resolution live streaming option will be available to those who are unable to attend in person. To watch, CLICK HERE, complete the requested information, and click on “View Stream.”

WHAT TO BRING: Please be sure to bring your tickets along with the High Holy Days prayerbook, Mahzor Lev Shalem, for each member of your family. If you need to purchase a Mahzor, please contact the Synagogue office. We encourage you to bring your own tallit and kippah or hat as well

PARKING: As in past years, we will reserve the center parking area for handicapped parking and for those requiring special assistance. We will also have a golf cart circulating the parking areas to bring those who need assistance to and from the building.

HOLIDAY ETIQUETTE: Please remember in the hallways and in the parking lot that this is the Season of Judgment! Drive safely and courteously.  Consider keeping cell phones and wallets in your vehicle.  Introduce yourself to those you do not know and wish everyone you see Shanah Tovah Umetukah (A Good and Sweet New Year)!   Please consider adopting the customs of avoiding leather shoes on Yom Kippur and spending the entire day of Yom Kippur at the Synagogue.

TO FAST OR NOT TO FAST: On Yom Kippur, while it is a mitzvah (commandment) to fast, it is a mitzvah NOT to fast if fasting threatens your health or inhibits your ability to take life-preserving medication.

Curriculum

Our curriculum is written for our school by our Rabbis and Director of Youth and Family Learning. Each grade level has specific goals and learning targets that encompass the following areas:  

Learning and practicing Jewish rituals, holidays, and ethical actions, emphasizing how these observances connect individuals to Jewish tradition and community. 

Fostering a connection to Israel by exploring its geography, history, and significance as the Jewish homeland. 

Centering on learning and understanding Torah stories, characters, and teachings, and applying their lessons to daily life. 

Emphasizing the importance of ethical behavior, acts of kindness (Gemilut Chasadim), and fulfilling obligations like Tzedakah (charity). 

Exploring the meaning and practice of prayer, teaching students how to communicate with God and understand the significance of different prayers. 

Focusing on learning the Hebrew alphabet, vocabulary, and basic reading skills to engage with Jewish texts and prayers. 

Each grade level explores these themes through engaging and age-appropriate lessons. Teachers use a variety of teaching methods and resources, including the Chai Curriculum. 

Staff

We are fortunate to have a dedicated team of professional Jewish educators. Our teachers receive weekly planning time, during which they use our curriculum and learning goals to craft engaging lesson plans. They benefit from regular coaching and feedback from our Director of Youth and Family Learning and participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year. Our educators are passionate about their students and committed to their growth and success.

Family Programs

Throughout the year, we invite families to celebrate with us! Parents, grandparents, and siblings are welcome to join us for special Religious School mornings filled with music, food, and community celebration as we observe holidays such as Sukkot, Tu B’Shevat, and Passover as a school community. Families and students are also encouraged to attend our weekly Shabbat services, where we offer youth activities for children of all ages. Participating in Shabbat helps our students connect their learning and apply it in a congregational setting, fostering a deeper connection to our synagogue community.