HIGH HOLIDAYS 2025
High Holiday services with the Narberth Havurah are filled with prayer, introspection, the joyous music of our own Havurah band, discussion, and interaction designed to fill this holy time of year with personal and communal meaning.
We will meet again this year at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. We offer separate children and adult services. Sign up here to be a Host or Greeter.
The Narberth Havurah is a membership-based community dependent on donations to carry out programs and spiritual gatherings. Everyone is invited to attend our High Holidays events; non-members are requested to make a tax-deductible donation. We suggest a donation ranging from $36 to $540 depending on how many services you attend, the number of guests who come with you, and your financial means. We are so grateful for your contribution!
dates & Times
Rosh Hashanah
Monday, September 22nd
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service: 6:45-8 pm
Tuesday, September 23rd
Rosh Hashanah Children’s Service: 9:30-10:15 am
Rosh Hashanah Morning Service: 10:30 am-12:30 pm (childcare available – see below)
Shofar Service and Tashlich in person at Shortridge Park: 3:30-4:30 pm
Yom Kippur
Wednesday, October 1st
Kol Nidre Service: 6:45-8:15 pm
Thursday, October 2nd
Yom Kippur Children’s Service: 9:30-10:15 am
Yom Kippur Morning Service: 10:30 am-12:30 pm (childcare available – see below)
Yizkor: 4:30 pm / Neilah Service: 5pm
Break-the-Fast: 6:15pm Sign up here
high holiday theme
On erev Rosh HaShanah and erev Yom Kippur we’ll hear from members, and on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur mornings from Rabbi Simcha, about this year’s High Holiday theme. We'll be focusing on a verse from Pirkei Avot, which states: ""Lo alecha hamelacha ligmor, v'lo ata ben chorin lihivatel memena. It's not ours to complete the work, but neither are we free to turn away from beginning it". It's overwhelming to think of the work that needs to be done in our world; the work of justice and peace and so many of the values that we cherish. This verse can bring us hope and inspiration to do what is ours to do; it encourages us in beginning, engaging, and moving forward with courage even when outcomes are uncertain. It's a teaching that will take us on a High Holiday journey for our times.
CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING
Children age 10 and under can join in the songs, stories, and prayers kid-style! Our children’s service is led by Havurah volunteer parents who create a service that their children, and yours, will enjoy being part of! For children’s services, please enter on the Woodbine Ave. side of the church, up the stairs over the pre-school entrance.
LOCATION & PARKING
All services (with the exception of Tashlich) will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church located at 196 Woodbine Avenue in Narberth.
Please enter the sanctuary from the corner of Woodbine and N. Narberth Avenue (near the giving garden).
HLTC doesn't have its own parking lot. You can park at St. Margaret's on Erev Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre, and Break Fsat. You CANNOT park there on Rosh Hashanah (9/23) or Yom Kippur (10/2) morning services.
The St. Margaret's parking lot is just a block away on Narberth Avenue. Alternatively, please arrive early to find street parking. Another good option is the Narberth Public Parking lot, which is only three blocks away on Haverford.
Taschlich: Come hear the shofar and join us in "Tashlich" - the ritual of symbolically "casting off" our regrets and mistakes of the year that has passed, by scattering breadcrumbs, leaves, or pebbles in the creek and watching them disappear. This beautiful ritual is meant to help us clear our hearts and minds to begin anew. All ages welcome! We will meet at Shortridge Park at the bridge in the middle of the park. Street parking is available on Shortridge Drive. There is a path to the bridge. We encourage members to walk or bike to services when possible.
ACCESSIBILITY
There are steps to enter the church. If anyone would like some support we have accessibility ushers who can help, and there is a stair lift. Please email Ranit Leiberman to arrange for support. The path to the bridge at Shortridge Park is paved and a gentle slope.
