Selichot : Sunday Sept 29, 3 pm
Selichot, always before Rosh HaShanah, serves as the Table of Contents of the book of the High Holiday Season. Join us for a beautiful service with Rabbi Paige to dip our toes into the water of our High Holiday themes, music, and prayers!
Erev Rosh HaShanah: Wed Oct 2, 7 pm
Celebrate the start of the Jewish New Year with our Erev Rosh Hashanah service. Join us as we welcome 5785 with joyful music, reflective prayers, and the sweet tradition of apples and honey, setting the tone for a meaningful year ahead.
Rosh HaShanah: Thursday Oct 3, 10 am
Our Rosh HaShanah morning service invites you to begin the new year with intention. Together, we’ll hear the sounding of the shofar, engage in introspection, and seek renewal through communal prayer and connection.
Tashlich: Thursday Oct 3, 2pm (see map)
In the afternoon, we go to water to “cast away” breadcrumbs or pebbles as symbols of releasing what no longer serves. Meet at Lake Mendocino, Pomo B parking lot for this community-led ritual. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy afterwards.
Women’s Mikvah: Sunday Oct 6, 10:30 am
Immerse yourself in the ancient tradition of the Mikvah, a ritual of spiritual cleansing and renewal. This communal experience offers an opportunity to purify the soul and deepen your connection to the High Holidays. Hello dear women of Kol HaEmek!
Please join us for our Women’s Mikvah at beautiful Walker Lake, which is located southwest of Willits. Meet at the intersection of Ridgewood Road and Baywood Way. Please see attached map.
There is a chain across the road so we will need to meet at the top before proceeding to the lake together. Please be on time or you might be locked out of the lake.
It is an unpaved road and we can carpool. If you have room in your car or need a ride, please text Karen @ 707 328-8617.
Some things you might want to bring:
Unprocessed, healthy snacks to share, like fruits and nuts Water to drink Something to sit on a towel a bathrobe to stay warm a hairbrush or comb and most of all, your presence
Erev Yom Kippur / Kol Nidre: Friday Oct 11, 7 pm
Kol Nidre is the emotional and powerful opening of Yom Kippur, our Day of Atonement. Join us for a contemplative service as we seek forgiveness, reconcile with ourselves and others, and set our intentions for the year ahead.
Yom Kippur Day: Saturday Oct 12, 10 am
Begin the day of Yom Kippur with a morning service focused on reflection, repentance, and prayer. Together, we’ll journey through this sacred day, seeking atonement and spiritual renewal. Followed by a break the fast vegetarian potluck.
Yom Kippur Day Children’s Services: Sat, Oct 12, 10 am
Open Torah: Saturday Oct 12, 4 pm
Open Torah is a tradition unique to Kol HaEmek, where we gather to express and support personal wisdom and insight.
Yiskor Service: Saturday Oct 12, 5 pm
Join us for Yiskor, a solemn memorial service where we honor and remember our loved ones who have passed. This time of reflection and prayer allows us to connect with the memories of those who came before us.
Neilah Closing Service: Saturday Oct 12, 5:30 pm (followed by break-the-fast potluck)
As Yom Kippur comes to a close, gather with us for a final service that brings the day’s themes full circle. We’ll conclude with heartfelt communal prayer, sealing our intentions for the coming year. This closing service will be followed by a vegetarian break-the-fast potluck.
Community Sukkot Building and Potluck: Wed Oct 16, 5 pm
Celebrate the festival of Sukkot. Join us in building and decorating the Shul sukkah, a symbol of shelter and community, as we give thanks for the harvest, reflect on the impermanence of life, and find joy in gathering together. Harvest potluck to follow.
Sukkot Family Service at Aravah Sukkot Festival in Hopland: Sunday Oct 20th 10am
Kol HaEmek is pleased to partner with Aravah Sukkot Festival, which will bring hundreds of Jews to Mendocino County to celebrate Sukkot. Our children’s and family service, led by Kohenet Rayna Grace, will be at the festival this year, and all Kol HaEmek community are invited to join in the festivities. Pre-registration is will be requested, although attendance to the service is free, and a discounted rate to the festival will be available to KHE members. More details to follow. Check out the festival details here: https://www.aravahfestival.com/
Simchat Torah: Thursday Oct 24, 6 pm
Simchat Torah marks the joyous conclusion of the annual Torah reading cycle. Dance with the Torah, sing, and celebrate as we roll the scrolls back to the beginning, symbolizing the continuous journey of learning and growth in our community.