The High Holy Days invite us to pause. To reflect on where we've been, reconnect with what matters most, and step into a new year with intention.
Join us at Darchei Noam for a season of prayer, music, learning, and community as we welcome 5787 together.
There is something for young families at every point in our day. This year, our Family Programming will look a little different, designed to give each family the experience that fits them best.
Family Programming will take place in the Triple Rooms for the entire time services are happening, from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Throughout the morning, our Shabbat School and community members, and Hashomer Hatzair leaders will guide interactive, engaging activities in the Triple Rooms, helping children build familiarity and connection with the meaning behind the holy day.
We’ll offer five rotating stations that families can move between as they please, whether that means sampling everything we have to offer or settling into a favourite and staying there all morning. Each station picks up on the themes of the holy day, engaging the head, heart, body, and soul. This is more than childcare. It’s an opportunity for kids to connect with other kids, and for families to connect with other families.
Most importantly, we hope your children walk away having found meaning for themselves.
At the heart of the morning is our Ritual Moment, from 10:30 to 11:30am, when the whole family comes together for the shofar, Rosh Hashanah prayers, Torah stories, and music, a joyful, shared moment of connection.
Our goal is to give parents real time in the service. Children in Grade 1 and older can be dropped off for engaging, youth-led programming connected to the themes of the holiday, cared for by our community throughout. Children will be signed in and out using a sheet that records the parent’s name, so everyone stays accounted for all morning.
Come for as much or as little as fits your family. Stay with us in the Family Program for the whole morning, or join us upstairs for the service whenever the moment feels right.
The High Holy Days ask us to look inward. To take stock. To imagine who we might become.
The High Holy Days at Darchei Noam are shaped by the people who make up our community.
Alongside our clergy, dedicated lay leaders help lead prayers, share readings, chant Torah and Haftarah, and bring their voices to the bimah. Their participation reflects a core Darchei Noam value: that Jewish life is something we create together.
From familiar faces to first-time participants, our services are enriched by members who contribute their time, talents, and passion to helping make these sacred days meaningful for all.
As we gather for 5787, we bring our questions, our hopes, our gratitude, and our imperfections. Together, we create a Jewish experience that honours where we’ve come from while embracing where we’re going.
Rabbi Ryan Leszner is Darchei Noam’s newest appointed Rabbi and will be leading the High Holy Days services this year at Darchei Noam.
Reb Aaron Rotenberg will assist in leading the services during these High Holy Days.
At Darchei Noam, members don't simply fill the seats—they help shape the experience. Throughout the High Holy Days, lay leaders join our clergy on the bimah, leading prayers, chanting Torah, sharing readings, and helping create services that are participatory, meaningful, and deeply rooted in community. Their presence is a reflection of who we are: a congregation where many voices come together to create something sacred.
DATE | TIME | SERVICE / ACTIVITY | SERVICE LEADERS | LOCATION |
Friday, September 11 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm | Erev Rosh HaShanah | Rabbi Ryan Leszner, Reb Aaron Rotenberg, David Lefkowich, Shira Gellman | Sanctuary & Zoom |
Saturday, September 12 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Rosh HaShanah Day 1 | Rabbi Ryan Leszner, Rob Silver, Lenka Lichtenberg | Sanctuary & Zoom |
Saturday, September 12 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Rosh HaShanah Day 1 | Reb Aaron Rotenberg, Phyllis Angel Greenberg, David Lefkowich, Rachel Mitchell | Social Hall |
Saturday, September 12 | 9:30 am-11:00 am Family Programming 10:30 am - 11:30 am Ritual Moment 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Family Programming | Rosh HaShanah Day 1 | Shira Gellman and David Lefkowich | Triple Room |
Saturday, September 12 | 2:00 pm | Tashlich in the park | Reb Aaron Rotenberg | Earl Bales Park |
Sunday, September 13 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Rosh HaShanah Day 2 | Reb Aaron Rotenberg, Rob Silver, Lenka Lichtenberg | Sanctuary & Zoom |
Sunday, September 13 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Rosh HaShanah Day 2 - Multigenerational Service | Rabbi Ryan Leszner, Phyllis Angel Greenberg, David Lefkowich | Social Hall |
Sunday, September 20 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Kol Nidre | Rabbi Ryan Leszner, Phyllis Angel Greenberg, Rachel Mitchell | Sanctuary & Zoom |
Sunday, September 20 | 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm | Kol Nidre | Reb Aaron Rotenberg, Rob Silver, David Lefkowich | Social Hall |
Monday, September 21 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Yom Kippur Morning & YIZKOR (at 12:30 pm) | Reb Aaron Rotenberg, Phyllis Angel Greenberg, Lenka Lichtenberg | Sanctuary & Zoom |
Monday, September 21 | 9:30 am - 1:00 pm | Yom Kippur Morning & YIZKOR (at 12:30 pm) | Rabbi Ryan Leszner, Rob Silver, David Lefkowich, Rachel Mitchell, Shira Gellman | Social Hall |
Monday, September 21 | 9:30am-10:30am: Children's Programming w/ Hashomer Hatzair
10:30am-11:30am: Family Service 11:30am-1:00pm: Children's Programming w/ Hashomer Hatzair | Yom Kippur Morning | Shira Gellman and David Lefkowich | Triple Room |
Monday, September 21 | Session One: 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Yom Kippur Afternoon sessions | Reb Aaron Teaching (Sanctuary), Karen Weinthal Yoga (Senesh Lounge), Paula Vital Meditation (Library) | Various Locations |
Monday, September 21 | Session Two: 2:45pm - 3:45pm | Yom Kippur Afternoon sessions | Rabbi Ryan Teaching (Sanctuary), Debra Eklove - Building Resilience (Library) | Various Locations |
Monday, September 21 | Session Three: 4:00pm - 4:45pm | Yom Kippur Afternoon sessions | Music and Poetry (Sanctuary): David Lefkowich, Paul Gellman, | Various Locations |
Monday, September 21 | 5:00 pm | Yom Kippur - Mincha | Rabbi Ryan Leszner, Reb Aaron Rotenberg, Lenka Lichtenberg, Rob Silver | Social Hall |
Monday, September 21 | 6:00 pm | Yom Kippur - Ne’ila | Rabbi Ryan Leszner, Reb Aaron Rotenberg, David Lefkowich, Rob Silver, Phyllis Angel Greenberg | Social Hall |
Monday, September 21 | 8:00 pm | Break Fast Potluck | Triple Rooms |
