Prepare for The High Holy Days
The month of Elul allows us to prepare our body, mind, soul and world for the New Year. Please read below for all the ways you can take part in this transformation.
Prepare in TIME

Organ Meditation
Wednesday, August 31
7:00 - 8:00pm — Main Sanctuary
As part of our month of Elul offerings, as we begin the sacred work of returning to our soul, join us for an evening Organ Meditation. Find your own personal space in the main sanctuary. Cantor Arik Luck will introduce the evening, which will feature contemplative instrumental melodies from the upcoming High Holidays, as well as various selections meant to encourage individual reflection. Featuring Organist John Hirten.
*This service is open to members and the entire community. Registration is required for in-person attendance only. This event will also be livestreamed on our website
S’lichot Program and Service
Saturday, September 17
7:00 - 9:00 pm — Martin Meyer Sanctuary
Join Emanu-El in partnership with ACT and Grace Cathedral for a reading of short plays written by Ukrainian theatre artists. This evening is part of a worldwide effort to support Ukraine and the artists whose lives have been upended and destroyed by the war with Russia. Cantor Arik Luck will offer Ukrainian songs in counterpoint.
This program will be immediately followed by a traditional S'lichot service.
Here's the link to the official website with more info: https://www.citd.us/worldwide-ukrainian-play-readings
All donations go to the Ukrainian Playwrights for their contributions to this evening’s performance.
*This service is open to members and the entire community. Registration is required for in-person attendance only. This event will also be livestreamed on our website.
High Holy Day Mikvahs
Sunday, September 18, Baker Beach
The High Holy Days are a time where we open ourselves up and look deep inside our souls to examine who we have been and who we want to be. We confront who we are and what we can change, as well as what we cannot control.
This year we will have two opportunities for you to have a mikvah experience before diving into services for Rosh HaShanah.
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The Tribe Mikvah, with Rabbi Bauer – 5:00 am meet at Baker Beach - For male-identified members. Join Rabbi Bauer and your fellow Tribesmen (male-identifying only) for this morning of spiritual exploration and preparation. We will meet at Baker Beach for a short meditation followed by our mikvah in the ocean at dawn! Bring warm clothes, a towel and an appetite for a nosh afterwards!
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER CONCERNS
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Women’s Mikvah – 8:30 am meet at Baker Beach – For female-identified members. Rosh HaShanah is a time of reflection, return and new beginnings. Please join us for our beautiful annual ritual of mikvah including meditation, chanting and immersion in the incredible Pacific Ocean at Baker Beach. Please bring warm clothes, a towel and an open heart.
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER CONCERNS
If you have never participated, please feel free to reach out to Cantor Attie to answer any questions.
Prepare in SPACE
Joining us via livestream? Be sure to follow along with the High Holy Day Machzorim (prayerbooks)? Here are two ways to get them:
Click here to order hard copy prayerbooks from CCAR to add to your Jewish library.
Click here for the Kindle version to use while watching the services on a different device

Prepare in HOME
Set up your home as Jewish space for participating in the High Holy Day Services. Put out fresh cut flowers, apples and honey, candles, a shofar or other meaningful Jewish objects.
Set your table with a beautiful cloth, pictures of loved ones and other items that will help your home become a sacred space.
Dress for the occasion: wear clothes that help you feel special and in the moment. Try out wearing a kittel or other traditional white garments.

Prepare to REPAIR THE WORLD
Participate in a variety of opportunities to repair your community and the world around you.
