Jewish Holiday Services
HIGH HOLY DAYS
High Holy Day Machzor (Prayer book)
We use the CCAR press Mishkan Ha’Nefesh which is a brand new modern High Holy Day prayer book, incorporating transliteration of the Hebrew with modern translations and alternative readings, making the service relevant and modern.
Music
All of our High Holy Day services include a professional choir, piano accompanist and a string section.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah Services are held Erev (evening) Rosh Hashanah and Rosh Hashanah Day. a Tashclich Service is held at 4 p.m. on the first day Rosh Hashanah by a body of water.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur Services begin with Kol Nidre (erev Yom Kippur) and continues throughout Yom Kippur Day. A Yom Kippur study session is held in the afternoon before the concluding services for those members who would like to spend the entire day at Temple Sinai.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Family Service
A family service is held both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur day which is both family and child friendly. Babysitting services are also available during the morning services.
Yizkor
In line with the Reform movement tradition Yizkor services is recited on Yom Kippur afternoon, Simchat Torah /Atzeret Shemini A, the 7th Day of Passover, and the 1st Day of Shavout. Please check Temple calendar for dates and times.
MAJOR JEWISH HOLIDAYS
Sukkot
Sukkot is celebrated with a family and congregational picnic in Temple Sinai's Sukkah. Sukkot services are held the 1st day of Sukkot in the morning at 10 a.m.
Simchat Torah
Simchat Torah is a time where we really bring the generations together. This event is coordinated with our Religious school PTO and teaches the next generation about the Torah scrolls. The entire Torah is opened around the sanctuary and Rabbi Bentley explains each section briefly. This is followed by a celebratory party with food and drinks for all ages.
Passover
Come celebrate our festival of freedom at the annual Temple Sinai community seder held the 2nd day of Passover. This creative service is fun and family friendly and also a great opportunity to meet out of towners who often join us to celebrate this holiday.
We hold 1st Day Passover services in the chapel at 10 a.m. and Yizkor is said during the 7th day at Passover services at 10 a.m.
MINOR JEWISH HOLIDAYS
Chanukah
Every year we offer exciting Chanukah programing from a community candle lighting with our Religious School kids, singing Chanukah songs at the Westfield Mall in Palm Desert, to our Chanukah Friday night service and dinner where anyone can bring and light their own personal menorah.
Purim
Every year, we gather for an entertaining Purim service, with a creative Megillah reading and Purim Spiel with multigenerational participation, followed by a large Purim Carnival in our social hall called “Mocktails and Megillahs.” This event is put on by our religious school PTO.