Congregations List Plans for Special Services

Congregation Shir Ha-Ma’alot, a Reform Jewish synagogue in Irvine, will offer a number of special services for the High Holy Days, which begin at sundown Friday and usher in the Hebrew calendar year of 5761.

To prepare for the Days of Awe during the Hebrew month of Elul, penitential prayers will be offered during the outdoor Selichot Service at 11 p.m. today. The 10-day period of self-examination begins with Rosh Hashanah service at 8 p.m. Friday. The themes of repentance, prayer and charity carry through the liturgy at 10 a.m. on Sept. 30. A youth service for ages 8-12 will be from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Later that day, a young children’s service will be at 2 p.m., immediately followed by Tashlich--casting away one’s sins--at Woodbridge Lake adjacent to Waters Restaurant.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, will begin with Kol Nidre services at 8 p.m. Oct. 8. The day of fasting and repentance will continue with a Monday service at 10 a.m., youth service at 10:30 a.m., young children’s service at 2 p.m. and Neila closing and memorial service at 4 p.m., immediately followed by a break-the-fast gathering.

All services will be led by Rabbi Bernie King and Cantor Arie Shikler. Seating reservations are encouraged. The synagogue is at 3652 Michelson. (949) 857-2226.

Temple Beth David will offer an unusual Selichot program including dessert, discussion sessions, singing and worship from 8 to 11 p.m. today.

Selichot is described by Rabbi Michael Mayersohn as a “warm-up for the spiritual exercise of High Holy Days.” Its literal translation is “forgiveness.” Participants are asked to bring a dessert to share.

Rosh Hashanah services will begin at 8 p.m. Friday and continue with services at 9 and 11 a.m. Sept. 30. The temple is at 6100 Hefley St., Westminster. (714) 892-6623.

A Selichot program and service will be at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Congregation B’nai Tzedek. The program will include Havdalah, refreshments, and Israeli dancing before the midnight service. The temple is at 9669 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley, (714) 963-4611.

Congregation B’nai Tzedek’s High Holy Days services will begin with Selichot services at 8:30 p.m. today, and Erev Rosh Hashanah will be observed at 8:15 p.m. Friday. There will be a Rosh Hashanah service at 10 a.m. Sept. 30, followed at 4 p.m. by a Tashlich service. The remaining High Holy Day services will be:

* Second day Rosh Hashanah at 10 a.m. Oct. 1.

* Shabbat Shuvah 7:15 p.m. Oct. 6.

* Kol Nidre at 8:15 p.m. Oct. 8.

* Yom Kippur at 10 a.m. Oct. 9.

Some services will be held off-site to accommodate the larger number of worshipers during the holidays. Erev Rosh Hashanah and the first day of Rosh Hashanah will be held at the Latter-Day Saints Church, 8702 Atlanta Ave., Huntington Beach. Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur services will be held at Sts. Simon and Jude Church, 20444 Magnolia Ave., Huntington Beach. Tashlich will be at Huntington Beach Life Guard Station #11, Huntington Street across from the Waterfront Hilton Hotel.

Youth services and activities for children ages 7 through 11 will be provided on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reservations are required. Child care is available for children ages 3 through 6. Pre-paid reservations are required. Congregation B’nai Tzedek is at 9669 Talbert Ave., Fountain Valley. (714) 963-4611.

Temple Beth Emet will present the musical “L’Chayim, To Life!” at 10 p.m. today, followed by a dessert reception and midnight Selichot. Rabbi Mordecai Kieffer, cantor Zev Brooks and the Temple Beth Emet Choir will lead the services. The temple is at 1770 W. Cerritos Ave., Anaheim. (714) 772-4720.