High Holy Day FAQs

Yes, we will have offerings for our families! These include:

Chochmat HaLev will be offering childcare services this year. 

Childcare will be available during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur for the daytime services.  Spaces are limited, so you will need to register and pay in advance for childcare.  

Of course, children are welcome at all our services with appropriate adult supervision.

We are currently arranging for childcare providers during our daytime services.  You can request childcare for Rosh Hashanah day, 9:45am – 1pm and/or Yom Kippur day,  9:45 am  – 1pm.  The cost is $40 per child, per day, for non-licensed childcare. Confirmed pre-registration and full payment is required.

If you are interested, first complete this form. We will contact you if we are able to accommodate your request and you will be given instructions for the required registration and payment.

Please note: due to limited resources, we can provide childcare for children ages 4-12. (not age 3 or younger or 13+) Of course, all children are welcome at our services with appropriate adult supervision.

You must sign up and pay for Rosh Hashanah Day childcare no later than September 1 and Yom Kippur Day childcare no later than September 9.  You will need to show a confirmatory email in order to leave your child(ren) with our childcare providers. 

If you are interested, first complete this form [link to a google form]  We will contact you if we are able to accommodate your request and you will be given instructions for the required registration and payment.

For further information, please email childcarehhd@chochmat.org

As a member, you are entitled to free tickets to all of the services, but you must register for services. We’ve made it really easy this year. You can attend in person or by Zoom. No paper or electronic tickets will be sent ahead of time. If you’re joining us at the church, just show up to check in and get a wristband. All members will receive a Zoom link 48 hours ahead of time, so you can mix and match as you choose.

All members, and those who have purchased tickets, will receive a Zoom link 48 hours ahead of time.

All information about directions and parking can be found here: https://chochmat.org/parking/

  • Chochmat HaLev, in consultation with our medical advisor and based on community survey results, will discontinue masking requirements for attendance at events. Masks, though not required, are recommended. We understand people need to make their own decisions about exposure and risk based on their own personal preferences, and health status.
  • Chochmat HaLev will provide passive ventilation (e.g., open windows and doors under the supervision of security-trained personnel) and other equipment as available. 
  • DO NOT attend an event at Chochmat HaLev:
    • if you are experiencing any potential symptoms of COVID-19 or other illness
    • if you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 10 days and have not had a negative antigen test on Day 6 or later
    • if you have had a known exposure to COVID-19 in the past 3 – 5 days
    • if a household member has tested positive in the last 10 days and has not had a negative test on Day 6 or later.

We have wonderful opportunities this year for you to contribute your gifts of time and skills. Please fill out this volunteer form » 

  • The sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church is wheelchair accessible. The only accessible bathrooms at the church are in another building, but people requiring this will have access to that building.
  • Please refrain from wearing scented products to accommodate those with environmental sensitivities.
  • If you need other accommodation or assistance, contact the office: 510-704-9687 or via shalom@chochmat.org.
  • Attire – Many people have the custom of wearing white, symbolizing purity. On Yom Kippur, to return to simplicity, some do not wear leather, jewelry or make-up.
  • Al Cheit cards – The Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe, or High Holy Days) are designed to inspire us to engage in Cheshbon Hanefesh (spiritual evaluation) and to make Tikkun (reparation) in our hearts, families, workplaces, communities and world. Filling out an Al Cheit card is an opportunity for you to name and acknowledge misdeeds from the past year, as well as what still needs healing within you. Cards are offered at Rosh Hashanah and Kol Nidre. 
  • We will have professional security guards monitoring access and on high alert for any potential threats.
  • We are working in partnership with the Berkeley Police Department to increase their visibility as a deterrent to any threats and to respond quickly in case of an actual threat.

Refund policy: all ticket sales are final – no refunds will be issued. Contact shalom@chochmat.org with any issues.

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