High Holidays

Tashlich
Symbolically cast away Your sins by tossing pieces of bread into a body of flowing water.
First day of Rosh Hashanah:
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Meet at the edge of the river at Timberlane Drive, 
just east of Bathurst Street.
 

Mahzor Lev Shalem
Please contact the office in advance to order your Mahzor Lev Shalem for $60. You may also click HERE to order online.
The synagogue does not provide mahzorim.

Security
The Jewish Security Network (JSN) recently led a pre-High Holiday briefing with Synagogue leaders. Together with our Security Committee, we have reviewed and updated our Emergency

Preparedness Plan, including lockdown, hold & secure, and evacuation protocols. Our Ambassadors have received training from our Security committee. Additionally, JSN’s Head of Volunteer Training programs came in and provided additional training to our Ambassadors.

Security Personnel
We have retained Toronto Police Services, off-duty Firefighters, and Syncro Security to provide coverage. Personnel will be stationed at all building entrances, in the parking lot, at the Westgate entrance (the street entering the parking lot), downstairs at children’s drop-off, and inside our building. Police will also deploy additional high-visibility patrols during the holidays.

Parking
We have many congregants who require accessible parking, and priority will be given to these individuals for the parking lot. If applicable, ensure your accessibility pass is clearly visible for our security team to see. We also have a few other special circumstances where parking is necessary, and those individuals will have already contacted the office with their information. No one else will be permitted in the parking lot. We appreciate your understanding. As you know parking in the community is always a challenge during the holidays, so please come early to services. There will be very limited parking available at Tzu Chi Foundation.

Members with an Accessible Parking Permit can park in the area west of the school wing. Please ensure your accessibility pass is clearly visible. If you require accessible parking and do not have a permit, please contact talia@adathisrael.com. There will be a limited amount of unreserved parking East of the school wing which is available on a first come basis. All cars will enter via Westgate Blvd. and will be directed by a Security Guard. No other vehicles will be permitted in the lot. As neighbourhood parking is always challenging, please arrive early.

Traffic Congestion
The spring and summer months have brought us a very challenging traffic/construction situation directly around the synagogue, as well as in the community. Where possible, we are encouraging members who are able to do so to walk to synagogue, or carpool. While we do not know the maintenance schedule for the holidays at this time, calls have been left with the city to explain our concerns.

Entry
A valid ticket is required for entry. Please remember to bring your tabbed Ko’ach ticket for Rosh Hashanah Day One, and your yellow/pink or green ticket for the remaining days. Please refer to your High Holidays Program Guide that accompanied your tickets for important information. If you encounter any issues, an Ambassador (formerly called an usher or greeter) will escort you to the main desk for assistance. Bags will be checked at the door, and security will also conduct a brief wand screening. 

Security Consultation and Emergency Procedures
Recently our Clergy, Co-chairs of the House and Security Committee and I met with a security expert to ensure our Emergency Preparedness plan for Lockdown, Hold and Secure and Evacuation procedures are up to speed. Our Ambassadors will be trained as well.

First Aid
In addition to trained security, police, and firefighters, we are fortunate to have many medical professionals within our congregation. If you are able to assist in case of emergency, we have purchased pink and salmon coloured kippot for you to wear in services. These will be available at Command Central, in the foyer. If you are comfortable to wear one, we would appreciate your support, for easy identification during a service. Should you like me to hold a Kippah for you in the office, please email me at michael@adathisrael.com before the holidays.

Vigilance
We ask all members and guests to remain aware of their surroundings in the synagogue, parking lot, and neighbourhood. If you notice anything unusual, please alert a security guard, Ambassador, or staff member immediately.

Decorum
To preserve the sanctity of the High Holidays, the use of electronics is prohibited in the building during all Holy Days, except for medical needs. Families with children are encouraged to bring books, small puzzles, and plush toys.

Strollers
Strollers can be parked in the library. They  will also be welcomed in the family service in the Jacob Ulrich Hall.

Scents
We are a scent-free facility. Please do not wear scented perfume, cologne or lotion.

Streaming
Services in the Main Sanctuary and Alex Tobias Hall will be accessible via livestream. If you cannot join us in the synagogue, please join us at home.