Updated August 11, 2026. Subject to Change.

Main Services

Location: Services will be held in the large sanctuary with extended seating in the social hall. A livestream feed is also available here.

New This Year: Entry Requirements All of TBE’s services are free and open to the public, but we now require a pass (lanyard and badge) in order to attend all Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services. Members should receive their passes in the Shofar mailing by August 15th, Non-members can reserve passes by filling out the RSVP form. We encourage everyone to fill out the RSVP form so that we have a sense of how many people to expect at each service. Learn more about our new High Holiday passes below.

Reserved Seats:  We will once again be offering reserved seats for $100 each to help provide funding for TBE's high holiday services. Please stay tuned for more information and a seat reservation form soon.

Food & Refreshments:  Both buffet-style food and refreshments will be available on Rosh Hashanah. On Yom Kippur, a snack and drink station will be available in the gift shop for anyone who needs it for any reason.

Volunteers:  Sign up to help with general High Holiday needs or to volunteer as an usher during services.

Children's Services

Location: All children's services will be held indoors.

Meeting Point: On Rosh Hashanah I, II, and Yom Kippur, children and their parents should first come to the large sanctuary where children will be invited to the bima for the beginning of the Torah Service. On Rosh Hashanah II we will also return to the sanctuary for the Shofar service after the family program.

Entry Requirements: Tickets are not required for children's services, however we do ask that you RSVP here to let us know which services you expect to attend.

Parent Participation:  Parents are encouraged to attend family services.

Childcare: TBE will be offering free childcare for ages 3 and up from 11:00am to 1:30pm on Rosh Hashanah I, II, and Yom Kippur (September 12, 13, and 21). Preregistration is required by August 28. If you do not sign up for childcare in advance, you may be turned away at the door due to staffing.

Food + Refreshments: On Rosh Hashanah I and II, please join us for a family kiddush after services to snack and connect with other Jewish families! On Yom Kippur, we will also be offering the kids snacks after services.

Teen Service: In addition to our Children's Services, we're excited to bring back Teen Torah Study for students in 6th grade and up on Rosh Hashanah I and Yom Kippur.

Free High Holiday Passes (required for entry)

This year, Temple Beth El is introducing a new system for High Holiday entry to further provide for everyone’s safety. Thank you in advance for your patience as we implement this new approach. Please give yourself a little extra time to enter the temple for the services during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Passes will be required for entry on the following days:

• Erev Rosh Hashanah, Friday, September 11
• Rosh Hashanah I, Saturday, September 12
• Rosh Hashanah II, Sunday, September 13
• Kol Nidre, Sunday, September 20
• Yom Kippur, Monday, September 21

The free passes are required for all attendees age 10 and older. New security measures will be in place at all entrances.

For Members

Your passes were mailed to your household with the Shofar, and you should receive them by August 15. If you need additional passes, such as for visiting family members, you can request them on the RSVP form and pick them up at TBE during our office hours (10am-3pm Tuesday-Thursday) or at all services where they are required. RSVPing helps us plan seating, staffing, and security so services run smoothly for everyone, so we highly encourage every household to RSVP, even if you do not need additional passes.

For Non-Members

We're glad you're planning to join us for the High Holidays. Non-members are welcome to attend with a pass. Non-members include KBE families who have not become members, members of other USCJ synagogues, and the general community. Please sign up for your free pass by Wednesday, September 9 at 11:59pm. On the day of services, bring a valid photo ID to the check-in tent to pick up your pass. If you're not able to register in advance, you can still register in person on the day of services, though registering ahead helps things move faster.

Parking and Accessibility

• The primary entrance to the building is on Wadsworth St. (in the semicircle). The school wing door is available as an accessible entrance for those unable to walk down stairs from the Wadsworth Street entrance into the sanctuary. A staff member will be posted at this entrance to assist.
• The TBE parking lot is reserved for accessible parking.
• A wheelchair is available for those who would like additional assistance.
• Special street parking permission during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services: Parking is permitted on both sides of Devonshire Street, the TBE side of Deering Avenue, and on the Temple side only of Wadsworth Street.
• When parking on the street, please help us to maintain good relationships with our neighbors by noting that parking within five feet of a driveway, hydrant, or crosswalk is prohibited. And again, do not park in front of the houses on Wadsworth Street; you may only park on the TBE side of that street.
• The Portland Center for Assisted Living on Devonshire Street is available to us again this year for limited parking. Please only park in the marked spaces; do not park on the grass or in areas of the lot that are not designated for parking, as this can inhibit ambulance access.