High Holy Days 2026 at Kol Shira
High Holiday Schedule for 2026
All services will be led by Cantor Gostein with participation from the Kol Shira community.
Slichot
Preparing our hearts for the High Holy Days
Slichot Service, Learning, Nosh & Schmoozing
Special Guest from the Women’s Storybook Project and Discussion About Restorative Justice
Saturday, September 5, 7:00 PM
Rosh Hashanah
Celebrating the Jewish New Year
Erev Rosh Hashanah Service
Friday, September 11, 7:00 PM
Rosh Hashanah Morning Service & Potluck Lunch
Saturday, September 12, 10:30 AM
Rosh Hashanah Picnic and Tashlich**
**A symbolic casting away of old ways we wish to move forward from
Sunday, September 13, 11:30 AM
Yom Kippur
Observing the Day of Atonement
Erev Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) Service
Sunday, September 20, 7:00 PM
Yom Kippur Services & Break Fast
Monday, September 21
10:30 AM: Morning Service
3:30 PM: Afternoon Service
4:30 PM: Yizkor, N'ilah, Havdallah
6:00 PM: Break Fast
Sukkot
Celebrating the harvest season by gathering in booths (“sukkot”)
Erev Sukkot & Erev Shabbat Service
Friday, September 25, 6:30 PM
Snacks in the Sukkah & Mitzvah Circle Care Bags for the Homeless
Saturday, September 26, 2:00 PM
Simchat Torah
Rejoicing in experiencing the end and beginning of the Torah cycle
Erev Shabbat & Simchat Torah
Friday, October 2, 6:30 PM
Register for High Holidays at Kol Shira
Registration for members and non-members is open!
In lieu of tickets, please visit the registration form for High Holidays at Kol Shira.
Locations
Our main High Holiday services will take place in North Austin in a location convenient to the Austin, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Georgetown areas. Other events will take place in other community spaces and parks and in members’ homes.
Exact locations will be shared securely with participants after registration.
Preparing Together for High Holy Days
At Kol Shira, preparation for High Holy Days is multi-faceted and engages all of our participants.
In August, we gather for music, learning, and activities that help prepare us spiritually and practically for the season ahead.
Individuals and families of all ages are welcome and included. We offer intergenerational education opportunities for exploring traditions and deepening our knowledge as individuals and as a community.
Whether through Music Makers rehearsals, intergenerational learning, or simply gathering before the High Holidays begin, we believe that preparing together deepens the High Holiday experience for everyone.
Sing, Play, and Prepare Together with Music Makers Musical Ensemble
High Holidays at Kol Shira are participatory and music-filled—and Music Makers is one way we help create that experience together.
Music Makers is our community music group, and is not a traditional choir. Some members sing. Some play instruments. Most importantly, Music Makers is not about performing from a stage. Instead, participants help lift everyone's collective voice by singing and playing from within the congregation, as well as leading some songs and prayers.
Rehearsals begin in August as we prepare together for High Holidays.
This is a wonderful opportunity for existing members and newcomers to prepare spiritually for the holidays, enhance the experience of worship, learn more about Hebrew and Judaism, and connect more deeply with others in the community.
No prior singing or Hebrew experience is needed.
Instrumental participants should be able to play at an intermediate level or above.
Interested? Check the rehearsal dates and sign up here.
Learn to Blow the Shofar!
Interested in learning to blow the shofar for the High Holidays?
Save the dates for learning/rehearsals:
Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 7-8pm
Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 8-9pm
Contact Cantor Gostein to join the Shofar blowing learning group.
Prayerbooks
We will be using Mishkan HaNefesh machzors (prayerbooks).
Already have copies? Please bring them with you.
Need a set? Visit CCAR Press to order either the two-volume print edition or digital editions for Kindle.
For print editions, please order early and allow time for shipping!
If you don't have a prayerbook, you're still very welcome to join us. Feel free to follow along with a friend or family member, or simply participate in the way that is most meaningful to you.
Be a Torah Chanter/Reader!
Help bring the words of Torah to life for Kol Shira!
Chanters/readers are needed for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur morning services. Chant or read your verse(s) on your own or with a partner. Just one or two verses per person or partner team. Cantor Gostein will support you through the learning process and provide audio recordings and text to help you along.
Interested or want more information? Contact Cantor Gostein about being a Torah chanter or reader for High Holidays.
Questions?
We would love to hear from you. Please contact us or subscribe for updates as we prepare for High Holidays together.