Free High Holy Days services

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Sept. 13

Rosh Hashanah, first day: Sept. 14

Rosh Hashanah, second day: Sept. 15

Kol Nidre: Sept. 22

Yom Kippur: Sept. 23

CHABAD

Los Angeles-area Chabads offering free services to the public during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur include Chabad of Beverlywood: (310) 836-6770; Chabad of Century City: (310) 505-2168; Chabad of Miracle Mile: (323) 852-6907; Chabad of Simcha Monica: (310) 829-5620; Chabad of Woodland Hills: (818) 348-5898; Chabad of Toluca Lake: (818) 308-4118; and Chabad of Greater Los Feliz: (323) 660-5177. For more venues, visit chabad.org.

SAN FERNANDO AND CONEJO VALLEYS

SHOMREI TORAH SYNAGOGUE

For families with third- through seventh-graders, these free services feature a full band, interactive stories, high-energy music and inclusive participation. Led by Rabbi Jonathan Bubis. Babysitting available for children ages 2 to 5. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 10:30 a.m. Yom Kippur: 10:30 a.m. Reservations required. Shomrei Torah, 7353 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 346-0811. stsonline.org.

TEMPLE ADAT ELOHIM

For parents who want to attend services with young children (preschool to second grade; older siblings permitted), these free, 30-minute Reform services are for you. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 4 p.m. Yom Kippur: 3:30 p.m. No reservation necessary. Temple Adat Elohim, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-7101. adatelohim.org.

TEMPLE AHAVAT SHALOM

Geared toward families with children 8 and younger, these hourlong services offer opportunities for children and adults to join in traditional and contemporary song and prayer while sharing in stories and Torah readings reflecting the mood of the season. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 8:30 a.m. Kol Nidre: 6 p.m. Yom Kippur: 8:30 a.m. No reservation necessary. Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. (818) 360-2258. tasnorthridge.org.

TEMPLE ALIYAH

College students and military personnel are welcome to attend these Conservative services. Please contact the synagogue for a list of service times and tickets. Student or military ID required. 6025 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 346-3545. templealiyah.org.

TEMPLE JUDEA

This Reform community opens its doors to children and families for Tot High Holy Days services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 4 p.m. Yom Kippur: 3:30 p.m. No reservation necessary. Temple Judea, 5429 Lindley Ave., Tarzana. (818) 758-3800. templejudea.com.

TEMPLE KOL TIKVAH

This synagogue holds a variety of free youth and family services over the course of the High Holy Days. Erev Rosh Hashanah (third- through sixth-graders): 5 p.m. RSVP required. Rosh Hashanah, first day, family service (children 5 and younger): 2:30 p.m. No reservation necessary. Kol Nidre, youth and family service (third- through sixth-graders): 5 p.m. RSVP required. Yom Kippur, family service (children 5 and younger): 2:30 p.m. Yom Kippur, service for all adults: 5:30 p.m. Yizkor and Neilah at 6:30 p.m. Break-the-fast at sunset. Temple Kol Tikvah, 20400 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. (818) 348-0670. koltikvah.org.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD AND EAST SIDE

BETH SHIRAH CONGREGATION

These free services for the unaffiliated feature music, poetry, reflection, memorial candle-lighting services and more. Please bring canned food to donate to food banks. Led by Cantor Estherleon Schwartz. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 7 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 10 a.m. Kol Nidre: 7 p.m. No reservations necessary (limited seating). Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Yom Kippur: 10:30 a.m. OS Open Space Cafe, 457 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 653-7420. estherleon.com.

CONGREGATION KOL AMI 

This LGBT congregation welcomes the general public on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. 10 a.m. No reservations necessary. Congregation Kol Ami, 1200 N. La Brea Ave., West Hollywood. Also offering these free services for those 30 and younger: Erev Rosh Hashanah: 8 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 10 a.m. Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., L.A. Kol Nidre: 8 p.m. and Yom Kippur: 10 a.m. Harmony Gold Theater, 7655 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. RSVP required. (323) 606-0996. kol-ami.org.

JEWISH LEARNING EXCHANGE

The education center holds an abridged, beginners Rosh Hashanah service, open to everyone. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 5 p.m. Reservations required. Jewish Learning Exchange, 512 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 857-0923. jlela.com.

LAUGH FACTORY

The venerable Sunset Strip comedy club holds services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur. Services are conducted in the Reform tradition by Rabbi Bob Jacobs. Everyone is welcome. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 10:30 a.m. Refreshments follow. Kol Nidre: 6-7:30 p.m. Yom Kippur: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Neilah: 6-7 p.m. Break-the-fast follows. First come, first served. Laugh Factory, 8001 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 656-1336. laughfactory.com.

NASHUVA

Rabbi Naomi Levy and the Nashuva Band’s spiritual community is back at its larger location, the historic Founder’s Church of Religious Science in Koreatown, and everyone’s invited. A Rosh Hashanah second-day hike and service will be held in Temescal Park. A massive drum circle/tashlich will take place where Venice Boulevard meets the ocean on the first day of Rosh Hashanah at 5:30 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6:45 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 9:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah, second day: 9 a.m. (hike), 10 a.m. (service). Kol Nidre: 6:30 p.m. Yom Kippur: 9:30 a.m. Reservations requested (donations appreciated). Child-care program available with reservation. Founder’s Church of Religious Science, 3281 W. Sixth St., Los Angeles. Temescal Park, 15601 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades. nashuva.com. For people unable to get to synagogue, Nashuva’s entire Kol Nidre service will be live-streamed at jewishjournal.com.

TEMPLE ISRAEL OF HOLLYWOOD 

The historic Reform congregation holds free family services (toddlers through second-graders) on Rosh Hashanah, first day, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur, and opens its doors to the general public on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 8:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah, second day: 10 a.m. Kol Nidre: 6 p.m. Yom Kippur: 8:30 a.m. No reservations necessary. Temple Israel of Hollywood, 7300 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 876-8330. tioh.org. 

WESTSIDE

BETH CHAYIM CHADASHIM 

Rabbi Heather Miller leads the LGBT congregation’s family services on the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur in Temple Isaiah’s Social Hall. These services are for families with children of all ages. Rabbi Lisa Edwards and Cantor Juval Porat lead a service for the public on the second day of Rosh Hashanah at BCC’s Pico Boulevard synagogue. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 9:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah, second day: 10 a.m. Yom Kippur: 10 a.m. Temple Isaiah, 10345 W. Pico Blvd., LA. Beth Chayim Chadashim, 6090 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 931-7023. bcc-la.org. 

BETH SHIR SHALOM

This progressive Reform synagogue holds free afternoon children’s services for families with children up to age 7. Led by Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels and Cantor Richard Bessman. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 1:30 p.m.; Yom Kippur: 2 p.m. No reservations necessary. Santa Monica High School, Barnum Hall, 601 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. (310) 453-3361. bethshirshalom.org.

CHAI CENTER

These free services are in English, with meaning, melody and humor by Rabbi Shlomo Schwartz (aka “Schwartzie”). All ages welcome. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6:45-8:45 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Kol Nidre: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Yom Kippur: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 3-5:30 p.m. (“Stump the Rabbi” program). Neilah: 5:30 p.m. No reservations necessary. Writers Guild Theater, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. (310) 391-7995. chaicenter.org.

HILLEL AT UCLA

Free to all students with a valid school ID. There will be egalitarian and Orthodox services. RSVP required. Hillel at UCLA, 574 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 208-3081. uclahillel.org.

IKAR

Pray for free with the progressive egalitarian community on Erev Rosh Hashanah, the second day of Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur from Yizkor through Neilah. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6:45 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, second day: 8:30 a.m. Yom Kippur from Yizkor on: 2:15 p.m. Pre-registration and ID required. Shalhevet High School, 910 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

LEO BAECK TEMPLE

These free and lively family services feature music and storytelling for children (7 and younger) and their parents and grandparents. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 2 p.m. Yom Kippur: 2 p.m. Reservations required. Leo Baeck Temple, 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org.

OHR HATORAH

The independent community’s free second day Rosh Hashanah/Beit Midrash will be a morning of study and liturgical music. A Yom Kippur service will feature commentary by Rabbi Mordecai Finley. Rosh Hashanah, second day: 10 a.m. Yom Kippur: 2 p.m. No reservations necessary. Rosh Hashanah service: Ohr HaTorah, 11827 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. Yom Kippur: Wilshire Ebell Theatre, 4401 W. Eighth St., Los Angeles. (310) 915-5200. ohrhatorah.org.

SHOLEM COMMUNITY 

The secular humanistic community holds a free family picnic and celebration with readings and songs on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and a discussion about ethics in our daily lives on Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 11 a.m. Yom Kippur: 11 a.m. No reservations necessary. Rancho Park-Cheviot Hills picnic area No. 1, 2551 Motor Ave., Los Angeles. (818) 760-6625. sholem.org.

SHTIBL MINYAN

The traditional, egalitarian, lay-led minyan welcomes the general public to services. Erev Rosh Hashanah: 6:30 p.m. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 8:30 a.m. Rosh Hashanah, second day: 8:30 a.m.; Kol Nidre: 6:15 p.m. Yom Kippur: 8 a.m. RSVP requested (donations encouraged). Workmen’s Circle, 1525 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 916-9820. shtibl.com. 

SINAI TEMPLE

Rabbi David Wolpe leads Rosh Hashanah Live, a free musical celebration combined with a service on Erev Rosh Hashanah. There is also a more traditional service offered. On Yom Kippur, the Yizkor service is open to the public. Erev Rosh Hashanah, Rosh Hashanah Live: 8 p.m., Ziegler Sanctuary; Erev Rosh Hashanah, traditional service: 8 p.m., Barad Hall; Yom Kippur, Yizkor service: 3 p.m. No reservations necessary (space is limited, arrive early). Sinai Temple, 10400 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 474-1518. sinaitemple.org. 

TEMPLE EMANUEL OF BEVERLY HILLS

On the first day of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur, the Reform congregation offers free half-hour services for toddlers and preschoolers and their families, including lots of singing, dancing, stories and activities. Hebrew and English readings, a sermon from an Emanuel rabbi, and a mix of classic High Holy Days choral music balanced with traditional and contemporary melodies highlight the congregation’s free service on the second day of Rosh Hashanah. Rosh Hashanah, first day: 11:00 a.m.-11:30; Rosh Hashanah, second day: 9 a.m.-noon; Yom Kippur: 11:00 a.m.-11:30. No reservations necessary. Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills, Bess P. Maltz Center, 8844 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. (310) 288-3737.  tebh.org.

UNIVERSITY SYNAGOGUE

Music- and story-filled, these one-hour families with young children services are a kid-friendly introduction to the High Holy Days. Rosh Hashanah, first day and Yom Kippur: 8:30 a.m. Reservations required. University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 472-1255. unisyn.org.

TASHLICH

SAN FERNANDO AND CONEJO VALLEYS

L.A. RIVER

Chabad of Toluca Lake. Sept. 14. 1 p.m. Walk to L.A. River from Oakwood Toluca Hills, North Clubhouse, 3600 Barham Blvd., Toluca Lake. (818) 308-4118. chabadoftolucalake.com.

LAKE BALBOA

Temple Judea. Approximately 11:30 a.m. Lake Balboa, 6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys. (818) 758-3800. templejudea.com. 

CONEJO CREEK PARK-NORTH PARK

Temple Adat Elohim. Sept. 14. 5 p.m. Conejo Creek Park, North Park, 1379 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. (805) 497-7101. adatelohim.org.

POINT DUME

Temple Aliyah. Sept. 20. 4-7 p.m. (picnic at 4 p.m.; tashlich at 6 p.m.). Point Dume, Westward Beach Road, Lifeguard Tower No. 5. templealiyah.org.

TEMPLE AHAVAT SHALOM

Temple Ahavat Shalom. Sept. 15. Wine and cheese at 6 p.m.; service at 6:30 p.m. Temple Ahavat Shalom, 18200 Rinaldi Place, Northridge. tasnorthridge.org.

MALIBU PIER

Shomrei Torah. Sept. 20. 5:30 p.m.  Heal the Bay project.  Surfrider Beach, Lifeguard tower between Adamson House and Malibu Pier. Free parking along Pacific Coast Highway, paid parking in lot adjacent to Adamson House.  (818) 346-0811. stsonline.org.

WESTSIDE

MARINA DEL REY

Temple Akiba. Bike ride to Culver beach. Sept. 20. 1 p.m.  Meet at Temple Akiba, 5249 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City. (310) 398-5783. templeakiba.net. 

SANTA MONICA BEACH

Beth Shir Shalom. Sept. 14. 3 p.m. Beach at the end of Pico Boulevard. (310) 453-3361. bethshirshalom.org.

Temple Israel of Hollywood. Sept. 14. 4 p.m. Meet at Lifeguard Station No. 12 (parking at Lot 3 North). 1150 Palisades Beach Road, Santa Monica. (323) 876-8330. tioh.org.

IKAR. Sept. 20. 4 p.m. Bring a picnic dinner and meet at Lifeguard Station No. 26 (where Ocean Park Boulevard meets the beach). (323) 634-1870. ikar-la.org.

VENICE BEACH

Nashuva. Please dress casually in white and consider a sweater. Bring a percussion instrument and bread for throwing. Sept. 14. 5:30 p.m. Venice Beach (where Venice Boulevard meets the sand; approximate address: 1 N. Venice Blvd., Venice).

Beth Chayim Chadashim. Sept. 15. 4 p.m.  Park in Lot 5S, meet at south end of parking lot. Bring sweater and shofar. 2600 Barnard Way, Santa Monica. (323) 931-7023. bcc-la.org.

WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH

Leo Baeck Temple. Sept. 14. 5 p.m. Will Rogers State Beach (intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road). Meet at Tower No. 7. (310) 476-2861. leobaecktemple.org. 

Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. Sept. 14. 5 p.m. Will Rogers State Beach (intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road) Lifeguard Tower No. 8. (310) 276-9776. tebh.org.

KEVER AVOT, Sept. 20 

EDEN MEMORIAL PARK

All are welcome — especially Jewish war veterans. Please bring a canned food item, nonperishable food, personal hygiene item or children’s book to be donated to Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles’ SOVA Community Food and Resource Program. 10 a.m. Free. Eden Memorial Park, 11500 Sepulveda Blvd., Mission Hills. (818) 361-7161. eden-memorialpark.com.  

HILLSIDE MEMORIAL PARK AND MORTUARY 

Service led by Rabbi John Rosove and Cantorial Soloist Shelly Fox of Temple Israel of Hollywood. They are joined by Cantor Linda Kates (Leo Baeck Temple), and Rabbi Cantor Alison Wissot (Temple Judea). Complimentary yahrzeit candles will be available. There will be a shomer to assist with Kaddish. Please bring canned and dry foods, eyeglasses and hearing aids to donate to the Hillside Chesed Project. 10 a.m. Free. Hillside Memorial Park and Mortuary, 6001 W. Centinela Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 641-0707. hillsidememorial.org.

HOME OF PEACE

Led by Rabbi Robert Elias. 11 a.m. Home of Peace, Chapel, 4334 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles. (323) 261-6135. homeofpeacememorialpark.com. 

MOUNT SINAI MEMORIAL PARKS AND MORTUARIES

Services will be led at two sites. There will be interpreters for the hearing-impaired at both services. Donations to Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles’ SOVA Community Food and Resource Program accepted. 10 a.m. Mount Sinai Hollywood Hills, 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, L.A.; 1 p.m. Free. Mount Sinai Simi Valley, 6150 Mount Sinai Drive, Simi Valley. (866) 717-4624. mountsinaiparks.org.

SHOLOM MEMORIAL PARK

Led by Rabbi Alan Kalinsky and Cantor Jance Weberman. Refreshments served at 9 a.m. Service at 10 a.m. 13017 Lopez Canyon Road, Sylmar. (310) 659-3055. sholomchapels.com.