HHD 5771 FAQs

Do I need to be a member to attend High Holy Days at IKAR?

No, but it sure helps ;-)
Members have first dibs on HHD entrance cards (IKARds), and space for non-members is very limited (we will sell out).
Renew your membership.
Join as a new member.
Purchase guest/non-member HHD IKARds.

 

What if I was a member last year (2009-2010)?

Then it's time to re-up. Not just to get HHD IKARds (though members DO automatically get IKARds). Remember: the reason you joined in the first place is because you want to be a part of this exciting venture. Help us continue to grow and sustain this community! If you have joined or renewed your membership, your HHD IKARds will be ready and waiting for you when you come for HHD services.

 

What if I want to come to just one or only some of the services?

When you buy an IKARd you are not buying a ticket to a performance, you are contributing to the sustenance of a spiritual community. (Notice that we don't call them tickets.) That said, if you plan to be out of town for one of the Holy Days, you can buy an IKARd for just Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur. We do not sell IKARds for individual services.

 

I'm so bummed. I'll be out of town for one of the holidays.

Let us know! Please email 411@ikar-la.org if there are specific services that you know that you'll be missing, so that we can make your seat available to someone else.

 

Will there be meals after services?

Join us for a kosher vegetarian lunch on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, and a delicious DISCO break-fast following the sounding of the shofar on Yom Kippur. Purchase your HHD meal IKARds now.

 

I just became a member. Will I be receiving IKARds?

High Holy Day IKARds come with IKAR membership, and will be waiting at the door for you when you come to services. But, please let us know if you will not be joining us for the High Holy Days so we can assess our available space.

 

I can't afford the IKARds. Is it possible to pay less?

We want you to join us. Just like with IKAR membership, we are committed to making participation affordable and dignified, regardless of individual financial constraints. For a confidential discussion of alternative payment plans and options, please email .

 

I'm thinking about becoming a member of IKAR. Can I apply the cost of my High Holy Day IKARds to my membership?

We hope that you will! People who purchase High Holy Day 5771 IKARds have until December 31, 2010 to apply their IKARds toward a new membership.

 

Can anyone attend IKAR's High Holy Day services?

As long as you have reserved an IKARd, you are welcome. Our services are uplifting, egalitarian and inclusive - we welcome people of diverse backgrounds, affiliations and lifestyles. But space is extremely limited and security is tight so everyone will need to have an IKARd in advance.

 

What is the Children's Program?

Click here to learn more abour our children's program and click here to purchase children's programming IKARds.

 

How can I help out with High Holy Days 5771?

We're glad you asked. We need help with all kinds of important jobs. Volunteering at High Holy Days is a great way to get to know other IKARites and to help build our community. Please let us know if you can help out by emailing .

 

What is the Yizkor (Memorial) Book?

IKAR's unique Yizkor book is a publication honoring the memories of our community's loved ones. We share not only their names, but also memories and stories about the people we love who have died. We hope you will consider writing something for IKAR's High Holy Days 5771 Yizkor Book. If you contributed an entry in past years, you can opt to have it repeated this year. Click here to submit your Yizkor book entry now.

 

Are there any bizarre ancient rituals in the services that I should know about so I don't feel foolish when I walk in?

You're going to find a large group of smart, soulful people singing and studying, sitting in silence and dancing without inhibition here - and that's because IKAR is a bit counter cultural. Don't worry - we'll make it as painless as possible. Rabbi Brous will explain all strange rituals and you might even surprise yourself by trying some of them.

 

What should I wear?

Prada, of course. Or jeans. Or something in between. Our services are not about your clothes, they're about your spirit. That said, you shouldn't feel awkward in a suit - it's still the High Holy Days, after all. On Rosh Hashanah, during the day, it is traditional to wear a tallit, and on Yom Kippur, the tallit is worn during both the evening and daytime services. On Yom Kippur, our custom is to wear white, a sign of spiritual purity, both for Kol Nidrei and all day on Yom Kippur, and to avoid leather (shoes, belts, skirts, etc). Wear comfortable sneakers, and bring sweats and a towel if you'll join us for restorative yoga during the afternoon break.

 

I haven't gone to High Holy Days since I was a kid. Is this gonna hurt?

We believe that prayer doesn't have to be lifeless and perfunctory; it can be soulful and transformative. Sermons and study don't have to be irrelevant and banal; they can be stimulating and challenging. Community doesn't have to be cosmetic and vacuous, it can actually be life sustaining. IKAR has created a High Holy Day celebration characterized simultaneously by tradition and irreverence, purpose and surprise, joy and soul. So, no, it doesn't have to hurt.

 

I don't know Hebrew. Am I going to be totally lost in the service?

Absolutely not. IKAR is committed to making our services accessible to anyone regardless of their background or knowledge of liturgy. Our mahzor (holiday prayer book) contains transliterations and translations of most of the prayers and we have a wonderful supplemental booklet that helps to explain the flow of the service and to make the liturgy comprehensible and accessible. And just so you know, many (if not most) of our folks are new to this. You're not alone.

 

What about prayer books (mahzorim)?

There will be a prayer book (mahzor) available for everyone with an adult IKARd. We use a traditional mahzor that is full of beautiful, inspirational translations and readings. It also transliterates most of the prayers that we will be singing together. There will also be a supplemental booklet with a map of the services, explanations, kavanot and additional teachings created by Rabbi Brous.

 

What is the Westside JCC?

The Westside JCC -- located at 5870 West Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036 -- has served all facets of the Jewish and secular communities with programs for all ages for over 50 years. IKAR has been meeting at the JCC since Fall 2004.