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Ways to Celebrate and Observe the High Holidays with Your Family 🕍✡️

Places to Observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, 2023 in Conejo Valley-Malibu-Calabasas and nearby 🍯

By Brenna Gutell September 20, 2023

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the day of atonement are part of what's know as the High Holidays or High Holy Days! These are two of the more important holidays observed by Jewish people around the world. Here you will find lots of ways to help your family learn more about, celebrate and observe these most important days. 

Are you in search of options to participate in High Holiday services with your family, including Children's services, Tashlich, Yizkor, and more? Look no further! Explore our comprehensive list of in-person and virtual options in the Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, Oak Park, Agoura Hills, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, and nearby communities in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties.

A little music to get you in the mood

If you have seen their other Jewish Holiday video's you'll enjoy this one and if you are not familiar you are in for a treat.

Preparing for the High Holidays

Are you in search of unique ingredients, Jewish delicacies, or holiday essentials? Maybe a beautifully rounded Challah? It's worth noting that we're fortunate to have a local Kosher Market right here. Aside from the Kosher section at your nearby grocery store, many synagogues boast gift shops with a diverse selection of traditional holiday goods. For those seeking fresh, locally sourced produce and specialty items, Farmers Markets are an excellent choice.

Here are a few of my local shopping favorites

Local favorites to eat out or pick-up to-go

These are some great local options anytime you're having company, want to treat your family, need catering or specialty baked goods:

You don't have to be Jewish for your family to try and enjoy some tasty recipes, fun crafts or send a Rosh Hashanah greeting to a friend. 


Fisher from Getty Images via Canva

Rosh Hashanah like all Jewish holidays begins at sundown, this year it begins on Friday, September 15, 2023 and ends on Sunday, September 17 at sunset. Rosh Hashanah is also known as the "Day of Judgment," the "Day of Remembrance," and the "Day of Shofar Blowing." During this two day holiday, Jewish people all over will commemorate the creation of the world! Many Jews attend services at Synagogues or Temples where they will pray for a sweet year full of blessings, ask their families and friends for forgiveness for any transgression and hear the blowing of the Shofar - a Ram's Horn. Families all over will not only be attending services together, but many will celebrate afterwards with family and friends by enjoying a meal that often features traditional food such as round challah a special kind bread and apples dipped in honey, representing the wish for a sweet new year.  

Rosh Hashanah ~ come and listen to the sound of the Shofar!


Yom Kippur comes ten days after Rosh Hashanah. This year it begins at sundown on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” it's the holiest day of the year for Jewish people around the world. It's also a time for reflection to think about anyone one you might have wronged the past year and ask for forgiveness. The focus of the Yom Kippur holiday for many is introspection and connecting to Judaism. Many adults and kids 13 and older will fast for 25 hours, from sundown the eve of Yom Kippur to nightfall the next day, refraining from any food or drink - even water. Like Rosh Hashanah many Jews will spend the day in prayer at synagogue or at home. As the sun begins to set many will join together with family and friends to enjoy a special meal together to "break the fast," typically this is a lighter meal but still includes many traditional favorite foods.

There are so many ways for your family to celebrate and observe these sacred days with your kids, each family having their own traditions, customs and special recipes, I've included lots of resources for your family, including options for local in-person and virtual services in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas and our neighboring communities below.



Rosh Hashana design by tomertu via Canva


Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Resources for your Family:

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Crafts for Kids:


oksun70 from Getty Images via Canva

On Rosh Hashana, and the days that follow, Jews everywhere wish each other a "Sweet New Year" or in Hebrew a, "L'Shanah Tovah Tikatevu," which translated is "May you be written in for a good year." It's a time to call or send Rosh Hashanah greetings and wishes via mail or e-mail.
A fun project to do with kids is to create Cards wishing a Happy New Year and send them to family and friends around the globe, some options are hand-made and others are digital for those who prefer to share via email or social media.
Send a Rosh Hashanah New Years Greeting:
Grab some paper and your kids start crafting a card or use some of these ideas: 

Winnie Bruce from Diversifylens via Canva

Family Meal

One of the most joyous parts of the holidays are getting together with family and friends for a meal. Typically the table will have traditional foods such as round Challah sometimes with raisins or for my family Chocolate Chips plus Apples dipped in Honey, as symbol of a sweet New Year. These Holiday time Family meals provide a wonderful opportunity to get together, enjoy each other, reflect on the past year and be optimistic for the upcoming year.

This time of year it's custom to use a Round Challah thru the beginning of the year until Sukkot instead of the traditional Braided Challah. The special Round Challah reminds Jews of the roundness of the year and tells us that the coming year will be full and fruitful, Sweet Raisins are commonly added to the Challah. Carrots in the Yiddish language, are called ‘merren’. This word also means "more" in Yiddish. We want more of all the good things in life: More happiness, more health, and more success! Another tradition I recently learned about is to include a fruit that is new for the season that you haven't had yet, often you will see pomegranates during this time. Another amazing suggestion is a dragon fruit, it's both beautiful and delicious.






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Traditional Recipes to Celebrate the New Year and Break the Fast: 






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Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services 5784 / 2023

You'll find there are many choices for your family to attend services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in Conejo Valley, Malibu, Calabasas and nearby communities. In addition to the many options for in-person services there are virtual options available as well if that interests you. I've listed a variety of options for your family below.

Please keep in mind some local Synagogues require tickets for services and some are for temple members only, but will offer a limited number of tickets for sale to non members if they have available space. Also note, some services require pre-registration even if the services are no cost, so please check each location for specifics prior to attending. In addition to traditional holiday services many locations also offer separate children's or family services as well as Yizkor, Shofar and Tashlich services, some offered at no charge.

No matter your family's preference you will find there are lots of options for your family to attend Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services near by the communities of Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Malibu and other neighboring communities in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.


by valentynsemenov via Canva


Please click on the locations below to for complete details prior to attending.


Agoura Hills / Oak Park

Chabad of the Conejo

Services at Willow Elementary School, Agoura Hills

To accommodate those from the Conifer Shul/Oak Park community who prefer a closer option, Chabad will also be holding auxiliary services at Willow Elementary School:  29026 Laro, Agoura Hills for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. You can opt to attend Rosh Hashanah at one location and Yom Kippur at the other.

Rosh Hashanah

  • Sept. 25, 2023 at 6:30 pm
  • Sept. 26, 2023 at 10 am | 6 pm - Tashlich | 6:30 pm:  Evening services at 5998 Conifer Street, Oak Park
  • Sept. 27, 2023 at 10:00 am:  Evening services at 5998 Conifer Street, Oak Park

Yom Kippur

  • Sept. 24, 2023 at 6:45 pm - Kol Nidrei
  • Sept. 25, 2023 at 9:30 am - Yom Kippur | 12:00 pm - Yizkor | 5:15 pm - Neilah | 7:25 pm - Havdalah

Chabad of the Conejo

Schedule of Services

Rosh Hashanah Daytime Services:

Morning / Daytime services at the Creative Arts Theater, on the campus of Lindero Canyon Middle School, 5844 Larboard Lane, Agoura Hills.

  • Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17, 2023 starts at 9:30 am

Rosh Hashanah Evening Services:

Mincha and evening services will be held at the Chabad Center, 30345 Canwood Street

  • Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 at 6:45 pm
  • Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 at 6:30 pm
  • Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023 at 5:00 pm - Tashlich at 5:30 pm

Yom Kippur services will all be at the Creative Arts Theater, 5844 Larboard Lane, Agoura Hills, on the campus of Lindero Canyon Middle School.

  • Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 starts at 6:30 pm
  • Monday, Sept. 25, 2023: 9:30 am - Morning service | 12 pm - Yizkor | 5 pm - Mincha / Neila | 7:25 pm - Havdalah 
Although reserved seating for High Holiday services is suggested and donations are encouraged and appreciated, please note that there will be open seating available at each service and everyone is welcome to attend – with or without reservations regardless of donation amount. Use link above for more information.

Temple Ner Simcha 

All services will be held at the Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Dr., Agoura Hills, with the exception of the Tashlich service which will be held at the lake at the Westlake Village Inn. Free parking is available on site at the Canyon Club.

Rosh Hashana Services

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

  • 7:30 pm - Main evening service

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023

  • 9 am - Shacharit Service - Children's programing available | 10 am - Torah Service - Children's programing available | 4:30 pm - Taschlich at the Westlake Village Inn

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023

  • 9 am - Shacharit Service | 10 am - Torah Service
Yom Kippur Services
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023
  • 7:30 pm - Kol Nidre - Children's programing available
Monday, Sept. 25, 2023
Children's programing available
  • 9 am - Shacharit Service | 10 am - Torah Service | 12 pm -  Yizkor Service | 4:30 pm - Mincha and Neela

There are never any required fees to attend any service or event at Temple Ner Simcha, but please consider making a donation to the community when reserving your tickets so that we can continue to thrive and grow as a community. Visit link above to register online / make a donation.

  • Ticket & Seating Information:  For Security Purposes, everyone MUST have their own ticket, and tickets must be reserved online form or the paper form use links details.  Seating is on a first come, first served basis. There is no reserved seating, however, priority seating for the physically challenged will be available.  
  • Children's Programming:  A special room with supervised activities and opportunities for children will be available to those children who are pre-registered.

Thousand Oaks

Chabad of Thousand Oaks

Join us for the High Holidays at Chabad of Thousand Oaks, our services are refreshingly casual, joyous, and uplifting. Services will be led by Rabbi Bryski who will accompany the prayer service with ongoing commentary interspersed with inspirational stories, humor, spiritual meditations and practices.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services will be held at Chabad of Thousand Oaks: 1515 El Monte Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA - Click here to reserve today.

Read more here:  🍯 Rosh Hashanah ~ come and listen to the sound of the Shofar!

Schedule of Services

Rosh Hashanah:
Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

  • 6:30 pm - Evening service followed by a Rosh Hashanah community meal. Please RSVP to: shula@jewishto.org
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16 - 17, 2023
  • 9:30 am - Morning service

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023

  • 11:30 am - Mitzvah of Shofar - Three-course Kiddush Luncheon following morning service | 5 pm - Mincha followed by Tashlich walk and service at the library park

Yom Kippur:
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023

  • 6:15 pm - Kol Nidrei

Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

  • 9:30 am - Morning service | 11:45 am - Yizkor service | 5 pm - Mincha | 6 pm - Neilah closing service | 7:30 pm - Shofar / Break Fast
The Chabad House - North Ranch

The Chabad House is always open to everyone, so please bring your family and friends to attend our services! No membership fees, no dues, no judgement and no experience necessary! There is never a charge to attend any of our services, but donations are appreciated and accepted. If you would like a Reserved Seat - Click here to reserve

Rosh Hashana Services

All Rosh Hashanah services at Chabad North Ranch: 1145 Lindero Canyon Road, Suite C2• Westlake Village, CA 91362

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

  • 6:30 pm - Evening Service | 6:44 pm  - Candle-lighting

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023

  • 10 am - Morning service | 11 am - 12 pm - Children's program | 11:30 am - Sermon | After 7:38 pm - Candle Lighting
Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023

When Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat, the Shofar Service & Tashlich Walk takes place on Sunday at Oak Canyon Community Park, 5600 Holytree Drive, Oak Park - off Kanan Rd.

  • 8:30 am - Morning service | 10 am - Sermon and Shofar | 12 - 1:30 pm - Prayer Learning and Shofar | 5:30 pm Tashlich Walk and Shofar
Yom Kippur 
All Yom Kippur Services will be held at the Hyatt Regency Westlake, 880 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village - this is a new location.
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023
  • 6:15 pm - Kol Nidrei Service | 6:31 pm - Candle-lighting / Fast begins
Monday, Sept. 25, 2023
  • 9 am - Morning service | 11 am - Insights into the Yom Kippur Prayers | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm - Sermon and Yizkor | 5:30 pm - Mincha | 6:15 pm - Neilah Closing Service | 7:25 pm - Fast Ends / Havdalah Service and Refreshments
Temple Etz Chaim
1080 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 |  (805) 497-6891

These services require a ticket, reach out directly via link above for complete details.

Temple Adat Elohim

Most of the services do require a ticket, I've listed a few below that do not - visit link above to order tickets and find out more.

High Holy Day Service schedule

Rosh Hashanah

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023

Tickets are not needed for these services:

  • 4 pm - Young Children’s Service for families with preschool-age children:  Conejo Creek North Park, Lakeside Pavilion only
  • 5 pm - Tashlich, join us as we gather on Rosh Hashanah by a body of water and recite Tashlich Prayers:  Conejo Creek North Park,  Lakeside Pavilion only
Shabbat Shuva at Zuma Beach - Friday, September 22, 2023

Shabbat Shuva is a special day for Jewish people taking place on the Shabbat between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This service is in lieu of Shabbat services at the temple

Tickets are not necessary: 

  • 5:30 pm - Preschool-Age Family Service:  This is the prefect service for families with preschool-age children. Enjoy this child-friendly service on the sand led by Rabbi Diamond and Cantor Shukiar!
  • 6:00 pm. - Bring a picnic dinner and dine with us at the beach: This is open to all - Bring your friends!
  • 6:30 pm - Kabbalat Shabbat: Enjoy a special Shabbat service with Rabbi Diamond and Cantor Shukiar on the sand! This service is in lieu of services in the Sanctuary!
Remember to bring beach chairs, blankets, jackets, and whatever else you need to stay comfortable! 
Visit link above - Tower information available soon.
Yom Kippur Day Services
Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

Tickets are not needed for these services:

  • 8:30 am - Young Children’s Service
  • 1:00 pm - Adult Group Study Session 1 | 2:30 pm - Adult Group Study Session 2
  • 4:00 pm - Stories of Repentance and Forgiveness | 5:30 pm - Yizkor service in the Sanctuary | 6:00 pm - Neilah service in the Sanctuary
Sukkot
Friday, Sept. 29, 2023

Tickets are not needed for these services:

  • 6:00 pm - Congregational Dinner in the Sukkah | 7:00 pm - Shabbat Service

Simchat Torah

Friday, Oct. 6, 2023

Tickets are not needed for these services:

  • 7:00 pm - Celebration and Torah Consecration - More info available soon!

Newbury Park
Chabad of Newbury Park
Join us for community Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur High Holiday Services. Services will be held at Chabad of Newbury Park's Village Shul, 350 Via Las Brisas Suite 110, Newbury Park. Our services are lively, engaging and easy to follow. The English-Hebrew prayer book, along with song and commentary, make everyone an active participant regardless of prior experience or background. 
There is no charge, your donation is greatly appreciated. RSVP requested - Click here

Rosh Hashanah

Friday, Sept. 15, 2023

  • 6:40 pm - Evening service, light refreshments following service

Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023 - Shabbat

  • 10 am - Morning Services | 11 am - Children's program | 12:30 pm - Kiddush and Lunch

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023

  • 10 am - Morning service | 11:30 am - Shofar Sounding | 12:30 pm - Kiddush and Lunch |5 pm - Shofar and Tashlich Service

Yom Kippur

Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023

  • 6:20 pm - Kol Nidrei Service | 6:31 pm - Candle lighting and Fast begins

Monday, Sept. 25, 2023

  • 10 am - Morning Service | 11:30 am - Children's Program | 12 pm - Yizkor Memorial Service | 6:30 pm - Neilah Closing Service | 7:25 pm - Fast Ends and Refreshments

Malibu
Chabad of Malibu
Use the links for more details.
Holiday Schedule

Rosh Hashanah

  • Friday, Sept. 15, 2023: 6:44 pm - Light Candles | 6:30 pm - Evening service | 7:15 pm Community Dinner with RSVP only
  • Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023: 9:30 am - Morning service | 6:30 pm - Evening service | after 7:37 pm Light Candles | 7:45 pm Community Dinner with RSVP only
  • Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023: 9:30 am - Morning service | 11:30 am - Shofar sounding | 2:30 pm - Tashlich service | 6:30 pm - Evening Service | 7:36 pm - Holiday Ends

Yom Kippur

  • Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023:  6:31 pm - Light Candles | 6:31 pm - Fast Begins | 6:30 pm - Kol Nidrei Services
  • Monday, Sept. 25, 2023:  9:30 am - Morning Services | 12:00 pm - Yizkor Memorial Service | 5:30 pm - Afternoon Service | 6:15 pm - Neilah Closing Service | 7:25 pm - Fast Ends Followed by light refreshments
Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue

24855 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu | (310) 456-2178

If you are planning to attend please be advised that most services require tickets | High Holiday Services - information and tickets.


Calabasas
Congregation Or Ami
In-person and virtual service options available. In-person services at the Fred Kavil Theater at the B of A Performing Arts Center in Thousand Oaks - Tickets required. High Holiday schedule and tickets

Virtual:  Free Livestream - RSVP or visit them on Facebook

Valley Outreach Synagogue Center for Jewish Life

In person and virtual options at locations in Porter Ranch, Calabasas and Malibu. High Holiday schedule, location and ticket information. 

Calabasas Shul

High Holidays seat reservations


Nearby Communities
Pacific Palisades
Santa Monica

Simi Valley

Moorpark




Woodland Hills 

West Hills 

Tarzana

Northridge

Camarillo

Oxnard

Ventura

Ojai

Los Angeles


Virtual - Open to Everyone 🖥️

Use the links below to find dates, times and services offered:




Other notable Jewish holidays this season:


 Publishers Note: This article is updated every year for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur