Congregation Beth Israel

HONESDALE, PA — Honesdale’s 178-year-old Congregation Beth Israel will soon celebrate the Jewish New Year, and all are welcome to join. The congregation will observe this occasion for the 169th consecutive year in its historic building. 

Again this year, Rabbi Elliott Kleinman will conduct the High Holy Day services with cantorial soloist Juliet Morris.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, Friday, September 11

Services:  7:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah, Saturday, September 12

Services: 10 a.m.  

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, Sunday, September 20

Kol Nidre: 7:30 p.m. 

Yom Kippur, Monday, September 21

Kol Nidre: 10 a.m.

Rabbi Kleinman is the rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel. Juliet Morris is a lyric coloratura soprano and crossover artist, who is quickly gaining attention for her storytelling and versatile vocals.

Founded in 1849, the congregation met in homes until the synagogue building was built in 1856 on land acquired from the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company. It is the oldest synagogue in northeastern Pennsylvania and Congregation Beth Israel is the oldest, continually operating synagogue in its original building in North America. 

Congregation Beth Israel is a member of the Union for Reform Judaism. 

In addition to High Holy Day services, the congregation holds regular Shabbat services each month. More information about the schedule and the congregation can be found at congregationbethisraelhonesdale.org.    

Visitors and those wishing to join are welcome to worship with us and begin this New Year by celebrating in this beautiful and historic building located at 615 Court St. in Honesdale. 

To learn more or inquire about educational programs and membership, call 570/253-2222 or email bethisraelhonesdale@gmail.com. 

High Holidays at Hemlock Farms

LORDS VALLEY, PA — The Jewish Fellowship of Hemlock Farms, serving the communities in the Poconos, will host the 2026/5786/87 services as follows:

Selihot (forgiveness): Saturday, September 5 with Rabbi Sami Barth and Cantor Jonathan Commisar

Havdallah: 7:45 p.m.

Music and Message: 8 p.m.

Selihot service: 9 p.m.

Erev Rosh Hashanah (eve of New Year), Friday, September 11

Apples and honey and Family Blessing Circle and Schmooze: 5:30 p.m.

Service: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Rosh Hashanah, Day 1, Saturday, September 12

Traditional service at JFHF: 9:30 a.m.

Dinner (optional) at Lords Valley Country Club, 1004 Hemlock Farms Road: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (Cost is $50 with RSVP)

Rosh Hashanah, Day 2, Sunday, September 13

“Soul Stroll”: 9:30 a.m. (option 1), or 

Traditional service through haftarah and ending with Tashlich (casting of sins) (option 2).

Yom Kipur, Sunday, September 20 

Kol Nidre: 6:15 p.m.

Yom Kipur, Monday, September 21

Meditation: 9:30 a.m.

Yizkor: 10 a.m.

Study: 4 p.m.

Mincha: 5 p.m.

Neilah: 6:15 p.m.

Concluding shofar: 7:20 p.m.

High Holidays with us are free for first-timers. Join us for inspirational services with traditional melodies, contemporary insights and a soul stroll in nature with Rabbi Sami Barth and Rabbi Aura Ahuvia.

For more information and reservations, email info@JFHF.org or call 570/775-7497.