Observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with Temple Beth El and Congregation Beth Israel. (photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

The High Holy Days, beginning with Rosh Hashanah on Oct. 2 and culminating with Yom Kippur on Oct. 12, has always been a period of personal and collective introspection. Members of the Jewish community start with spiritual meditations on thoughts of what they have done during the past year and conclude with a triumphant blast of the Shofar.

Hollywood Temple Beth El and Congregation Beth Israel invite members of the Jewish community to join them during the High Holy Days as a mark of fellowship and as testimony to hope and faith in a better tomorrow. Rabbi Norbert Weinberg and members of Hollywood Temple Beth El will join cantor Steven Walfish, rabbinical scholar Michael Jacoby and the members of Congregation Beth Israel for the special joint services. The egalitarian services will include a blend of the unique liturgy and centuries old cantillation, with contemporary readings and teachings for the period of internal examination and communal cohesion.

It is a unique opportunity as both congregations are “firsts” in Los Angeles, marking over a century of continuous service to the community. Temple Beth Israel is the oldest still existing Orthodox synagogue in Los Angeles, and Temple Beth El is the oldest still existing synagogue in Hollywood, founded to serve Jews who had come to the area with the film industry.

The services will be held at 8338 Beverly Blvd., second floor, at Temple Beth Israel’s temporary location between Kings Road and Flores Street Parking is available on streets around the temple; the city of Los Angeles waives restrictions on the High Holy Days.

The services include Rosh Hashanah Eve on Oct. 2 at 6:15 p.m.; Rosh Hashanah, first day on Oct. 3 at 9:30 a.m.; and Rosh Hashanah, second day on Oct. 4 at 9:30 a.m. A Yom Kippur Eve Kol Nidrei service will be held on Oct. 11 at 6:15 p.m., and a Yom Kippur Shabbat service will be held on Oct. 12 at 9:30 a.m. followed by Yizkor at 11:30 a.m. and Neilah at 6 p.m.

Admission to services is based on pre-registration for security and safety. A $100 donation is requested to help meet costs. To register through Temple Beth El, visit eventbrite.com/e/rosh-hashanah-and-yom-kippur-tickets-1001620282227 or mail information and payment to Hollywood Temple Beth El, 1317 N. Crescent Heights Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90046. To register through Congregation Beth Israel, call (323)651-4022 and leave a name and phone number, or mail to 8338 Beverly Blvd, Second Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90048.