High Holidays 5785 I 2024
Join us for a High Holiday Season filled with warmth, joy, and inspiration. For your convenience, we have included all activities in one form. Experience the transformative power of our community as we come together to reflect, rejoice, and renew.
L’Shanah Tovah – Wishing you and yours a sweet New Year.
If you have questions or need assistance, UJCBR Staff is available by phone at 225-924-6773 or by email.

High Holiday Appeal
$40,000 Goal
Your gift funds the future of UJCBR, ensuring a vibrant Jewish community for Baton Rouge. Your donation has a substantial impact on our programming:
- For every $18 you donate, UJCBR is able to purchase challah, wine and candles for shabbat.
- Your gift of $36 pays a Religious School teacher for one Sunday session.
- A $72 gift provides police security for two hours.
- $180 funds a dish for our community Break Fast.
- At $360 we are able to host a Geaux to Shul social gathering.
It is because of you that the tradition of L’dor V’dor, generation to generation, is alive in our community. Choose to strengthen our UJCBR family with a gift this High Holiday season.
Thank you for supporting our congregation!
Schedule of Events
Elul
Wednesday, September 4
12:00 PM I Wisdom Wednesdays
Join Rabbi Smiley for lunch and watch the 2024 Oscar winning short documentary film, The Last Repair Shop. We will launch into a talk about the work of repair we do on ourselves during the month of Elul and throughout the High Holidays. Register
Sunday, September 8
4:30 PM I Swimming in Sound at the Home of Rabbi Smiley
Take a dive into building relationships poolside at the home of Rabbi Smiley. We will enjoy music and fellowship to kick off this season of reflection and hope for a sweet new year. Bring a swimsuit and towel! RSVP
Thursday, September 12
6:00 PM I Chai Mitzvah
Begin a multi-session journey to enhance our Jewish community beginning with a study on Jewish virtues such as Coming Home (Teshuvah), Wisdom, Trust, and Spiritual Friendship. Register
Wednesday, September 18
6:00 PM I Sound Bath & Meditative Reflection
Participate in a guided meditative reflection with the accompaniment of a sound bath. Waves of sound wash over us as we collectively take a moment to pause and consider our relationship with ourselves, others, and the greater world.
Explore Elul Resources
Explore Elul on your own with this curated list of resources developed by the Ritual Committee.
Selichot and Cemetery Services
Saturday, September 28
7:00 PM I Selichot
Join us as we change the Torah covers and say prayers for forgiveness in preparation for the High Holidays.
Sunday, September 29
2:30 PM I Cemetery Memorial Service
Jewish Cemetery at 1415 North Street
4:00 PM I Cemetery Memorial Service
Beth Shalom Cemetery at 9665 Florida Street
