Top High Holiday Happenings for Houston Young Adults in 2026

[NOTE: This blog is a live resource and updated regularly. Be sure to check back in for additional High Holiday services and events.]

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Atoning is hard, but finding the right High Holiday happenings in Houston should be easy. So, we made it easy. Whether you're new to Houston, exploring services for the first time away from home, or just unsure where to find some community, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re a Jewish young adult in Houston looking to start 5787 strong, check out our list of High Holiday activities, services and more. Find the right fit for you below!

Are you a congregation or temple offering High Holiday services and events? Let us know at hey@heyhouston.com.

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1. Join Congregational Services

If you’re seeking music, ritual, or tradition, Houston’s synagogues are ready to welcome young adults like you!

Houston Congregation for Reform Judaism (HCRJ) is known for its warm, engaging, and supportive space. Their doors are open to everyone, and interfaith couples are warmly embraced as full participants in every aspect of temple life. (Reform | Tanglewood)

• Erev Rosh Hashanah — Sept 11, 8pm, dessert Oneg reception to follow
• Rosh Hashanah Family Service — Sept 12, 9:15am - 11am
• Rosh Hashanah Adult Service — Sept 12, 11am - 1pm
• Kol Nidre — Sept 20, 8pm -9:30pm
• Yom Kippur Services — Sept 21: 9:15am family service, 11am adult service, 1pm discussion hour, 2:15pm transition and reflection period, 3pm afternoon service, 4pm memorial and concluding service, light break-the-fast to follow
• Steak & Spirits in the Sukkah — Sept 26 [RSVP by 9/19], 6:30pm

Cost: Free for unaffiliated Jewish young adults.

Congregation Beth Yeshurun - whether you're looking for a spiritual home, educational opportunities, or a welcoming community, Beth Yeshurun is there for you. (Conservative | Meyerland)

• Inclusive High Holiday Program — Aug 30, 1pm, Devices, Fidgets, Headphones, Movements, and Participation of all kinds are encouraged!
• Sensory Sensitive Rosh Hashanah Service — Sept 12, 4:30pm, The service is free and open to the community - a High Holy Day ticket is not required.
• Tashlich — Sept 13, 6pm, meet at CBY

Congregation Shma Koleinu (CSK)  is known for being accessible, musical, and “pay what you can.” (Reform | Bellaire)

• Erev Rosh Hashanah — Sept 11, 7:30–9pm
• Family Service — Sept 12, 9–9:45am
• Morning Service — Sept 12, 10am–12:30pm
• Tashlich at Willow Waterhole Greenway— Sept 12, 6pm (Free)
• Kol Nidre — Sept. 20, 8–10pm
• Family Service — Sept. 21, 9–9:45am
• Morning Service — Sept. 21, 10am–12:30pm
• Teshuvah Workshops — Sept. 21, 1pm
• Meditation and Sound Bath — Sept. 21, 2:45pm‍
• "Just Breathe" Healing Service — Sept. 21, 3:30pm‍
• Yizkor — Sept. 21, 4:30pm‍
• Neilah Service — Sept 21, 5:15pm‍
• Havdalah — Sept. 21, 6pm
• ‍Break Fast — Sept 21, from 6:15pm‍
• Sukkot Shabbat Services — Sept. 25, 6pm - 8pm

Cost: Free

2. Experience Open-Door Services

Hillel and Chabad centers across Houston offer free services with RSVP, perfect for newcomers and those not seeking membership requirements.

Jewston (Houston Hillel) - events and opportunities are open and accessible to all Jewish 20somethings (not just college students!) in Houston. (Reform | Rice University)

• Erev Rosh Hashanah Services – Sept 11, 7pm
• Morning Services – Sept 12, 10am
• Kol Nidre – Sept. 20, 7pm
• Morning & Yizkor services – Sept. 21, 10am
• Neilah & Break Fast following – Sept. 21, 5:30pm
• UTMB Break Fast - Sept 22, 11:30am (email Ulrika for more info)

Olami Houston - Everyone is welcome, regardless of background, affiliation or denomination in Judaism. If you like being around other young Jews, and are looking to learn and grow, you’ll feel right at home. (Orthodox | Tanglewood)

• Elul: King in the Field – Sept 1, 7pm
• Rosh Hashanah: Renewal – Sept 8, 7:30pm‍
• Rosh Hashanah Dinner – Sept. 11, 8am‍
• Yom Kippur: Reversal – Sept. 15, 7:30pm‍
• Sukkot: Home – Sept. 22, 7:30pm

YJP Houston & Chabad of Uptown (Orthodox | Uptown)

• Community Evening Service — Sept 11, 7:15pm
• Community Holiday Dinner – Sept 11, 7:15–8:45pm ($45/adult, RSVP required)
• Rosh Hashanah Day 1
  
  • Sefardi Sunrise Minyan – Sept 12, 6:30am
  • Community Morning Services – Sept 12, 9:30am
  • Holiday Lunch Kiddush – Sept 12, 12:30pm ($25/adult, RSVP required)
  • Mincha Service – Sept 12, 7pm
  • Community Evening Service & candle lighting – Sept. 12, 8:06pm
  • Community Holiday Dinner – Sept 12, after 8:06pm $45/adult, RSVP required)
• Rosh Hashanah Day 2
  
  • Sefardi Sunrise Minyan – Sept 13, 6:30am
  • Community Morning Services – Sept 13, 9:30am
  • Shofar Service & Holiday Lunch Kiddush – Sept 13, 12:15pm ($25/adult, RSVP required)
  • Mincha Service – Sept 13, 6:15pm
  • Community Tashlich W– Sept 13, 6:5pm
  • Maariv, Havdalah & Holiday End – Sept 13, 8:05pm
• Yom Kippur
  
  • Light Holiday Candles & Fast beginning – Sept. 20, 7:03pm
  • Kol Nidrei (main & Sephardi) Service- Sept. 20, 7pm
  • Sefardi Sunrise Minyan – Sept. 21, 7am
  • Community Morning Service– Sept. 21, 9:30am
  • Yizkor Memorial Service – Sept. 21, 12:30pm
  • Sephardi Mincha – Sept. 21, 4:30pm
  • Mincha Afternoon Service – Sept. 21, 6pm
  • Neilah Closing Service – Sept. 21, 7pm
  • Havdala & Break Fast – Sept. 21, 7:55pm ($25/adult, RSVP required for buffet)

*note for Chabad Uptown, you can reserve individual meals or all High Holiday meals for $154.

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Does you also offer open-door services? Let us know at hey@heyhouston.com.

4. Celebrate with Community Gatherings

Looking for something more social, less prayer? Check out these community-oriented happenings:

• A Sweet New Year: Rosh Hashanah Honey Cake Workshop — Sept 3, 7-9pm (Limited Spots; paid)‍
• QJews Rosh Hashanah Dinner— Sept 13, TBA (Free)
• Young Professionals Game Night in the Suukkah with Congregation Brith Shalom — Sept 30, 7-9pm ($10/person)‍
• YP Makes Etrog Ponzu Hot Sauce with Congregation Emanu El Young Professionals— Oct. 1, 7pm ($20/each)
• Saturday Night Alive — Oct 4, 6:45pm, a night of hakafot, singing, dancing, l'chaims for Simchat Torah at Chabad of Uptown‍
• Etrog-Drop Cookie Bake with Congregation Brith Shalom — Oct 8, 6-8pm (Free)

These events are perfect for families and young adults wanting to celebrate in a festive atmosphere.

If you’re hosting a fun community gathering during the holidays, let us know at hey@heyhouston.com.

5. Virtual Reflection

Another great way to observe the High Holidays is to learn and engage in some critical thinking and discussion in your own space. These virtual offerings are free and accessible no matter where you are!

• Jewish Studio Project – Sep 3, 11am - 12:30pm CT. (Free)

Conclusion: High Holiday Your Way!

Whether you’re deeply traditional, spiritually reflective, or socially celebratory, there’s a place for you this High Holiday season in Houston.

Pro Tip: Create a free Hey Houston account to discover more events!

Ready to find your place?

• Create your Hey Houston account to access addresses and links.
• Invite a friend to come along.
• Mark your calendar early so you don’t miss out.

L’Shanah Tovah. May this year bring you meaning, connection, and joy!

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