* Shofar Ritual (led by UJPO and D'ror Yikra): September 13, 2026 (Daytime service)
The shofar ritual involves blowing a traditional musical horn, typically made from a ram's horn, during Jewish High Holy Days. It serves as a spiritual "wake-up call" to repentance, commemorating the covenant with God and reminding worshippers of the Binding of Isaac.
Tashlich Gather-In
When: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Where: Budapest Park, 1575 Lakeshore Blvd. W.
We invite Jews and allies in the Toronto area to join us on the shore of Lake Ontario for the High Holy Days ritual of Tashlich. This is an opportunity to come together and recommit ourselves to community, culture, reflection and collective action, with a focus on honouring and protecting Indigenous rights, from Turtle Island to Palestine, and reckoning with the ongoing genocide in Gaza being carried out in our name — as Jews, and as Canadians, as our leaders and institutions continue to materially support crimes against humanity. While this ritual is centring Jewish reflections on our community, all are welcome.
This year’s gatherings bring together both long-standing and emerging progressive Jewish communities in Toronto, including the United Jewish People’s Order (UJPO), which is celebrating 100 years of progressive Jewish culture, community and social justice organizing; D’ror Yikra, a new Jewish, anti-Zionist, collective liberationist community in Toronto; and Jews for Tikkun Olam (J4TO), a Toronto-based community of social workers, therapists, spiritual leaders and educators committed to social justice, solidarity and collective action.
IfNotNow is also supporting these High Holiday gatherings, connecting local organizing in Toronto to a broader movement of Jews challenging Zionism and organizing for Palestinian freedom, equality and self-determination, and for a future in which Palestinians and Jews can live with dignity, freedom and safety. Together, these communities represent both a long history of Jewish social justice organizing and the emergence of new Jewish spaces for people seeking community, cultural connection, political organizing and collective life grounded in justice, solidarity and liberation.
Join us!
Kites encouraged!
Parking Access: On-site parking is available via Municipal Carpark 208 (1575 Lakeshore Blvd W). It features 191 spots, includes designated disabled parking, has no height restrictions.
Accessibility: The park includes accessible paved sections of the Martin Goodman Trail..
RSVP here.
* Kol Nidre (led by UJPO): September 20, 2026 (Evening service)
* Yom Kippur Workshop and Neilah Service (led by D'ror Yikra): September 21, 2026 (Evening service)