High Holy Days
We invite you to join us in celebrating and observing these special Holy days beginning with the observance of Selichot, Kever Avot (visiting our loved ones’ graves), and Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Yizkor Memorial services. Please see the Schedule of Services here for detailed information regarding dates and times of these services, Book of Remembrance, how to access the Machzor (High Holy Day prayer book), and for Congregation Shalom members, participating in the services.
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The High Holy Days are a time for reflection, introspection, and prayer. For many Jews, the High Holy Day season begins with Rosh HaShanah and the start of the new month of Tishrei. Jewish tradition, however, teaches that the preceding month of Elul is a time of soul-searching and reflection to prepare oneself for the magnitude of the Days of Awe. It is during this time that we observe Selichot, the special service held late on the Saturday night prior to Rosh HaShanah. Selichot are, by the broadest definition, penitential prayers recited during the High Holy Days and other fast days during the year. To learn more about Selichot and their interesting history, visit the URJ website at this link.
Rosh HaShanah (literally, “Head of the Year”) is the Jewish New Year, a time of prayer, self-reflection, and repentance. We review our actions during the past year, and we look for ways to improve ourselves, our communities, and our world in the year to come. The holiday marks the beginning of a 10-day period known as the Yamim Nora’im (“Days of Awe” or “Days of Repentance”), ushered in by Rosh HaShanah and culminating with Yom Kippur (the “Day of Atonement”). Rosh HaShanah is widely observed by Jews throughout the world, often with prayer and reflection in a synagogue. There also are several holiday rituals observed at home.
Rosh HaShanah is celebrated on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which – because of differences in the solar and lunar calendar – corresponds to September or October on the Gregorian or secular calendar. Customs associated with the holiday include sounding the shofar, eating a round challah, and tasting apples and honey to represent a sweet New Year. Learn more about Rosh HaShanah on the URJ website.
Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement” and refers to the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer and repentance; it is considered the holiest day on the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is the moment in Jewish time when we dedicate our mind, body, and soul to reconciliation with our fellow human beings, ourselves, and God. As the New Year begins, we commit to self-reflection and inner change. As both seekers and givers of forgiveness, we turn first to those whom we have wronged, acknowledging our sins and the pain we have caused them. We are also commanded to forgive, to be willing to let go of any resentment we feel towards those who have committed offenses against us. We are taught that for offenses “bein adam l’chaveiro – between two people” – the one who has committed the offense must personally and genuinely apologize and ask forgiveness, sincerely promising not to repeat the offense. Only then can we turn to God and ask for forgiveness. As we read in the Yom Kippur liturgy, “And for all these, God of forgiveness, forgive us, pardon us, and grant us atonement.” Learn more about Yom Kippur on the URJ website.
