High Holidays

Schedules and reservation forms for High Holy Days 5773 will be posted later this summer.

Selichot

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2012

Selichot, a Hebrew word meaning "forgiveness," refers to the special penitential prayers recited by Jews during the High Holy Day season. TheS’lichot liturgy contains some of the finest Jewish religious poetry ever composed. Reform congregations usually observe S’lichot on the Saturday night just prior to Rosh HaShanah, a solemn and fitting preparation for ten days of reflection and self-examination. 

Rosh HaShanah

EREV ROSH HASHANAH — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2012
ROSH HASHANAH — MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2012  

Rosh HaShanah (literally, "Head of the Year") is the celebration of the Jewish New Year, observed on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. It marks the beginning of a ten-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance, culminating on the fast day of Yom Kippur. Special customs observed on Rosh HaShanah include; the sounding of the shofar, using round challah, eating apples and honey (and other sweet foods) for a sweet new year. 

Yom Kippur

KOL NIDREI — TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2012
YOM KIPPUR — WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2012  

Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement," is the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer and repentance, considered to be the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. In three separate passages in the Torah, the Jewish people are told, "the tenth day of the seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: You shall practice self-denial." (Leviticus 23:27). Fasting is seen as fulfilling this biblical commandment.