Category: High Holidays

How to Forgive (Kol Nidrei)

When the time of Yom Kippur is upon us, we talk a lot about forgiveness. Saying "sorry" is easy—how do we forgive?

Rabbi Sarah Freidson November 5, 2023 High Holidays Holidays

Netzach and Hod (Rosh Hashanah)

Rabbi Friedson explains the middot—soul traits—of netzach and hod and relates the required tenacity and glory to this time of year.

Rabbi Sarah Freidson November 5, 2023 High Holidays Holidays

Hope is a Rope (Rosh Hashanah)

We learn from Rabbi Friedson to keep our hope in mind for this next year. Our hope is a rope, just as strong and tenacious.

Rabbi Sarah Freidson November 5, 2023 High Holidays Holidays

Non-Fasting Sh”tz on Yom Kippur

When should we use a non-fasting sh"tz on Yom Kippur? This CJLS teshuvah, originally written by Rabbi Gail Labovitz, explains.

Reena Bromberg Gaber September 28, 2023 CJLS Halakhah

The Discomfort of Yom Kippur

As we discuss our traditions and requirements on Yom Kippur, we encounter discomforts that allow us to think about the past year.

Hazzan Sara Geffen Geller September 7, 2023 High Holidays Holidays

5 Kavanot for Elul

Here are 5 kavanot, intentions, for the days and weeks of Elul, approaching the Holy Days. This includes poems, books, and self-reflection.

Rabbi Ilana C. Garber, Adam Berkowitz August 17, 2023 Elul High Holidays

What Am I Afraid Of?

As we continue the work of Elul, examining the words of Psalm 27 can teach us about going beyond the inner voices and what we ...

Rabbi Dr. J.B. Sacks August 17, 2023 Elul High Holidays

Celebrating the High Holy Days From Home

Celebrating the high holy days from home gives us ample opportunity to bring the sacred even further into our lives.

Rabbi Sydni Adler Rubinstein August 13, 2023 Elul High Holidays

Lulav and Etrog: The Four Species

Besides dwelling in a sukkah, the other significant mitzvah of Sukkot is the taking up of the arba·ah minim, literally “the four species.”

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Sukkot at Home

While celebrating Sukkot at home, rituals include lighting candles, sitting in the sukkah, and customs related to the sukkah.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Sukkot in the Synagogue

On the mornings of Sukkot, Shacharit and Musaf follow the standard festival format. The lulav and etrog should be shaken.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Intermediate Days of Sukkot

The intermediate days of Sukkot, the weekdays, combine some features of festival days and normal weekdays to create wholly unique day.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Hoshana Rabbah

Although the fifth intermediate day of Sukkot is known as Hoshana Rabbah, it is technically just the last day of ḥol ha-mo·eid.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

What is Simhat Torah?

Simḥat Torah means “the joy of Torah” and is the name for the day on which the annual cycle of Torah readings begins and ends. ...

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Sh’mini Atzeret Candle Lighting

The laws for lighting candles on Sh’mini Atzeret are similar to those for Shabbat. These laws also apply to Simḥat Torah.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 28, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Rituals of Sukkot

Sukkot, one of the shalosh r’galim, the three pilgrimage festivals is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 14, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

The Sukkah

The sukkah for Sukkot has some very basic requirements, but beyond these rules its construction is left to one’s imagination and creativity.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 13, 2022 Building a Sukkah High Holidays

Sukkot Candle Lighting

The laws for lighting candles on Sukkot are almost identical to the laws for Shabbat candle lighting, with the exception of covering eyes.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 13, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Ne’ilah

Ne’ilah is an additional service, recited only at the conclusion of Yom Kippur. It signifies the sealing of the Book of Life.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 4, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Minḥah on Yom Kippur

Minhah, the Afternoon Service, begins with the Torah service, including selections from Leviticus and the haftarah on the Book of Jonah.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 4, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Musaf Service

The Yom Kippur Musaf Service includes two services: the Avodah service and the Martyrology service. Musaf follows Yizkor and Torah reading.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 4, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Candle Lighting

Following the Yom Kippur meal, candles are lit in a similar fashion to those lit on Rosh Hashanah. A Yizkor candle is also lit.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Evening Service

Maariv, the evening service, following Kol Nidrei on Erev Yom Kippur, is similar in many ways to daily Maariv but has notable differences.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Morning Services

The Yom Kippur morning service is similar to Rosh Hashanah, with the exception of the Amidah and the selections for the Torah service.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Erev Yom Kippur and the Customs Preceding It

Preparations on Erev Yom Kippur are intrinsic to the awe-inspiring observance of the day: a special meal, candle lighting, and charity.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Kol Nidrei and Being Imperfect Together

Yom Kippur begins with the dramatic Kol Nidrei service, intended to annul vows made between yourself and God.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Yom Kippur Yizkor Service

The Memorial Service, Yizkor, is recited on Yom Kippur, one of four times throughout the year, to remember loved ones and Jewish martyrs.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) October 3, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Shemini Atzeret: Chilling with God

Shemini Atzeret is a holiday that has left Jews puzzled for generations, but it's really about our intimate relationship with God.

Emily Jaeger September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Jewish Halloween: Hoshana Rabbah

Rather than prohibit Halloween (and turn Jewish kids off), we have an opportunity to talk about Hoshana Rabbah and our heritage of ghost stories.

Emily Jaeger September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

What’s Water Got to Do With It?

How does the imagery of water and rain connect Shemini Atzreet and Simchat Torah? What can we learn from this?

Risa Finkelstein Sugarman September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Just the Tip of the Etrog

Reflecting on the idea that a tiny, fragile protuberance can make an entire ritual object unfit for use is absurd. Here's what it teaches us.

Rabbi Dan Ornstein September 23, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

What Does it Mean to Dwell in the Sukkah?

Living in the Sukkah can mean just living in an outdoor hut for a week, but it can also bring so much more meaning into ...

Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal September 22, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Navigating Yom Kippur with Toddlers and Young Children

Yom Kippur with young children can be a challenge. Here are some tips for making the holiday meaningful for them and for you.

Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal September 22, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Why Do We Read Jonah On Yom Kippur?

With lessons on failure, the value of admitting our mistakes, and allowing ourselves and others to apologize, the Book of Jonah has much to teach ...

Rabbi Allan Berkowitz September 22, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Tashlikh: A Quick Overview

One of the beautiful customs associated with Rosh Hashanah is Tashlikh, a brief service that takes place by a body of water.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 20, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Are There Only Ten Days of Repentance Each Year?

Teshuvah in the 10 days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are sacred days, but what about the days before and beyond those?

Risa Finkelstein Sugarman September 19, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

5 Myths about T’shuvah

Five myths that we tell ourselves about t'shuvah that keep us from doing it skillfully or doing it at all.

Rabbi Kerry Chaplin September 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What is Tashlich?

What is Tashlich? How do you do it, what is its history, what are the environmental concerns and, of course, why I love Tashlich.

Emily Jaeger September 19, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Dress to Impress Yourself…Into the Book of Life

Sara Beth Berman teaches us: Everything you need to know about clothing the body that holds your precious soul for the High Holidays.

Sara Beth Berman (she/her) September 19, 2022 Clothing High Holidays

What to Read to Prepare for the High Holidays this Year

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover recommends these reads to help you prepare for the themes, liturgy, and spirit of the High Holidays.

Rabbi Mordechai Rackover September 16, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah Musaf Service

The Musaf Service for Rosh Hashanah contains familiar opening and closing blessings of the Amidah with the usual High Holiday interpolations.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

The Shofar on Rosh Hashanah

Sounding of the shofar is a characteristic mitzvah of Rosh Hashanah. The holiday is alternatively called the Day of Sounding the Shofar.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Rosh Hashanah Torah Reading

Rosh Hashanah Torah reading includes Abraham, Sarah, and the Binding of Isaac. Haftarot tell the story of Samuel and other relevant themes.

Rabbi Alan Lucas, The Observant Life (Book) September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Rosh Hashanah Synagogue Services

For most people, Rosh Hashanah means a lot of time spent praying in the synagogue. These are the complex explanations behind those prayers.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Could The Terminator Do Teshuvah?

Rabbi Dan Ornstein teaches us: human freedom is ineradicable and that our dignity is predicated upon our moral responsibility.

Rabbi Dan Ornstein September 16, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

My Bangin’ Rosh Hashanah Seder

Emily Jaeger explains to us: What is the Rosh Hashanah seder, how do we perform it, and why you might consider doing one too.

Emily Jaeger September 15, 2022 Food High Holidays

Being Called by God

When we say hineni to ourselves and our lives have a spiritual center, our existence will be more meaningful, and we'll live a more purposeful ...

Rabbi Mark Zimmerman September 15, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rosh Hashanah At Home

Personal and at-home Rosh Hashanah rituals include candle lighting, eating apples with honey, and sharing meals.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 15, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Candle Lighting for Rosh Hashanah

When and how to do Rosh Hashanah Candle Lighting. We usher in Rosh Hashanah by lighting candles, just as we do on Shabbat.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 12, 2022 Blessings Every Day

Why Do We Ask for Forgiveness in Elul?

Asking for forgiveness not only cultivates empathy and humility, but it provides an opportunity for renewal.

Emily Jaeger September 7, 2022 Elul High Holidays

The Days Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

The days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as the Ten Days of Repentance and include the Fast of Gedaliah.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas September 7, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Elul’s Shofar: A Poem

Elul's shofar blasts daily remind us of all we need to do to prepare spiritually for the upcoming holidays and the start of the new ...

Rabbi Suzanne Brody September 1, 2022 Elul High Holidays

How do I observe Selichot?

It is said that Selichot opens the gates of heaven for the High Holy Days. This Selichot, do what opens your heart to the gates ...

Rabbi Kerry Chaplin August 30, 2022 Elul High Holidays

The Challenge of Faith

In faith: What matters in such things is the attitude of the one who is asking the question. What matters is an orientation of faithfulness.

Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson August 30, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Customs before Rosh Hashanah

There are customs in order to prepare for Rosh Hashanah, including Selichot, physical changes in the synagogue, and immersing in the mikveh.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 30, 2022 High Holidays Holidays

Living With No Regrets

While introspection is healthy, too much regret can discourage us from embracing our unchangeable past and our openness to future choices.

Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal August 25, 2022 Elul High Holidays

(Not) Announcing Rosh Hashanah

On Rosh Hashanah, we do not recite the traditional blessings announcing a new month for a variety of different reasons.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 21, 2022 Elul High Holidays

What are Selichot?

Selichot are special prayers recited in anticipation of the High Holidays introducing us to the themes of the upcoming holidays.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 21, 2022 Elul High Holidays

When is the Jewish New Year?

There are four New Years, each with its own purpose. That said, the counting of the new year begins with Rosh Hashanah, in the seventh ...

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 21, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Non-Ritual Ways of Preparing in Elul

There are many ways to spiritually prepare in Elul for the Yamim Nora'im, the Days of Awe, also known as the High Holidays.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Rituals and Prayers Recited in the Month of Elul

Rituals and Prayers Recited in Elul

The ritual preparations for the High Holidays begin a full month in advance with the onset of the month of Elul.

The Observant Life (Book), Rabbi Alan Lucas August 19, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Seliḥot: What do we recite?

Seliḥot, a series of penitential prayers, are recited in anticipation of Rosh Hashanah and the Days of Repentance. Here's what to recite.

Rabbi Miles B. Cohen, Leslie Rubin August 16, 2022 Elul High Holidays

Category: High Holidays

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