High Holiday Schedule & Information

The High Holidays are approaching, and we invite you to celebrate with Kavana this year. As in past years, we will offer an array of services and programs to meet the needs of this diverse Jewish community.

Rosh Hashanah

• Wednesday, September 28th - Erev Rosh Hashanah
  • Communal dinner - 5:30 pm [Note: this dinner will be held at a different location, a few blocks away from where all other services/programs will take place.  Those who register for the dinner will receive an email confirmation with detailed location information.]
  • Erev Rosh Hashanah Service - 7:00 pm 
• Thursday, September 29th - Rosh Hashanah Morning
  • Family program (for preschool and elementary school children and their parents) - A family service led by Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum followed by theme-based activities - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
  • Rosh Hashanah Morning Services - 10:00 am - 1:30 pm
• Friday, September 30th - Rosh Hashanah (Second Day)
  • Rosh Hashanah Morning Services - 9:00 am - 12:30 pm [Note: earlier start time for RH day 2]
  • Tashlich ("casting away" of sins in the form of bread crumbs) ceremony and BYO picnic lunch - ~1:00 pm at Betty Bowen Overlook

Yom Kippur

• Friday, October 7th -  Erev Yom Kippur
  • Lighting of memorial candles in honor of deceased relatives - 6:00 pm sharp
  • Max Bruch's concerto of Kol Nidre, with cellist Miriam Shames - 6:15 pm
  • Kol Nidre Services - 6:30 - 8:00 pm
• Saturday, October 8th - Yom Kippur Day
  • Family program (for preschool and elementary school children and their parents) - A family service led by Rabbi Rachel Nussbaum followed by theme-based activities - 9:00 am - 11:00 am
  • Yom Kippur Morning Services - 10:00 am - 2:30 pm (with Yizkor in the early afternoon)
  • Book of Jonah study/discussion - 4:30 pm
  • Neilah (closing) service - 5:45 pm
  • Final shofar blast - 7:19 pm
  • Break Fast meal (bagels, juice, etc.) - 7:20 pm 

Details

• Location: The High Holiday services and programs will take place at Kavana H.Q. unless otherwise noted.  
• Cost: $18 per partner, $180 per non-partner.  See the q&a section for pricing details.

High Holiday Q & A

• Can I come?  Short answer: Yes - if you're looking for Jewish community and meaning, this is the place for you (whether you are a Kavana partner or not).  
• What are the services like?  Our services follow the traditional outline and contain a good deal of Hebrew praying and chanting, but there is also space created within them for individual meditation, personal reflection, and community discussion about the Torah readings.  We have found this formula to be meaningful for folks from a pretty wide spectrum of Jewish backgrounds.
• Why is the cost for non-partners so high?  What if I am only attending some of the services - can I pay less?  Kavana partners pay less for the High Holidays because they make a substantial financial donation every year - which helps defray our operating costs.  We recognize that $180/person may seem like a lot, but it reflects the real costs (of providing a rabbi, a space, prayerbooks, educators, etc.) -- we're just aiming to break even here.  So, whether you're planning to practically move in for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur or just plan to spend a few hours with Kavana, we ask you to pay the same cost.  This is the time of year to be generous and communal-minded, and we appreciate your support!
• What if I really can't afford the requested amount? Kavana will not turn anyone away because of financial hardship.  Please think about what you can afford and enter that amount on the registration form.
• Can I participate in the service?  Yes!  We're happy to have volunteers to read Torah or haftorah, blow shofar, do English readings, and lead discussions or other activities.  Please email us to volunteer.
• What else can I do to help?  Kavana is a cooperative, and we consider everyone a volunteer!  We'll be looking for lots of support around set-up and clean-up, schlepping, food prep, greeting, etc.  The registration form will give you a chance to express your preferences, and we'll be in touch.  One more note: we will be collecting canned/boxed food for the JFS Food Drive at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as well!