Rosh Hashana 2021

Welcome to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur at Knesset Israel
 

Knesset Israel offers moving services on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, as well as a full range of programming for children. Services are available (live & recorded) on the K.I. Livestream or on the Knesset Israel channel on the Boxcast App (Roku/Kindle Fire TV/AppleTV).

Limited seating is available in the sanctuary & social hall this year. Vaccination against Covid-19 is required for adult attendees. Children under 12 may attend sanctuary services, even though they are not yet vaccinated. There is no registration process for members. Visitors who would like to attend in person must contact the synagogue office in advance.

Masks are required indoors.

Please make an extra effort to be kind during this season of compassion and forgiveness, at K.I. and in general.

On the Service

Knesset Israel's holiday services are moving, participatory, and transformative. Members of the community lead the congregation in prayer, blending traditional modes and contemporary melodies. Our spiritual leader, Rabbi David Weiner, sets the tone for the services and enriches them with opportunities for reflection and study.

A highlight of the Rosh Hashana service is the sounding of the Shofar, which takes place on several occasions, beginning no earlier than 9:45 a.m. both mornings. The sound of the Shofar is meant to call us: to find our souls amidst the noise of our lives; to reconnect with our community and our heritage; to remember our responsibility to infuse the world with justice and compassion.

Highlights of Yom Kippur include Kol Nidre played on the violin before it is chanted by the service leader, a Yizkor memorial service and a powerful Neilah at the end of the fast. One of Knesset Israel's most beloved traditions is for a congregant to deliver an inspiring message to the community during the service.

Mahzor and e-Mahzor

For those attending services in person, finding a prayer book is easy. Those intending to join via Livestream have two choices:

Access an e-Mahzor by clicking here (enter password: Colt16). We recommend opening it on a device other than the one you use to view the service (i.e., watch Livestream on TV, e-Mahzor on your laptop or iPad). You can even test it in advance! 

Arrange in advance to borrow a bound Mahzor from the synagogue.

Service Schedule

All services held in the sanctuary are also broadcast to our livestream.

Rosh Hashana - Monday, September 6
Minha/Maariv | 6:15 PM

Tuesday, September 7 
• Shaharit | 8:30 AM-1:30 PM
• Torah Service, Sermon & Shofar | Approximately 9:45 AM
• Tashlikh | 4:30 PM, at the Pomeroy Avenue Bridge (Monday only, weather permitting)
• Candle lighting | No earlier than 8 PM

Wednesday, September 8
• Shaharit | 8:30 AM
• Torah Service, Sermon & Shofar | Approximately 9:30 AM
• Havdala | No earlier than 8 PM

Yom Kippur - Wednesday, September 15
• Minha | 6:30 PM
• Kol Nidre | 6:40 PM

Thursday, September 16
• Morning Service | 8:30 AM
• Torah Service & Yizkor | approximately 10:30 AM
• Minha | 4:55 PM
• Neila | 6:20-7:43 PM

Children's Programming

Rosh Hashana activities for children in grades K-6
10:00 AM–11:00 AM

Junior Congregation/Family Services
11:00 AM–12:30PM

Children's Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur programming and Junior Congregation will take place in a large tent in Knesset Israel's backyard on both mornings of the holiday. Parents and siblings are welcome to participate in Junior Congregation. If there is severe weather, we plan to move the program inside and require masking.

Children, even if not yet vaccinated, are welcome to sit with their families in the sanctuary but must wear masks.

Babysitting is also available by reservation only, at no charge. For questions or to RSVP, email Judith Weiner.
Babysitting is available for infants through 5 years old, from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM.