Join Us for the High Holy Days

University Synagogue is pleased to present our full schedule of High Holy Day services and events, led by Rabbi George Wielechowski and Cantor Ruti Braier. We invite you to join us for a meaningful and inspiring season of reflection, renewal, and community.

Member Ticket Information ▼

All members in good standing will automatically receive High Holy Day tickets in the mail one week prior to Rosh Hashanah, no need to register. Please use our member registration form for any special requests, including seating, parking, babysitting & youth programming, and more.

Registration Required For ▼

Registration is only required for the following:
• Guests
• Non-Members
• Babysitting (for ages 2–5) & Youth Programming (for ages 6–12)
• Yizkor Book Additions
• Break-the-Fast
• Ordering Prayer Book(s)
• Disabled Parking and Seating

Family Services & Programming ▼

Family services are designed for families with children ages 0–12.
Babysitting & Youth Programming: We offer babysitting for ages 2–5 and youth programming for ages 6–12 during our regular services.

Children ages 13 and up are considered adults in our congregation and are encouraged to attend regular services.

What to Bring ▼

Prayer Book: We request that each person bring their personal copy of our High Holidays prayerbook, Kol Haneshamah, Prayerbook for the Days of Awe.
Kippot & Tallitot: You are encouraged to bring your own kippot and tallitot to services, except for Erev Rosh Hashanah services when tallitot are not worn.

A limited number of extra kippot, tallitot, and loaner prayerbooks will be available at each service.

Service Location & Live Stream ▼

In-Person Services: Services will be held in person at our synagogue.

Live Stream: Services are also available via live stream here on our website.

View our full High Holy Days Service and Event schedule below.

Upcoming Events

Select a day on the calendar or a category to see events.

What are the High Holy Days? And How Do We Celebrate?

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year, a time of reflection, renewal, and sweet beginnings. We gather to hear the shofar and celebrate new possibilities with prayers, festive meals, and the hope for a sweet year ahead.

Special Foods & Customs ▼

Round Challah: Symbolizes the circular nature of life with no beginning or end

Apples & Honey: For a sweet new year ahead

Pomegranates: May contain 613 seeds (number of commandments)

Blessings & Rituals ▼

Candle Lighting: Light before the meal
Baruch atah Adonai... l'hadlik nair shel Yom Tov

Kiddush: Blessing over wine
Baruch atah Adonai... boray p'rei hagafen

Shofar & Greetings ▼

Shofar: Made from ram's horn, blown to open hearts to new possibilities

Greeting: Shana Tova (Happy New Year)

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, our most sacred and solemn holy day. A time of fasting, prayer, and seeking forgiveness for the year past. We come together in reflection and repentance.

Fasting & Who Should Fast ▼

Purpose: Symbol of sorrow over imperfection and self-improvement
Who fasts: All adult Jews (13+) who are able
Exceptions: Seriously ill, pregnant/nursing women, children under 13

Candles & Memorial ▼

Kol Nidre Candles: Light AFTER eating (starts the fast)
Yahrzeit Candles: Memorial candles lit before festival candles
Greeting: G'mar Tov - "May you be sealed in the Book of Life"

What to Wear & Customs ▼

White Clothing: Symbolizes purity and clean slate
No Leather Shoes: Traditional sign of luxury to avoid
Tallitot: Worn for evening Kol Nidre service (unusual for evening)

Sukkot

The Festival of Booths, celebrating the harvest and remembering our ancestors' journey through the wilderness. We build temporary shelters and welcome guests with joy and gratitude while we celebrate outside.

Building the Sukkah ▼

Purpose: Temporary shelter remembering the wilderness journey
Structure: At least 2½ walls, roof of natural materials
Decoration: Fruits, vegetables, children's artwork

Four Species (Arba Minim) ▼

Etrog: Citron fruit (beauty & taste)
Lulav: Palm branch (taste, no beauty)
Hadassim: Myrtle (beauty, no taste)
Aravot: Willow (neither beauty nor taste)
Together they represent all types of people in the community.

Hospitality & Traditions ▼

Ushpizin: Welcoming spiritual guests (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, David)
Meals: Eat in the sukkah when weather permits
Joy: Most joyful of the festivals

Simchat Torah

The celebration of the Torah, marking the completion and new beginning of the annual cycle of Torah readings. We dance with joy, celebrating our connection to Jewish learning and tradition.

Torah Cycle & Honors ▼

Completion: Finish reading Deuteronomy
New Beginning: Start reading Genesis immediately
Honors: Chatan Torah (groom of Torah) and Chatan Bereishit (groom of Genesis)

Dancing & Celebration ▼

Hakafot: Seven circuits around the synagogue
Torah Scrolls: Carried and danced with
All Participate: Everyone gets called to the Torah
Children: Special group aliyah under a large tallit

Traditions & Customs ▼

Flags: Children wave flags with apple and candle
Candy: Thrown during celebrations
Community: Most inclusive and joyful Torah celebration

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