The Jewish High Holy Days begin this Friday (Sept. 18th) at sundown with the two-day celebration of Rosh Hashanah.  In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means "head of the year" or "first of the year," and is commonly known as the Jewish New Year.  It is a time of reflection on the past year and on changes to be made in the coming year.  The holiday period extends through Yom Kippur, which falls eight days after Rosh Hashanah in the Hebrew calendar (this year at sundown on Sept. 27th).

The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur are commonly known as the Days of Awe.  As Rosh Hashanah calls for introspection, Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement when one asks for forgiveness for any wrongdoing and to be granted a good year in the coming year.   On the two days of Rosh Hashanah and on Yom Kippur one is to refrain from work and attend synagogue services, which are extended for the holidays.  An important part of the services is hearing the sounding of the shofar (ram’s horn).  The Bible gives no specific reason for this practice, but it has been suggested is that the shofar's sound is a call to repentance.  A total of 100 notes are sounded each day with four different patterns of notes that are repeated.  The shofar is not blown when the holiday falls on the Sabbath as part of it does this year.  Another popular observance during Rosh Hashanah is eating apples dipped in honey, a symbol of our wish for a sweet new year.

DePaul Hillel High Holiday services are provided free of charge to DePaul Students, faculty, and staff. However, due to capacity restrictions, you will need to register for a ticket online. Please visit www.HillelsAroundChicago.org for more information, or call 312-673-2357

Erev Rosh Hashanah: Friday September 18th 7:30p.m.
Rosh Hashanah: Saturday September 19th 9:30a.m.   
Kol Nidre: Sunday September 27th 6:30p.m.

Yom Kippur: Monday September 28th 9:30a.m.

Ne'ilah: Monday September 28th 6:30p.m.