Celebrating the High Holy Days Safely

The Jewish High Holy Days are coming up soon. Keeping safety at the forefront, there are several ways you can observe Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur from home.

Around our Upper West Side neighborhood, there are virtual services happening at Stephen Wise Free Synagogue via live stream. Tune in on Fridays at 6:00pm at www.swfs.org/live, on Facebook or on YouTube. The Marlene Meyerson JCC is hosting a special free 20s + 30s Rosh Hashanah Celebration on Friday, September 18. Those who join will have the opportunity to mingle with others, and pick different breakout sessions based on interests. Click here to learn more and register. Lincoln Square Synagogue is putting together a memorial book and hosting services for the High Holy Holidays in person with a limited number of attendees. Click here to view the schedule. You must pre-register to attend a service at Lincoln Square Synagogue. Congregation Habonim is hosting virtual services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and putting together a memorial book. Click here for more information and for tickets as a non-member too. West End Synagogue is hosting High Holy Holiday Services on Zoom. Click here for details on how to register—non-members are welcome.

Elsewhere in NYC, the 92^nd Street Y is hosting both main services and family services online for the High Holy Holidays. There are a number of options for families with children of varying ages as well as main holiday services. Click here to view the schedule. Check out this pre-recorded video stream from Park East Synagogue with highlights of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Davening. The video discussion includes tips on how to create a meaningful davening despite COVID-19 challenges. Also, New York City’s Central Synagogue has prerecorded some shofar blasts for the High Holy Days. Click here to view the options. If you have access, check out the New York Times’ article about observing these holidays during COVID-19.  

Also, to hear Shofar to commemorate the holidays, several Upper West Side Synagogues are participating in a Shofar in the Streets event on Sunday, September 20. Click here to view the schedule. 

And, if you're having a holiday meal for your family at home, Lincoln Square has got you covered. Stop into Gourmet Garage (155 West 66th Street) to shop for ingredients and other delicious goodies. Whole Foods Market (10 Columbus Circle) has put together catering options for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Order some treats for Rosh Hashanah from Breads Bakery (1890 Broadway) for pickup or delivery. From Challah to Gefilte Fish, you’ll be able to craft a celebratory meal at home with ease. Click here to view the menu. 

Photo credit: Columbia Jewish