Happy New Year! This year Rosh Hashanah begins Friday, September 11 and Yom Kippur begins Sunday, September 20. We’re looking forward to celebrating the new year together.
The Grad Network is offering a variety of experiences for High Holiday observance. Choose from the menu of options below to craft a holiday celebration that is meaningful to you!
High Holiday Meals with The Grad Network
Rosh Hashanah
Erev Rosh Hashanah Dinner | 8 p.m. September 11
Gather with the graduate student community to welcome a sweet new year.Rosh Hashanah Day 1 Seder & Lunch | 2 p.m. September 12
Originating in Sephardic and Mizrahi communities, the Rosh Hashanah Seder features simanim—symbolic foods paired with brief blessings and hopes for the year ahead. All graduate students are welcome, regardless of practice, to enjoy a delicious meal, meet new people, and welcome a sweet new year together with community.Tashlich Service | 2:30 p.m. September 13
Tashlich is a custom of symbolically ridding ourselves of bad habits and mistakes from the past year by tossing small pieces of bread into moving waters. Meet at the Kraft Center before walking to Riverside Park together.
Yom Kippur
The Grad Network Break Fast | 7:37 p.m. September 21
All are welcome, whether or not it is your practice to fast during the holiday
Cost should not be a barrier to participate. If you are unable to pay and would like to attend any of the experiences offered, please email Melissa, Director of The Grad Network.
High Holiday Services with Columbia/Barnard Hillel
Conservative, Orthodox, and Reform services are available during both
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
Services are available at no cost to current graduate students at Columbia University and Teachers College. Grad students who wish to register a guest, can purchase High Holiday service tickets at a subsidized rate here.
Service Options for Graduate Students at Columbia and Teachers College
We will continuously update this section with more information, as it becomes available. If you’re not finding what you’re looking for, email Melissa, Director of The Grad Network. Melissa will help you find services and experiences that best fit how you want to observe.
If you would like to attend services and need assistance covering the cost of High Holiday tickets, you are welcome to apply for a Meaningful Jewish Experience Grant from The Grad Network.
B’nai Jeshurun Aviv High Holiday Services & Meals for 20s & 30s
We invite you to embark on a social and spiritual journey with folks in their 20s & 30s at BJ’s Aviv High Holy Day services. This is a time to engage in self-discovery and spiritual transformation as we reflect upon this past year and imagine the ways we will create together in 5787.
These offerings feature the elevated musical services and progressive values BJ is known for, with a focus on the unique journey we’re on at this phase of our lives. Whether you’re seeking meaningful reflection, vibrant community, or inspiring worship, our Aviv services offer something special for everyone in their 20s and 30s.
Membership at BJ is not required for participation.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom [20s&30s] Rosh Hashanah Service & Dessert Reception
This community service is open to anyone in their 20s and 30s looking for a welcoming and uplifting way to start the year, regardless of background or level of observance.
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah 5787 with Sholom 20s&30s. Led by Rabbi Deborah Goldberg, Rabbinic Intern Jacob Friedman, and CRS musicians, this musical, joyful service will leave you feeling renewed and inspired. Afterward, join us for a wine and dessert reception to toast the new year and get to know each other.
*We are committed to making this experience accessible to everyone. Please email Rabbi Deborah Goldberg at rabbigoldberg@crsnyc.org to ask about reduced ticket prices.
Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST) High Holiday Services
CBST is an LGBTQ+ synagogue for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Our High Holiday services are open to all and include opportunities for self-reflection, beautiful communal singing, and Jewish teachings for a world in need of our prayers and our actions. Whether in-person or online, your voice, your mind, and your heart have a home here.
The Streicker Center Rosh Hashanah Dinner
Start the Jewish New Year with a couple hundred young professionals! Dinner will be served 7:30 p.m. September 11
Ring in 5787 the right way: great food, great people, and zero awkward small talk. All who join the Hub dinner are invited to participate in Temple Emanu-El’s Rosh Hashanah Eve service taking place prior to the dinner.
Kehillat Harlem High Holiday Services & Meals for Adults & Families
Kehillat Harlem is organizing services and meals for the High Holidays. We are looking forward to being together in community for the High Holidays this year!
We are committed to making our events open and accessible to everyone in our community at no cost. At the same time, there are costs associated with running our programs. The recommended donation for all Rosh Hashanah services is $180 per adult and for Yom Kippur is $150 per adult. We encourage everyone to give at a level which feels feasible for them while acknowledging the cost to run this event. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
Jewish Grad Organization Yom Kippur Virtual Services
Join Jewish grad students, alumni, and executives from across North America for an inspiring evening featuring Kol Nidre prayers and meaningful talks from JGO educators, including Rabbi Dave Sorani & Rabbi Matt Rosenberg.
Services begin 5 p.m. September 20.
Registration is free. Sign up for the link.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom American Sign Language (ASL) Kol Nidre Service
Members of the Deaf and ASL (American Sign Language) community are warmly invited to join us for the Early Kol Nidrei Service. An ASL interpreter will be present to ensure full access to the power and beauty of this sacred evening.
This service is free and open to all. Donations are welcome.
Congregation Rodeph Sholom [20s&30s] Kol Nidre by Candlelight
This community service is open to anyone in their 20s and 30s who is looking for a welcoming and uplifting way to observe the beginning of Yom Kippur, no matter your background or level of observance.
Observe Yom Kippur 5787 with Sholom 20s and 30s! Join us for Kol Nidrei by Candlelight, a musical and reflective service that will leave you feeling inspired and connected. Led by Rabbi Deborah Goldberg along with other Congregation Rodeph Sholom clergy and staff, this meaningful service is created just for our 20s and 30s community.
We are committed to making this experience accessible to everyone. If cost is a barrier, please email Rabbi Deborah Goldberg to discuss reduced ticket pricing.