Happy New Year! This year Rosh Hashanah begins Monday, September 22 and Yom Kippur begins Wednesday, October 1. 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!
Each care package contains treats for a sweet new year, as well as ritual items to support your Rosh Hashanah celebration. This gift is made possible thanks to the Columbia/Barnard Hillel Annual Fund.
High Holiday Meals with The Grad Network
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 are Available at the Kraft Center
All Columbia graduate students are welcome to attend services with Columbia/Barnard Hillel at no cost. Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox services are available during both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Sign-up to receive more information about the services that most interest you.
If you would like to bring a non-Columbia guest to services, please purchase a subsidized High Holiday service ticket here.
Two ways to Tashlich
Tashlich is a custom of symbolically getting rid of our bad habit and mistakes from the past year by tossing small pieces of bread into moving waters. We have two opportunities to participate in the ritual and experience different parts of Manhattan.
Don't miss The Grad Network’s special high holiday tradition: Tashlich Kayaking! Participate in Tashlich while kayaking in the Hudson River! Space is limited. Advanced registration is required.
Reverse Tashlich provides an opportunity to come together and engage in a hands-on effort to remove plastic, trash, and other debris that threatens our water sources and planet's health. Join us to help clean up the ponds and streams in the park. Following the clean up, we will enjoy a picnic in the park.
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
B’nai Jeshurun invites 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 5786.
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.
Kehillat Harlem High Holiday Services & Meals for Adults & Families
Kehillat Harlem is organizing services and meals for the High Holidays. Childcare will be provided during Shacharit and Musaf from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids' services will take place from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Kehillat Harlem strives to make each person feel at home in its payer space by upholding our commitment to halachah (Jewish law) while working hard to hold a commitment to maximum inclusivity. The tefillot (prayer services) are liturgically traditional and there is a mehitza (separation between genders) while praying. Daveners (those who pray) sit in the section with which they identify, and Kehillat Harlem makes space for anyone who identifies outside of the gender binary. Tefillot are male-led and Torah reading is open to community members of any gender identity to read.
uws//jews Yom Kippur Services for Young Professional UWS Residents
Yom Kippur with uws//jews is geared towards young professional UWS residents (post college - age 35 & uws//jews alumni) seeking a meaningful and spiritually engaging Yom Kippur experience.
We seek to create a space to reflect on ourselves and our community, and we’ve gathered some great local talent to lead us with that goal in mind. Our minyan will take place this year in our rented larger space in the west 90s and will be an Orthodox service (with divrei torah given by both men and women), slow shira following Kol Nidrei, and a light break-fast afterwards!