Reform and Conservative Services for Rosh Hashanah
This year, like so many other synagogues and Hillels around the world, we have decided to stream services for the High Holy Days virtually. At a time of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty, nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our students, staff, and community members. The Talmud teaches that there is no greater value than pikuach nefesh, saving and preserving life. It also teaches that we must err on the side of caution when there is uncertainty with respect to a life-threatening situation.
We’re partnering with Hillel International and Reboot to bring you Higher Holidays – the opportunity to join in song, laughter and prayer with thousands of college students and their families from Jewish communities around the world. Elevate your High Holiday experience through live streams with celebrity musicians, writers and performers from September 18 - 29. While different options for services are available, we hope you sign up for the one that best fits how you like to celebrate. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime High Holidays from the safety of your home, dorm room, apartment, or other socially distant space.
Learn more and sign up here: bit.ly/34jKfg4
For Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur morning, we will have two streams, “In the Book” an engaging Reform style services led by Rabbi Nikki DeBlosi, and “Beyond the Book” creative approaches to the themes of the High Holidays curated by Reboot.
Services will be streamed in their entirety twice on the day of the Holiday. Following these showings, the services will be available “on demand.” The streaming service times are:
Rosh Hashanah Day 1:
Early Service: 10 a.m. ET
Late Service: 1:30 p.m. ET
Are we using a prayer book and do I need to buy it?
Yes and no. Yes, we’re using a prayer book, and no, you don’t need to buy it. For the “In the Book” services we’ll be using the Reform Movement’s Mishkan HaNefesh. Whenever it’s used, the text will be displayed on screen, and a link will be provided to access a digital (but non-printable) version.
REFORM SERVICE OPTIONS
IN THE BOOK
Spiritually uplifting Reform-style services led by master prayer-weaver Rabbi Nikki DeBlosi, PhD and singer-songwriter Maya Elise, featuring students and special guests from around the world.
Wake up with a morning dose of soulful yoga, and engage your heart and mind with prayerful music and song, culminating in the sounding of the shofar. Join Rabbi Sandra Lawson for a conversation on racial justice, receive words of blessing from inspiring rabbis, and marvel at how the classic melodies, themes and ideas of the High Holidays are shockingly alive this year.
BEYOND THE BOOK
Music, learning, comedy and conversation - all presented by some of the greatest thinkers, artists, authors and musicians of today. Together, we will unpack the meaning of the holidays with a contemporary lens and take on the most pressing issues captivating the Jewish world and beyond. An audacious take on the High Holidays with some of the greatest thinkers, artists, authors and musicians of today.
Explore the world’s birthday and the profound impact of climate change with youth activist and Zero Hour founder Jamie Margolin. Let Esquire’s A.J. Jacobs lead you in the power of gratitude. Pick up a new challah technique from culinary host and chef Jake Cohen. Explore the Biblical story of Hagar with public radio host Starlee Kine, and Michelle Obama’s former speech writer Sarah Hurwitz asks, “What is up with God?” And join in on our global Shofar blowing with students around the world.
TRADITIONAL CONSERVATIVE OPTION
LIVESTREAM WITH PRINCETON UNIVERSITY HILLEL
Additional registration with Princeton Hillel is required to access their Rosh Hashanah Conservative services and must be complete before 3 p.m. ET on Friday Sept.18, Register here: https://higherholidays.org/conservative-services/
Friday, September 18 // Ma’ariv Evening Service // 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. ET
Saturday, September 19 // Shacharit Morning Service // 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. ET
Saturday, September 19 // Ma’ariv Evening Service // 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. ET
Sunday, September 20 // Musaf Holiday Service // 10:30 a.m. to noon ET
For questions, assistance with registration, or if you want to check in with us, contact the University of Hartford's Director of Jewish Student Life, Lisa Langsner. For Traditional Orthodox services, contact Chabad Chevra.