Jewish congregations start the High Holy Days next week with Rosh Hashana services and observances over a 10-day period, culminating on the holiest day of the year, Yom Kippur.
On Wednesday evening Jews will give thanks for the creation of the world and begin a new year with Rosh Hashana. On Yom Kippur it is traditional to fast and focus on making atonement individually, with others and with God.
The main Rosh Hashana events are listed below; visit the congregations’ websites for their Yom Kippur schedules.
TEMPLE EMANU-EL
All events are free and will be held at 2550 Pali Highway unless otherwise noted. Child care available. For more details, call 595-7521, email executivedirector@shaloha.com or visit shaloha.com.
>> Sunday: A Makapuu sunrise hike starts at 5 a.m. at the entrance. Bring a shofar (ram’s horn) to blow, flashlights, water, apples and/or honey to share.
At 10 a.m. at the temple, the Emmy-nominated documentary “18 Voices Sing Kol Nidre” will be shown, with a breakfast nosh and discussion.
>> Wednesday: The Erev Rosh Hashana service starts at 7:30 p.m., featuring the Temple Emanu-El High Holiday Choir under the direction of Sangeet Gellhorn. Apples, honey and challah will be served after the service.
>> Thursday: Morning service at 10 a.m., led by Rabbi Ken Aronowitz with the Temple Shofar Corps and a Junior Congregation Kid’s Program for children ages 5 to 11; Tashlich service at 4 p.m. at Magic Island, followed by family potluck.
OAHU JEWISH OHANA
Oahu Jewish Ohana events will be held at the Moiliili Hongwanji, 902 University Ave., unless specified. Rabbi Miriam Cotzin Burg, director of Jewish Life for Capital Camps and Retreat Center, will serve as guest rabbi. Debra S. Winter, a song leader, musician and educator in the Jewish community, will be the cantorial soloist. Visit oahujewish ohana.org.
>> Wednesday: Erev Rosh Hashanah service at 6 p.m.
>> Thursday: Morning service at 9 a.m., followed by potluck lunch.
>> Sept. 24: Tashlich service, a time for reflection, and “Happy Birthday World!” family party at 10 a.m. at Magic Island with cupcake decorating, apples and honey, storytelling, songs, party hats and noisemakers.
CONGREGATION SOF MA’ARAV
Visiting Rabbi Rosalind Glazer will lead services, held at the First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, 2500 Pali Highway. Glazer is the founder of Joyful Jerusalem Lifecycles and Destination Celebrations in Israel, and is an active member of the Kehilat Zion, an innovative congregation in Jerusalem.
Baby-sitting available for all services. All potlucks are dairy-free/parve. Visit sofmaarav.org or call 595-3678.
>> Wednesday: 8 to 9:30 p.m., with dessert potluck after services
>> Thursday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., apples and honey
>> Friday: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., apples and honey
CHABAD OF HAWAII
Services and meals will take place at Chabad House next to the entrance of the Ala Moana Hotel, 410 Atkinson Drive, unless otherwise noted. Dinners are available prepaid and by reservation only. Visit chabadofhawaii.com for a detailed schedule; for reservations, call 735-8161 or email info@chabadofhawaii.com.
>> Wednesday: Candle-lighting at 6:10 p.m.; service, 6:30 p.m.; dinner to follow
>> Thursday: Shofar blowing at 11:30 a.m. and throughout the day; lunch after service. Tashlich service at Ala Moana Beach Park at 4 p.m.; evening service, 7 p.m.; no public holiday dinner.
