The Chelsea Shul · 5787
High Holidays Laws & Customs
Rosh Hashana · Fast of Gedalia · Yom Kippur
Key Dates This Year
| Occasion | Date | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Erev Rosh Hashana | Friday, September 11 | Candle lighting 6:53 PM |
| Rosh Hashana — Day 1 | Shabbat, September 12 | Candles after 7:50 PM |
| Rosh Hashana — Day 2 | Sunday, September 13 | Yom Tov ends 7:49 PM |
| Fast of Gedalia | Monday, September 14 | 5:26 AM – 7:47 PM |
| Shabbat Shuvah | Saturday, September 19 | — |
| Erev Yom Kippur | Sunday, September 20 | Candle lighting 6:38 PM |
| Yom Kippur | Monday, September 21 | Fast ends 7:35 PM |
Please note: this year the first day of Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat. The shofar is therefore not blown on the first day, and Tashlich is said on the second day. Both are noted below.
Rosh Hashana
Shana Tova
On the first night of Rosh Hashana (Friday, 9/11), we bless one another to be inscribed and sealed for a good year. The text of this blessing is printed in the Machzor.
First Meal
At the Yom Tov meal on the first night of Rosh Hashana (Friday, 9/11), we make Kiddush for Rosh Hashana (printed in the Machzor). Since the first night is Shabbat this year, the Shabbat insertions are included in Kiddush. We then begin the meal by dipping the challah in honey. Immediately thereafter we dip an apple in honey, say the appropriate blessing of Borei Pri HaEtz and recite a short prayer. Then we eat a number of symbolic foods, which, according to various customs, can include any or all of the following: a fish or ram’s head, pomegranates, figs, dates, carrots and leeks. All of these foods are eaten exclusively on the first night of Rosh Hashana, with the exception of dipping the challah in honey, which is done at all holiday and Shabbat meals until after Hoshana Rabba.
Shofar
Because the first day of Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat this year, the shofar is not blown on the first day. Everyone must hear the shofar on the second day of Rosh Hashana (Sunday, 9/13). In Shul, the shofar is blown a total of 100 times (according to Chabad custom, 130 times). Those who cannot make it to Shul should arrange to hear the shofar blown for the minimum requirement of 30 sounds.
Tashlich
When the first day of Rosh Hashana falls on Shabbat, Tashlich is said on the second day (Sunday, 9/13). After Mincha, we go to a body of water that contains fish and recite the Tashlich prayers which discuss G‑d's 13 attributes of mercy.
Second Day Preparations
Preparations for the second day of Rosh Hashana should not be done until after nightfall on Saturday evening, 9/12, after 7:50 PM. Preparations include: lighting Yom Tov candles from a pre-existing flame, cooking and setting the table.
New Fruit
At the evening meal for the second day of Rosh Hashana (Saturday evening, 9/12), a fruit that has not been eaten in the past year should be placed on the table during Kiddush. Since there is a concern as to whether the Shehecheyanu blessing should be recited at the Kiddush of the second day of Rosh Hashana, the presence of the new fruit will require the Shehecheyanu to be recited without any question. Immediately after Kiddush, before the blessing on bread is recited, an ounce or more of the new fruit should be eaten. The after blessing on the fruit (but not for the wine of Kiddush) is then recited.
Fast of Gedalia
The fast is observed on Monday, 9/14. The fast begins at 5:26 AM and ends at 7:47 PM. Pregnant and nursing women, and anyone who is unwell, should consult the Rabbi regarding fasting.
Shabbat Shuvah
The Shabbat between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur (Saturday, 9/19) is Shabbat Shuvah, the Shabbat of Return. Shuvah is the first word of the week's Haftorah. The combination of Shabbat and Teshuvah reflects the desire that our return to G‑d be in a peaceful and pleasant spirit.
Yom Kippur
Kapparot
For those unable to do the holy and age-old custom of Kapparot with a live chicken, Chabad is offering the opportunity to do Kapparot online. Chabad will distribute your Kapparot donation to needy families.
Click here for online Kapparot donation
Sweet Cake
It is a holy and well-established custom to request of one another a piece of “Lekach,” honey cake, on Erev Yom Kippur, Sunday, 9/20.
Mikvah
Men and boys customarily go to the Mikvah before Yom Kippur.
Food
On Erev Yom Kippur, only light and easily digestible food should be eaten. It is also customary to avoid eating garlic, eggs and sesame seeds. Chicken is eaten but not red meat.
Festive Meals
Erev Yom Kippur is considered a Yom Tov and two meat (chicken) meals should be eaten on that day. Kreplach are traditionally eaten and the Challah is dipped in honey.
Tzedakah
We increase in the giving of Tzedakah on Erev Yom Kippur, especially in the afternoon before Mincha, more than every other day of the year.
Early Mincha
Mincha is prayed early in the afternoon, leaving time for the final meal to be eaten afterwards. The service is the regular weekday Mincha service with the Viduy (confession) added to it.
Candle for the Living
Many people light a “Lebedike Licht” (a 24-hour candle for one’s own soul) before the onset of Yom Kippur. This should not be confused with the Yahrzeit candles that some people light on Erev Yom Kippur for those that have passed away.
Extra Viduy
The Viduy, confession, is said again immediately before sundown on Erev Yom Kippur (Sunday, 9/20).
Kittel
Married men wear a Kittel and daven with a Talit for all services on Yom Kippur, beginning with Kol Nidrei. If one wants to say a Bracha on his Talit, care should be taken that it be put on before sunset, 6:56 PM. Candle lighting is at 6:38 PM.
Baruch Shem
Whenever we say the Shema during Yom Kippur, we also say the second verse, Baruch Shem, aloud. (During the rest of the year, this verse is intentionally said in an undertone.)
Five Prohibitions
The five prohibitions of Yom Kippur are: eating and drinking, wearing leather shoes, washing, anointing oneself with oil and marital relations.
Washing Hands
When washing hands after using the bathroom and in the morning upon arising, wash only until the point where the fingers meet the palm of the hand. The blessing of Al Netilat Yadayim is still recited. After the fast, hands must be completely washed until the wrist, as is done every morning throughout the year. A blessing is not recited at that point.
Last Blast
The Shofar is blown after Neilah right before the end of the fast. The Shofar can be blown any time after sundown. It does not symbolize the end of Yom Kippur and one must continue to fast until after Havdala. Similarly, no work or Melachah may be done until after nightfall, though one may have already heard the Shofar.
Kiddush Levana
Kiddush Levana is traditionally said immediately after Yom Kippur.
Break Fast
After Yom Kippur, a festive meat meal is eaten. The challah is dipped in honey at this meal.
First Mitzvah
Many people begin building their Sukkah, or at least begin discussing building their Sukkah, right after Yom Kippur.
May the entire Jewish community be inscribed for a good and sweet year, Ketivah VaChatimah Tova, both materially and spiritually!
All times listed are for New York City. General educational information — for practical halachic guidance, please consult your rabbi.
