After the dog days of summer, September always feels busy. With school officially in session, fall rearing its head, and Hispanic + Latinx Heritage Month approaching, our calendars are booked and busy. September also happens to be when the Jewish High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, fall. This year, Rosh Hashanah starts on the evening of September 15th and ends on September 17th; Yom Kippur starts on the evening of September 24th and runs through September 25th. We’ve covered everything you need to know about the Jewish High Holy Days, including how to observe both in Hudson County and the North Jersey area. Read on to learn more about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 2023 — including where to buy challah, bagels, apples, + other holiday treats.
All About Rosh Hashanah
In Judaism, holidays begin on the evening before the day is observed. The reason for this stems back to the Creation story — it’s believed that God created night before day, so nighttime is viewed as being the start of the following day. The book of Genesis reads, “And it was evening, and it was morning; day one.” According to the Torah, every day begins with the night before. This is why Shabbat dinner is held on Friday nights even though Saturday is the Sabbath.
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Rosh Hashanah is the official Jewish New Year and is one of the holiest days in the whole religion. It starts on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish Calendar. During Rosh Hashanah, it is customary for Jews to eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year. Challah bread, which is eaten frequently in many Jewish families, is also served in a round or spiral shape rather than the usual long loaf. People have different interpretations for this, but many say it’s meant to symbolize continuity, the circle of life, and/or progress. Jews wish each other l’shana tova on Rosh Hashanah, which translates to, “For a good year.”
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, also known as Yamim Noraim or the Days of Repentance. During these 10 days, which end with Yom Kippur, Jews are meant to reflect on their past mistakes and repent. It’s believed that God keeps a book on who will live and who will die for the upcoming year — on Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, meaning Jews have these 10 days to make good decisions before the book is closed.
We are currently in the year 5783, with the year 5784 being welcomed in the coming weeks.
This year, Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of September 15th and runs through the evening of Tuesday, September 17th.
All About Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur closes out the Days of Awe and is one of the most solemn and holiest days of the year in the Jewish religion. Yom Kippur is a day of atonement, and observant Jews must fast (abstaining from food + drink) for a full 24 hours from sundown to sundown. The day is meant to be spent in prayer, meditation, and personal reflection as well as seeking forgiveness and giving forgiveness for all past sins.
The day culminates in a big breakfast with friends and family. Ashkenazi Jews typically eat brunch-style foods like bagels and lox, while Sephardic Jews often prefer light breads and savory meats. The idea is to try to eat something filling and satisfying without upsetting the stomach after the fast.
This year, Yom Kippur starts on the evening of September 24th and runs through September 25th. Hoboken Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, September 25th in honor of the holiday.
Local High Holy Day Events
Services at Temple Beth-El | 2419 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City
Temple Beth-El has several different events in honor of both Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur. Registration forms can be filled out online. Here’s the schedule of events.
Rosh Hashanah services will take place as follows:
Saturday, September 16th
- 9:45AM –
- 2:30PM –
Sunday, September 17th
Yom Kippur services will take place as follows:
- 6:30PM –
- 10AM –
- 2PM – Family Services
- 3:45PM – Yizkor
- 5:15PM – Mincha + Neilah
Services at The United Synagogue of Hoboken | 115 Park Avenue, Hoboken
The United Synagogue of Hoboken will host a range of services for Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur for people of all ages. Registration is required for most events. Register here.
Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 15th
- 4PM – Family Musical Service
- 7PM – Evening Service
Saturday, September 16th
- 9AM – Morning Service
- 10AM – Family Musical Service
- 10:30AM – Learning Center Programs + Services for Children
- 6PM – Mincha (afternoon service)
- 7PM – Ma’ariv (evening service)
Sunday, September 16th
- 9AM – Morning Service
- 10:30AM – Learning Center Programs + Services for Children
- 4PM – Family Musical Service
- 5PM – Mincha (afternoon service)
- 5:30PM – Public Shofar Blowing Service + Tashlikh
Yom Kippur
Sunday, September 24th
- 3:30PM – Family Musical Service
- 5:30PM – Mincha (evening service)
- 5:30PM – 8PM: Supervised children’s activities
- 5:45PM – Kol Nidre
Monday, September 24th
- 9AM – Morning Service
- 10AM – Family Musical Service
- 10:30AM – Learning Center Programs + Services for Children
- 12PM – Yizkor (memorial service)
- 4:15PM – Public/Community Yizkor Service
- 4:45PM – Mincha (afternoon service)
- 6:15PM – Neilah (concluding service)
- 7:15PM – Final Shofar Blast
Challah Bake with Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
Participants are invited to join a Challah Bake hosted by Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City at Antique Loft at Riverview – Penthouse located at 33 Newark Street in Hoboken on Tuesday, September 12th at 7PM. Tickets start at $40. Participants can enjoy craft cocktails and apps as they mix, knead, and shape uniquely round Rosh Hashanah Challahs.
Services at Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City | 720 Monroe Street, Hoboken
Chabad Jewish Center, servicing the communities of Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, Union City, and Bayonne, will offer services for all the High Holidays.
Rosh Hashanah Dinner with Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City | 159 Morgan Street, Jersey City
Worshippers can celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a dinner hosted by Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City at the Canopy by Hilton in Downtown Jersey City on Friday, September 15th at 7:30PM and on Saturday, September 16th at 8PM. Tickets start at $40.
Shofar Happy Hour with Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City | 350 Montgomery Street
Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City will host 15-minute Shofar & Tashlich services on both days of Rosh Hashanah on Sunday, September 17th at 5:30PM in Jersey City.
Local Ideas for Observing Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur
When it comes to purchasing apples + honey for Rosh Hashanah, local farmers’ markets are a great way to go. We’ve rounded up farmers’ markets in Hoboken + Jersey City as well as the greater North Jersey area to get the freshest apples and local honey. There’s also a honey farm in North Bergen called Uncle Gordon’s Honey, located at 1504 67th Street, North Bergen.
Many pick-your-own apple farms are also open in September for a fun family gathering prior to Rosh Hashanah — because nothing beats hand-picked, fresh local apples.
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Many grocery stores sell challah, especially around the High Holy Days, but here are some local North Jersey spots that sell challah bread:
- Babka Bailout: 476 Central Avenue A, Jersey City
- Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe: 101 E Broad Street, Westfield
- Cait & Abby’s Bakery: 15 Sloan Street, South Orange
- CHOC O PAIN: Multiple Locations in Hoboken + Jersey City, Challah available for pickup September 15th + September 16th only
- Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen: Available for online order only
- Liv Breads Artisan Bakery and Coffee Bar: 184 Essex Street, Millburn
- Marcel Bakery and Kitchen: 631 1/2 Valley Road, Montclair
- Yuki’s Coffee + Bakery: 720 Monroe Street Store – E101, Hoboken
- Zadies Kosher Bake Shop: 19-09 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn
For the Yom Kippur breakfast, here are our picks for some of the best bagel shops in Hoboken and Jersey City, many of which also sell favorites like white fish salad, lox, tuna fish, and more. For those willing to travel a little, Hobby’s in Newark is also one of the best and most reputable Jewish delis in the area. Mikki and Al’s Noshery at 14 Park Street in Montclair is another great Jewish deli in North Jersey.
Many synagogues have started live-streaming services during the pandemic era, so for those looking to observe without leaving home, keep an eye out on your local temple’s website for details.
From all of us at Team HG, we wish everyone who is celebrating an early l’shana tova.
