Definition
Rosh Hashanah, which literally means, ‘head of the year’, is the first day of the Jewish New Year. It marks the celebration of the creation of the world and the human being. Rosh Hashanah begins a ten-day period of introspection and contemplation, culminating in Yom Kippur; the Day of Atonement. Rosh Hashanah is marked with a special liturgy and rituals. Prior to the arrival of the day, it is customary to send new year’s greetings to friends and dear ones, to buy new clothing, and to examine one’s deeds. On Rosh Hashanah eve, it is customary to eat apples dipped in honey to signify a sweet new year. At Rosh Hashanah services, the day is marked with a special liturgy in which we pray for the whole world. A highlight of the Rosh Hashanah service is the sounding of the Shofar, a ram’s horn, which is meant to shock the listener into self-examination.
We ask that you please refer to the requirements for entrance for your contribution and security. Everyone who attends our services must register and donate. To donate, please make your check payable to:
American Jewish Heritage organization or Kehilat Mizrach (the official name of East Side synagogue).
Services
Our moving, egalitarian services are a mixture of Hebrew and English. Men and women sit together. These services are marked by a unique spirituality, featuring joyous and moving vocal, as well as instrumental music, and exuberant dancing. Our musical services are comprised of a wide variety of styles including, Carlebach, contemporary, traditional chant, and much, more. This is the most exciting service in New York! You don’t want to miss famed singing sensation and Jewish gospel singer, Joshua Nelson rock the house on Rosh Hashanah – you won’t believe it! Be thrilled and moved by the music of award-winning Broadway composer, Gary William Friedman, whose compositions give wings to the words of prayer. The service features the central prayers of the traditional liturgy along with inspiring commentary designed to inspire the worshipper with the deeper mood, meaning, and message of the High Holydays. A stirring highlight of our Rosh Hashanah service is the Shofar service. The sounding of the Shofar is meant to awaken us to the fixing of the world (Tikkun Olam) and the fixing of the self (Tikkun Hanefesh). Our services are designed specifically for Jews who come from Reform, Conservative, and unaffiliated backgrounds.
Schedule
This year Rosh Hashanah takes place on Thursday, October 3, 2024. The Rosh Hashanah service will be held at Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, 917 Madison Avenue corner of 73rd Street in NYC.Service begins at 10:00 AM and concludes at (approximately ) 2:15 PM. You don’t want to miss our joyous conclusion ! Doors open at 9:30 AM. Make sure you eat a hearty breakfast! And join us afterwards for a complimentary lunch. (This year due to unforeseen circumstances we will be unable to hold the luncheon)
- Please read the entrance information prior to arriving.
Lunch
This year due to unforeseen circumstances we will be unable to hold the luncheon. __\_\__________
High Holyday Information Line:
