Humanistic Jews see Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as an affirmation of human power and human dignity. The High Holidays are a time to consider the possibilities for change, for improvement, for happiness that we can create ourselves. Acknowledging human courage and independence, we achieve human dignity.
Adapting the form of our meditations to the content of their message, we can create a truly humanistic celebration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Our services feature a combination of familiar passages, innovative language, and inspiring music, which give evolving expression to our holiday themes. They provide a meaningful way for cultural Jews to mark these holidays. Members participate in reading the service along with our rabbi.
Our music is beautifully led by Anne Shonbrun, our member and song leader for nine years. Anne regularly sings for our High Holiday and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations. For many years she also led the singing at our Shabbat gatherings. We are excited to celebrate her CD, Songs to Move Us, which is comprised of music that is sung at various celebrations and events at The City Congregation. Click here to order the CD.
Our High Holiday Services are held at the DESMOND TUTU CENTER, 180 10th Avenue, in Manhattan. Guests are always welcome at our services.
For more information on attending High Holiday services, please call the office: 212-213-1002.
Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, September 29, 2011, 10:30am [Note: Rosh Hashanah begins at sundown on Sept. 28.]
Rosh Hashanah, the start of the Jewish New Year, is an ideal time for Humanistic Jews to devote to self-reflection and self-examination. Traditionally, this was a time of divine judgment and divine terror. For us, the High Holidays are an opportunity for assessment, repair, change and growth.
This year's observance will include reflections by a members on the occasion of the Tenth Anniversary of September 11.
Kol Nidre, observed the night before Yom Kippur, derives its name from the famous melody "Kol Nidre" that is sung at this service. Ours is an innovative program of reflection through literature and music. We listen to a stirring performance of "Kol Nidre", presented by our songleader and member, Anne Shonbrun, along with other beautiful songs. We have readings that reflect on the notion of making vows and resolutions. And we offer a dramatic presentation that we link to the themes of the holidays.
In past years we have presented readings based on "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom, "Number our Days" by Barbara Myerhoff, "Followers of the Trail" by David Leviatin, and "The White Kerchief", from Chaim Grade's My Mother's Sabbath Days.
Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is traditionally a time for confession of sins and seeking repentance. A humanistic Yom Kippur guides us to seek and offer forgiveness among ourselves. It provides the occasion to re-state our belief in personal, human responsibility for our lives, behavior, and future.
We invite two of our members to share reflections on a particular theme. This year's topic will be an examination of the topic, "Purpose." After a brief break we conduct a moving memorial service when all members and guests are invited to speak aloud the names of their loved ones who have died.
The children attend their own participatory program, led by our KidSchool teachers. Following the service, we share an early community break-the-fast.
There is no charge for members to attend High Holiday celebrations, but there is a fee for meals. Please assist us with preparations by registering on-line for the services you will be attending.
Visitor Ticket Prices
Adult Rosh Hashanah $180 Kol Nidre $100 Yom Kippur $180 Package of All Three Services $395
Student (under 25) Rosh Hashanah $25
Kol Nidre $15
Yom Kippur $25
Package of All Three Services $50 Children's Program (ages 4 to 10) Rosh Hashanah $25 Yom Kippur $25 Relatives of Members Rosh Hashanah $125
Kol Nidre $60
Yom Kippur $125
Package of All Three Services $300
