Jewish High Holidays

The Jewish High Holidays includes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and are observed by students, staff, and faculty at Emory. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the anniversary of the creation of the world in the Jewish tradition. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the Ten Days of Awe. Yom Kippur is the conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe and is the holiest and most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is characterized by fasting, seeking forgiveness and atonement.

There are a number of ways to observe the Jewish High Holidays at Emory University. See below for updated programming and email Emory Jewish Chaplain Jordan Braunig at jordan.braunig@emory.edu for more information or questions.

Hillel at Emory

Beginning September 15, 2023

Join Hillel in recognizing the Jewish High Holidays by participating in a series of events, including dinners, services, and lunches. RSVP Required here.                                     

For more information, please click here: https://hga.engage.hillel.org/landing/Emory

Chabad at Emory

All services located at the Chabad at Emory location (1500 N Decatur Rd, Atlanta, GA 30307)

To RSVP (required), please text "JOIN" to 404-999-7787. For questions, please contact Chabad through their webpage here: https://www.chabademory.org/. More information can also be found here. 

Meor at Emory

For more information, please click here: https://www.meoremoryonline.org/. 

OSRL High Holidays with Ma'alot

The Office of Spiritual and Religious Life is collaborating with Ma’alot to create nature-based Jewish High Holidays services. Join Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe, McKenzie Wren, Rabbi Jordan Braunig and a host of soulful guests for a musical, nature-filled journey through the High Holidays. All services are held outdoors - at Arabia Mountain and in an outdoor pavilion at Emory University - unless there is inclement weather.

The Campus Life Pavilion is located at 716 Peavine Creek Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322. The closest visitor parking is Peavine Visitor lot located at 29 Eagle Row, Atlanta, GA 30306. These services especially welcome Emory graduate and professional students, faculty, and staff but are open to all for an alternative experience of the High Holidays.
  • Rosh Hashanah Hike at Arabia Mountain - September 15, 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm: Embark on a musical and nature-filled hike and mountaintop service to watch the sun set over the year 5783. This gathering will be postponed in case of inclement weather, and includes a 30 minute uphill walk over dirt and rock.
  • Rosh Hashanah Morning Service at Emory University - September 16, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (lunch at 12:30 pm): Join us for an inspiring and interactive Rosh Hashanah service for all ages, featuring a breakaway kids program. Followed by a dairy potluck lunch. 
  • Kol Nidre at Emory University - September 24, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: Enter the transformative process of Yom Kippur with a communal chanting of Kol Nidre and evening service to begin our fast. Featuring a breakaway kids program.
  • Yom Kippur Morning at Emory University - September 25, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm - Engage in a day of introspection and spiritual growth through music, movement, art, and an investigation into the journey of teshuvah -- returning to self. Featuring a breakaway kids program.
  • Neilah at Emory University - September 25, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm: Conclude the High Holidays with the powerful and exuberant Neilah service, marking the end of Yom Kippur with glow stick ecstatic dancing and triumphant snacking and potluck.
Register here. For questions, please contact Rabbi Jordan Braunig here.