High Holy Days

SPECIAL NOTE:  The following describes High Holy Days at BJC prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

High Holy Days at BJC are special and, while observing religious traditions and adhering to customs, are in many ways unique. We begin the Days of Awe with Selichot (Jewish penitential poems and prayers, especially those said in the period leading up to the High Holy Days), generally with entertainment, such as a concert or showing a special movie, followed by a service, and dessert.

Our Rosh Hashanah evening services culminate with a community oneg. After our morning service and then the family service for all ages, we meet at a nearby stream for Tashlich, where we cast our sins on the water and have a picnic lunch. 

A tradition at BJC is to begin Kol Nidre with the sanctuary lit by candlelight. Several years ago, just as we were about to start our service, our community was enveloped in a blackout. We lit candles and used our cell phones… and thus a tradition was born. 

Our Yom Kippur Morning service is followed by a family service for all ages, then a Yom Kippur discussion with the Rabbi, followed by musical mediations or the chant circle, reading of the Book of Jonah, and then Yizkor and Neilah Services. 

During our High Holy Days Torah Services, the congregation is invited in thirds to come to the bimah for an aliyah. Our members write thought-provoking poems and readings that are shared with the congregation through the service. The BJC choir, which rehearses throughout the summer, leads the congregation in song and inspiration.   

While prayer books are provided for all other services, at the High Holy Days we ask members and guests to bring their own copies of the Machzor (High Holy Days prayer book), "The Gates of Repentance." Limited copies are available for purchase, and we have some that can be lent. Contact the office at 301-469-8636 or admin@bethesdajewish.org.

Members in good standing receive tickets for the High Holy Days. Nonmembers are most welcome. To join us, contact the office about purchasing tickets.