ST. GEORGE — With Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, being observed this last week, the Jewish community of Southern Utah and the world over are observing what are known as the Jewish High Holidays, or 10 Days of Awe, which will end with Yom Kippur.
Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is considered to be the holiest day of the Jewish year and caps the 10 Days of Awe, which is a period of introspection and repentance that starts with Rosh Hashanah and ends with the Day of Atonement.
It is during these 10 days that God decides what the coming year will have in store for the individual.
“On these days God is inscribing in his book to see how life would look for every individual,” Rabbi Mendy Cohen, of the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Southern Utah, said as he spoke about the significance of the period with St. George News. “Will he have a healthy life? Will he have a happy life? A successful life? Will he be prosperous? Will he have blessings?”
The rabbi continued: “What we have to ensure is that we have a clean slate with God. And that’s why these days are called the 10 days of repentance in order to be able to connect to God, and say, ‘I’m sorry for the mistakes that we have done,’ and asking God to forgive us for the mistakes.”
While it is held that God may pronounce a judgment on the individual on Rosh Hashanah, or Day of Atonement, it is not considered absolute until Yom Kippur.
This year, Yom Kippur begins Sunday evening and runs through Monday, Sept. 24-25.
“Jews (will) pack synagogues to pray for forgiveness for misdeeds, and G-d decrees what the year ahead will be like,” Cohen further stated in a press release. “Jews around the world will spend the day focused on prayer — atoning for their sins, thanking G-d for his forgiveness and focusing on self-improvement for the year to come — so much so that they do not eat, drink or work.”
During this time, a memorial prayer called a “yizkor” will be offered for loved ones who have died during the previous year.
“On Yom Kippur morning, Southern Utah’s Jewish community will be gathering together to move ahead from the past year and honor their loved ones as a united community, looking forward together to the upcoming year of unity,” Cohen said in the press release.
The Chabad Jewish Center is extending an invitation to all Jewish people of Southern Utah and beyond, regardless of backgrounds and affiliations, to be part of a Yom Kippur Beginner’s Service.
Prayers will be given in both English and Hebrew to ensure accessibility for all.
“Experience traditional Jewish songs with their timeless melodies,” Cohen said, adding there will be “a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere to reconnect with your Jewish family, your heritage and deepen your spiritual connection with G-d. … We look forward to sharing this meaningful experience with all who attend. Join us in the company of fellow Jews to observe this holiest of days in an environment that radiates warmth and inclusivity.”
- Kol Nidrey Services | Sunday, Sept. 24 at 6:45 p.m.
- Morning and Yizkor Services | Monday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.
- Neila Services and Breakfast | Monday, Sept. 25 at 6:45 p.m.
RSVP for location details and to let the Chabad Center know that you’ll be joining us for this special occasion. Visit jewishsu.com/hh23 for more information.
For more information about the High Holidays services, contact Chabad Jewish Community Center at 435-619-6630 or email [email protected] or visit JewishSU.com/hh23. A service near you can also be found in the world’s largest directory of High Holidays services: JewishSU.com/HighHolidayService.
About Chabad Jewish Community Center
Chabad, is a vibrant and inclusive Jewish community dedicated to fostering connections, spiritual growth and cultural heritage. Through a wide range of programs and events, they offer Jewish education, outreach and social-service programming, aiming to create a welcoming space for Jews of all backgrounds, ages and affiliations to come together and celebrate shared traditions.
For more information, visit this website.
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