Kol Nidre marks the beginning of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the holiest day of the Jewish year. As the sun sets, our community gathers for an evening of beautiful music, heartfelt prayer, and reflection as we begin a day dedicated to forgiveness, healing, and renewal. Read below about what makes this service special.

The Torah Processional
One of the evening’s most anticipated traditions is our Torah Processional. As the opening strains of the haunting Kol Nidre melody are played by Chris Berger at 5:50 pm. At 6:00 PM, fourteen Torah scrolls are carried into the sanctuary by honored members of our community who have been invited in advance.

Those entrusted with carrying a Torah include past presidents, beloved educators, leaders in social justice and caring work, volunteers who help sustain Jewish life at Ohavi Zedek, longtime lay leaders, and one of our teen leaders—reminding us that Jewish tradition is always carried from one generation to the next.

Joining them are children carrying plush Torahs, creating a beautiful procession that spans generations. Among the Torah scrolls is our historic Kahn Torah, rescued from Germany during Kristallnacht—a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Jewish people and our shared responsibility to carry our traditions forward.

The Kol Nidre Prayer
Following the processional, Cantor Jessica Silverberg chants the ancient Kol Nidre prayer three times, as is traditional. The service continues with Maariv (the traditional evening prayer service that begins Yom Kippur) and Rabbi Ariel’s Kol Nidre sermon, inviting us into themes of forgiveness, accountability, and the possibility of beginning again.

          A Community Message from Our Congregation President
          Lynda Siegel will reflect on our shared journey as a congregation and the year ahead.

Why is the Kol Nidre prayer sung three times?
Jewish tradition repeats the Kol Nidre prayer three times, allowing its ancient words to settle into our hearts as we enter the holiest day of the Jewish year. Each repetition deepens the experience, inviting us to leave behind the distractions of daily life and fully enter this sacred day.

Children & Families
Children are warmly invited to participate in the Torah Processional by carrying one of our plush Torahs. If your child would like to join the procession, we’d be delighted to include them. No sign up is necessary. Just arrive at and line up in the preschool hallway at 5:45 PM.

Fasting
Yom Kippur is traditionally observed as a fast day. Learn more about fasting and other Yom Kippur customs on our What to Expect page.

How to Attend
High Holiday services are open to everyone. Services are free for Ohavi Zedek members, young adults under 30, and children. Tickets are required for other adult guests. Please register in advance.

Everyone who registers in advance will receive an email with a link to our livestream and access to our digital Machzor (High Holiday prayer book), making it easy to participate whether you’re joining us in person or online.

First Time at Ohavi Zedek?
Whether you’re returning after many years, visiting for the first time, or simply curious about Jewish tradition, we’re honored you’re considering spending Yom Kippur with us.

Visit our What to Expect page to learn about our community, Jewish traditions and customs, accessibility, children and families, parking, security, and answers to frequently asked questions.