Celebrate the Jewish New Year with one of Ohavi Zedek’s favorite High Holiday traditions! Join us at ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, on Burlington’s waterfront for a joyful, interactive gathering designed especially with children and families in mind—while offering a meaningful experience that people of every age enjoy.

This year’s celebration features special musical guest Joanie Leeds, an award-winning singer-songwriter and one of the country’s most beloved Jewish children’s musicians. Whether you’re a family with young children, grandparents sharing traditions with grandchildren, or simply looking for a joyful and welcoming way to experience the High Holy Days, you’ll find a place here. No prior Jewish knowledge is needed—just come as you are. Jewish? Jewish-adjacent? Curious? We’d love to welcome you.

Together we’ll sing with Joanie, share stories, hear the sound of the shofar—an ancient instrument, traditionally made from a ram’s horn, whose stirring blasts have inspired generations of Jews to awaken their hearts, embrace renewal, and begin the new year with purpose. We’ll enjoy the sweetness of apples dipped in honey as we wish one another a sweet new year, hear reflections from our clergy, and celebrate together in a warm and welcoming community.

Following the gathering, we’ll walk together to the waterfront for Tashlich (pronounced tash-LEEKH), a beloved Rosh Hashanah tradition in which we symbolically cast away the burdens of the past year as we begin the new one with hope and intention.

Register for Rosh Hashanah by the Lake

What to Expect

• A relaxed, family-friendly gathering. Designed especially with children and families in mind, while offering a meaningful experience for adults of every age.
• Joyful music with special guest Joanie Leeds, a GRAMMY Award-winning children’s musician.
• No prior Jewish knowledge is needed. We’ll explain traditions as we go, and everyone is invited to participate at their own comfort level.
• An interactive celebration. Enjoy music, storytelling, reflections, the sound of the shofar, apples dipped in honey, and an optional short walk to the waterfront for Tashlikh.
• Security personnel will be present throughout the event and will accompany the community during the walk to the waterfront for Tashlich.

Location
The program takes place inside ECHO. Enter through the main entrance and follow the signs to the gathering space at the back of the first floor overlooking beautiful Lake Champlain. Public parking is available in the vicinity.

Registration
Everyone is welcome—including walk-ins! We do encourage you to register in advance so we can plan seating, refreshments, and activities for everyone attending.

New to High Holy Days? Visit our What to Expect guide to learn about Jewish traditions, accessibility, family resources, and helpful tips for attending High Holiday events and services.