What to Expect

Welcome.

Whether you’ve celebrated the High Holidays your entire life, are returning after many years, or are simply curious about Jewish tradition, we’re honored you’re considering spending this season with Ohavi Zedek.

The High Holidays are among the most meaningful days of the Jewish year. Through prayer, music, reflection, and community, Jews have gathered for generations to celebrate, reflect, ask difficult questions, seek forgiveness, and begin again.

You don’t need to know Hebrew, understand every tradition, or have previous experience to participate. We’ll help guide you through the service, explain unfamiliar customs, and invite you to engage at your own pace.

Behind the scenes, more than 80 members of our congregation volunteer alongside our clergy and staff to create the warm, welcoming spirit that have come to define the High Holiday at Ohavi Zedek.

Your first visit

You are welcome exactly as you are.

No one is expected to know every prayer or custom. Some people pray every word; others sing, listen, reflect quietly, or simply take in the experience.

It’s natural to have questions about…

What should I wear?
Will I know what to do?
Can I come if I am not Jewish?
What if I have children?
Will I be expected to participate?

Participating in worship

There is no single “right way” to participate

Some pray every word. Others find meaning through music, quiet reflection, a sermon, reconnecting with friends, or simply being present. wherever you are on your Jewish journey, we invite you to participate in ways that are authentic for you while honoring the traditions bring our community together.

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Listen & reflect

Take in the music, a sermon, quiet reflection, or the experience of being together.

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Sing & follow along

Join in singing or follow the service in the Machzor, the High Holiday prayer book.

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Join when invited

Stand or sit with the congregation and participate in rituals when you feel comfortable.

Children & families

Children are an important part of Jewish life – and they belong here.

Children are always welcome in our sanctuary. Little voices, curious questions, laughter, and joyful energy are all part of community life.

Families will find

Family Experiences during many services
Children’s snacks during longer morning services
Plush Torahs during Kol Nidre and Simchat Torah
Interactive programming throughout the holidays
Comfortable spaces to participate together

Accessibility & support

We want everyone to participate fully.

If there’s anything we can do to make your experience more comfortable, accessible, or meaningful, please let an usher or staff member know—we’re happy to help.

Available accommodations include:

Hearing & reading

Assistive listening devices, large-print Machzorim, magnifiers, and focus or fidget tools are available.

Building access

Accessible parking, entrances, restrooms, preferred seating, an all-gender restroom, and changing tables are available.

Family & food support

Books, toys, livestreamed seating, highchairs, and food options for allergies or dietary sensitivities are available.

Plan your visit

Helpful details before you arrive.

Parking & arrival

Our main parking lot includes ample accessible (handicap) parking located close to the synagogue entrance. Additional parking is available on the lawn next door at Fern Hill, and free street parking is available along Archibald Street.

Some people enjoy arriving 15–20 minutes before services begin to settle in, greet friends, and prepare for worship. Others come and go at times that work best for them and their families. Whether you’re early or arrive after a service has begun, you’ll be warmly welcomed.

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Security

The safety of our community is important to us.

Professional security personnel will be present throughout the High Holidays.

Our goal is to provide a safe and secure environment while preserving the warm, welcoming atmosphere that defines Ohavi Zedek.

Fasting on Yom Kippur

Many Jewish adults observe Yom Kippur by fasting as an expression of reflection, humility, and spiritual focus.

Jewish tradition also teaches that preserving life (pikuach nefesh) takes precedence over fasting. Children, pregnant or nursing individuals, people with medical conditions, and anyone for whom fasting would be unsafe or unhealthy are encouraged not to fast or to modify the fast as needed.

Please take care of yourself.

Need a hand at High Holidays?

Just ask a greeter, usher, clergy member, staff member, or anyone wearing a name tag.

Dress & worship traditions

Comfortable, respectful, and present.

The High Holidays are among Judaism’s most sacred days, and many people choose business casual or festive attire. It’s customary to dress modestly, including clothing that covers the shoulders, though you’ll see a range of styles. Wear clothing that feels comfortable, respectful, and appropriate for worship.

Dress

On Yom Kippur, you may notice many people dressed in white, a tradition that symbolizes purity, renewal, and the hope for a fresh beginning. Some also choose not to wear leather shoes as an expression of humility on this sacred day. These are cherished traditions, not expectations.

Kippot

Everyone is invited to wear a kippah (head covering) as a sign of respect and participation. Kippot are available at sanctuary entrances.

If you receive a Torah honor, we ask that you wear a kippah and, if you are Jewish, a tallit (prayer shawl).

Tallit

Many Jewish adults and teens in our congregation (generally beginning around age 14) wear a tallit, or prayer shawl, during morning services as a reminder of the sacred responsibilities and commandments of Jewish life. Tallitot are available for those who wish to wear one.

Phones & photography

The High Holidays are a time to step away from the distractions of everyday life and be fully present. To honor the sanctity of these sacred days, please silence and put away your phone before entering the sanctuary. Photography, video recording, and the use of electronic devices are not permitted during services or on the Jewish holidays.

Entering & leaving

You’re welcome to enter or leave the sanctuary whenever you need to.

We ask that you use the rear door when the:

Congregation is standing
Torah or Haftarah is being read
Sermon is in progress
Yizkor prayer is being recited of Yom Kippur

This practice helps minimize distractions and allows everyone to remain focused during some of the most sacred and reflective moments of the service.

Common Jewish words

A small glossary.

Hakafot

The joyful processions with the Torah that are a highlight of Simchat Torah.

Kippah

A head covering worn as a sign of reverence. Everyone is welcome to wear one.

Kol Nidre

The solemn evening service that begins Yom Kippur and opens the holiest day of the Jewish year.

Lulav & Etrog

The traditional plants used during Sukkot celebrations.

Machzor

The High Holiday prayer book.

Ne’ilah

The concluding service of Yom Kippur, marking the final moments before the holiday ends.

Shofar

A ram’s horn sounded on Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.

Sukkah

The temporary outdoor shelter where we gather during Sukkot.

Tallit

A prayer shawl traditionally worn by Jewish adults during worship.

Tashlich

A symbolic ritual of casting away the burdens of the past year.

Teshuvah

Often translated as “return”; the spiritual practice of reflection, repair, and returning to our best selves.

Torah

Judaism’s most sacred text, handwritten on parchment scrolls and read during worship.

Yizkor

A memorial service during which we remember loved ones who have died.

Need help?

Questions before the High Holidays?

Whether you are wondering which service is right for you, need accessibility support, or have questions about tickets or parking, we would love to hear from you.

Call (802) 864-0218 Contact the office