High Holy Days 2026/5787
This sacred season of teshuvah (returning) invites us to come back: to ourselves, to one another, and to what matters most. It marks the start of a journey toward deeper reflection, connection, and renewal. Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman Shapira, the Piaseczner Rebbe and author of the Aish Kodesh (Holy Fire) sermons given during the Holocaust, offers a profound understanding of this journey. He teaches that teshuvah is not merely a return to who we once were, but a creative and hopeful process of re-creating ourselves anew—a spiritual act of renewal and transformation even amid the greatest challenges.
In a time when the world feels uncertain and heavy, both at home and abroad, this season invites us to lean into that process together. With this guiding spirit, we’ve curated this dynamic and interactive lineup of classes, services, gatherings, and resources to support you as you navigate Elul and the High Holy Day season.
May this season be one of heartfelt return, joyful renewal, and collective rejoicing.
Shana Tova! Here’s to a more joyous, healthy, and peace-filled 5787.
Elul: Pre-High Holy Day Warm Up
The Hebrew month of Elul (August 14 at sunset - September 11 at sunset), the month preceding the Jewish High Holy Days, is a traditional period for spiritual reflection, introspection, and caring for our relationships through conversation and repair. We look forward to gathering with you as we prepare for this High Holy Day season with the following offerings:
HiHo Hikes & Learning
Sundays, August 16, 23, and 30 • 10:00am-12:00pm
Jewish mystics retreated into nature as a way to experience a more profound sense of intention and attention to their lives. We’ll be guided on our hikes by our very own “hike captains” (nature lovin’ folks from the Den), followed by learning and discussion to get us warmed up for the season. BYO snack + water bottle. No experience necessary, all welcome! Sign up below:
Sunday, Aug. 16 Hike - Sign Up by Wed., Aug. 12
Sunday, Aug. 23 Hike - Sign Up by Wed., Aug. 19
Sunday, Aug. 30 Hike - Sign Up by Wed., Aug. 26
Selichot: Havdalah + Singing Circle
Saturday, September 5 • 8:30pm - 10:30pm
Selichot marks the beginning of the spiritual journey into the Jewish New Year. Together, we’ll close out Shabbat with Havdalah before gathering in song, learning the melodies of the season and creating space for reflection, renewal, and connection. Whether these traditions are deeply familiar or entirely new to you, all are welcome to experience this meaningful evening alongside the Den community. More Info + Sign Up Here.
Rosh Hashana Challah Bake + Learn
Wednesday, September 9 • 6pm - 8:30pm
Join us to mix, braid, and bake our own challahs while exploring Jewish teachings and engaging in thoughtful conversation inspired by the themes of the High Holy Days. As our loaves rise in the oven, we’ll make space to reflect, connect, and prepare for the year ahead alongside friends old and new. At the end of the evening, you’ll head home with a freshly baked challah to enjoy during Rosh Hashanah… if it makes it home without a few warm bites disappearing first! More Info + Sign Up Here.
Rosh Hashana: the Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashana Services
Please reach out if you’d like us to help you find a service near you or one that speaks to your interests.
Aseret Yemei Teshuva: the Days Between
[the 10 days between Rosh Hashana + Yom Kippur]
Kayaking Tashlich on the Potomac River
Sunday, September 20 • 10am - 12pm
Join the Den for our annual Kayaking Tashlich experience on the Potomac River. The ritual of Tashlich, or “casting away”, is conducted during the Ten Days between the start of Rosh Hashana and the beginning of Yom Kippur. We’ll kayak out together to a location on the Potomac River where Rabbi Aderet will guide us through this powerful and meaningful ritual. You are then invited to enjoy the riverside scenery and find a spot to eat lunch together with other community members. Location shared with registrants. All are welcome! More Info + Sign Up Here.
High Holy Day Resources:
the Den’s High Holy Day Blessings + Ritual Guide - We lovingly put together this resource for your holiday celebration and observance to take you from Rosh Hashana through Yom Kippur, including Tashlich! We include candle lighting times, explanations of rituals, as well as all blessings in Hebrew, transliteration, and English translations. Enjoy!
the Den's Symbolic Foods of Rosh Hashana Guide - We designed this easy-to-follow, printable guide to the most common symbolic foods of Rosh Hashana. Each food has a blessing/intention that you say along with it! You can use this on Rosh Hashana, to add more intentionality to your festive meal.
Join our friends at the Institute for Jewish Spirituality, in preparing for the Jewish New Year by reflecting on the past year and returning to your most authentic self in a month-long mindfulness study group.
The Blue Dove Foundation has a collection of mental health resources for the High Holy Days. Highlights include a Chesbon Hanefesh - Accounting of the Soul, and a Mental Health Tashlich.
Check out OneTable to join or host a Shabbat meal on Shabbat Shuva, the Shabbat of Return (9/19), between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Mizrahi and Sephardic Rosh Hashana recipes - Explore these recipes from our friends over at JIMENA, an organization dedicated to educating and advocating for Jews Indigenous to the Middle East and North Africa.
AJWS Holiday Guide - Explore holiday resources from American Jewish World Service (AJWS), inviting an understanding of the traditions and celebrations of the holidays through a modern lens of justice, freedom, and human rights.
Or HaLev, an international Jewish spirituality + meditation organization, shares a 7 minute Forgiveness Meditation for the High Holy Day season.
Shana Tova Coloring Book from Recustom - Enjoy11 pages of coloring fun for the young and young at heart.