S'lichot, a Hebrew word meaning "forgiveness," refers to the special penitential prayers recited by Jews during the High Holy Day season. The S’lichot liturgy contains some of the finest Jewish religious poetry ever composed. Reform congregations usually observe S’lichot on the Saturday night just prior to Rosh HaShanah, a solemn and fitting preparation for ten days of reflection and self-examination. Visit our S'lichot page to learn more and download resources.  

Rosh HaShanah (literally, "Head of the Year") is the celebration of the Jewish New Year, observed on the first day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. It marks the beginning of a ten-day period of prayer, self-examination and repentance, culminating on the fast day of Yom Kippur. Special customs observed on Rosh HaShanah include; the sounding of the shofar, using round challah, eating apples and honey (and other sweet foods) for a sweet new year. Visit our Rosh HaShanah page to learn more and download resources. 

Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement", is the annual Jewish observance of fasting, prayer and repentance, considered to be the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. In three separate passages in the Torah, the Jewish people are told, "the tenth day of the seventh month is the Day of Atonement. It shall be a sacred occasion for you: You shall practice self-denial." (Leviticus 23:27). Fasting is seen as fulfilling this biblical commandment. Visit our Yom Kippur page to learn more and download resources. 

The Union suggests that when space allows, Union congregation members in good standing who will be traveling domestically during the High Holy Days be welcomed to worship at other Union congregations (at the discretion of the "host" congregation). It’s the traveling congregant's responsibility to forward the form to the host congregation and to make their own arrangements.

• High Holy Day Domestic Courtesy Seating Request Form
• High Holy Day International Courtesy Seating Request Form