Jewish High Holidays

The Jewish High Holidays begin next week and include Rosh Hashanah (10/2-4) and Yom Kippur (10/11-12). Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and honors the creation of the world in the Jewish tradition. It is the first of the Ten Days of Awe. Yom Kippur is the conclusion of the Ten Days of Awe and the most solemn of all days in the Jewish year. It is observed by fasting, repentance or ("return"), and atonement.

There are a number of ways to observe the Jewish High Holidays at Emory. Please see below for some of the upcoming programming and check our website for updates.

With questions, please contact Emory Jewish Chaplain Rabbi Jordan Braunig at jordan.braunig@emory.edu.

Looking for something low-key but spiritually uplifting? Join Rabbi Ariel Root Wolpe and Rabbi Jordan Braunig for a musical, nature-filled journey through the High Holidays. Rosh Hashanah morning services will be held in the Campus Life Pavilion at Emory University. Yom Kippur services will be held in Emory University’s multireligious Cannon Chapel. All are welcome for inclusive, heart-opening, song-filled services in a casual environment (no need for formal wear). 

Rosh Hashanah Morning Service at Emory University
Thursday, October 3, 9:30 am to 1:00 pm (lunch at 12:00 pm)
Join us for an inspiring and interactive Rosh Hashanah service for all ages, featuring a breakaway kids' program. Followed by a dairy potluck lunch.

Kol Nidre at Emory University (Includes kids' program)
Friday, October 11, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Begin the transformative process of Yom Kippur with a communal chanting of Kol Nidre and mindful evening service to begin our fast.

Yom Kippur Morning at Emory University (Includes kids' program)
Saturday, October 12, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm
Engage in a day of introspection and spiritual growth through music, movement, art, and an investigation into the journey of teshuvah — returning to self.  

RSVP here. It is free for Emory students, just select “I’m an Emory Student” in the ticket section when you register.

October 3-11, 2024, 9:00-10:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Join the Emory Hindu Chaplaincy for daily prayers during Navratri at the beginning and end of each day. Navratri is the Hindu festival that honors the divine feminine in Her various manifestations. Emory students, staff and faculty are welcome to drop by the Emory Interfaith Center to take darshan, make offerings, and pray.

Brief puja and arti will be done at the end of each time slot, at about 9:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. respectively.

For questions, contact Emory Hindu Chaplain at rajeev.persaud@emory.edu. 

Monday, September 30, 2024, Schatten Gallery, Woodruff Library, Level 3
6:30 p.m. Conversation with Artist and Curator 
7:45 p.m. Spiritual Opening Ceremony
8:15 p.m. Exploring the exhibit and refreshments

Register to attend these events at no charge here. 

Experience “breathe.” and explore an exhibition of photographs by award-winning, Atlanta-based photographer Sheila Pree Bright at the Schatten Gallery at Emory University. The show focuses on Georgia landscapes where important moments in Civil Rights history transpired and reimagines them as places of meditation and relaxation. It is a destination for anyone interested in the people and places that have shaped the social, political, and historical contexts of our modern world. The exhibition is open to the public at no charge. Join us for the opening events on Monday, September 30 for an Atlanta Art Week conversation with Sheila Pree Bright and curator Andi McKenzie, Carlos Museum curator of works on paper, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Jones Room at Emory’s Woodruff Library, followed by an opening spiritual ceremony at 7:45 p.m. in the Schatten Gallery.

About the artist: Sheila Pree Bright received her MFA degree from Georgia State University and in 2023 was the focus of a solo exhibition, “The Rebirth of Us,” at Atlanta’s Jackson Fine Art Gallery. Her work has also been included in exhibitions at the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, and the High Museum of Art. Image: “The Rebirth of Us” is part of Sheila Pree Bright’s “Behold the Land” series, which is part of the exhibit “breathe.” on display in the Woodruff Library’s Schatten Gallery through Dec. 21. Read more about the exhibit here.

Midweek Musical Meditation
Wednesdays during term, 12:00-12:15 pm, Zoom or Facebook Live 

All are invited to reflect and decompress in a mid-week, mid-day time of sacred music. Join Maury Allums, Director of Music, and the Emory University Office of Spiritual and Religious Life in taking a moment to breathe and connect with others in our community.

Register on Zoom or follow on our Facebook Live.

On Saturday September 21, members of Beloved Community gathered for a day-long retreat. Student leaders Jessanya Holness, Morgan Lee, and Mady McConnell worked with Rev. Maddie and Jaeun Koo (OSRL Chaplaincy Resident) to organize a day of fellowship, worship, crafts, games, a movie, time outside, and smores. The goal of the day was “to retreat in order to refocus our foundation and form community for the year.” Students shared during the closing circle that they felt connected and rejuvenated. Learn more about Beloved Community Worship Sundays at 11 am in Cannon Chapel here. 

On Saturday, September 14, over 200 people joined the Emory University Chaplaincy at Cannon Chapel in welcoming the musical ensemble Riyaaz Qawwali. Riyaaz performs the gripping musical style called Qawwali as they spread the power of South Asian devotional music from Islam and a diversity of religions. Riyaaz shares Qawwali with new audiences while paying homage to this music tradition that has been refined over 700 years and includes sonic elements that are unique to South Asian music.

Sponsored by the Emory University Chaplaincy, with the Hightower Fund, Provost’s Asian Arts Initiative, Michael C. Carlos Museum, Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry, Department of Middle Eastern and South Asian Studies, Department of Religion and Department of Music.