After what felt like a short September, October is quickly rearing its head. This year, the Jewish High Holy Days, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, fall in October. Rosh Hashanah starts on the evening of Wednesday, October 2nd, and ends on Friday, October 4th; Yom Kippur starts the evening of the evening of Friday, October 11th and runs through Saturday, October 12th. We’ve covered everything you need to know about the Jewish High Holy Days, including how to observe both in Hudson County and the Northern New Jersey area. Read on to learn more about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 2024 — including where to buy challah, bagels, apples, + other holiday treats.
In Judaism, holidays begin on the evening before the day is observed. The reason for this stems back to the Creation story — it’s believed that God created night before day, so nighttime is viewed as being the start of the following day. The book of Genesis reads, “And it was evening, and it was morning; day one.” According to the Torah, every day begins with the night before. This is why Shabbat dinner is held on Friday nights even though Saturday is the Sabbath.
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year
Rosh Hashanah is the official Jewish New Year and is one of the holiest days in the whole religion. It starts on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish Calendar. During Rosh Hashanah, it is customary for Jews to eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year. Challah bread, which is eaten frequently in many Jewish families, is also served in a round or spiral shape rather than the usual long loaf. People have different interpretations for this, but many say it’s meant to symbolize continuity, the circle of life, and/or progress. Jews wish each other l’shana tova on Rosh Hashanah, which translates to, “For a good year.”
The Days of Awe: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, also known as Yamim Noraim or the Days of Repentance. During these 10 days, which end with Yom Kippur, Jews are meant to reflect on their past mistakes and repent. It’s believed that God keeps a book on who will live and who will die for the upcoming year — on Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, meaning Jews have these 10 days to make good decisions before the book is closed.
Rosh Hashanah 2024 Dates
This year, Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of October 2nd and runs through the evening of Friday, October 4th. Hoboken Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, October 3rd in honor of the holiday.
Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement
Yom Kippur closes out the Days of Awe and is one of the most solemn and holiest days of the year in the Jewish religion. Yom Kippur is a day of atonement, and observant Jews must fast (abstaining from food + drink) for a full 24 hours from sundown to sundown. The day is meant to be spent in prayer, meditation, and personal reflection as well as seeking forgiveness and giving forgiveness for all past sins.
Yom Kippur Breakfast: Breaking the Fast
The day culminates in a big breakfast with friends and family. Ashkenazi Jews typically eat brunch-style foods like bagels and lox, while Sephardic Jews often prefer light breads and savory meats. The idea is to try to eat something filling and satisfying without upsetting the stomach after the fast.
Yom Kippur 2024 Dates
This year, Yom Kippur starts on the evening of October 11th and runs through Saturday, October, 12th.
How to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in Hoboken and Jersey City
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Events
Temple Beth-El has several different events in honor of both Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur. Registration forms can be filled out online. Here’s the schedule of events:
Rosh Hashanah:
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Thursday, October 3rd
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Friday, October 4th
Yom Kippur:
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Friday, October 11th
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Saturday, October 12th
The United Synagogue of Hoboken will host a range of services for Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur for people of all ages. Registration is required for most events.
Rosh Hashanah:
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Wednesday, October 2nd
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Thursday, October 3rd
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Friday, October 4th
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Saturday, October 5th
Yom Kippur:
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Friday, October 11th
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Saturday, October 12th
Chabad Jewish Center, servicing the communities of Hoboken, Jersey City, Weehawken, Union City, and Bayonne, will provide services for all the High Holidays.
Rosh Hashanah:
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Worshippers can celebrate Rosh Hashanah with a dinner hosted by Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City at the CYP House in Downtown Jersey City on Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:30PM and on Thursday, October 3rd at 7:30PM. Tickets start at $45.
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Chabad Young Professionals of Hoboken + Jersey City will host 15-minute Shofar + Tashlich services on Friday, October 4th at 5:30PM in the CYP Garden in Downtown Jersey City.
Where to Buy Apples and Honey
When it comes to purchasing apples + honey for Rosh Hashanah, local farmers’ markets are a great way to go. We’ve rounded up farmers’ markets in Hoboken + Jersey City to get the freshest apples and local honey. There’s also a honey farm in North Bergen called Uncle Gordon’s Honey, located at 1504 67th Street, North Bergen.
Many pick-your-own apple farms are also open for a fun family gathering prior to Rosh Hashanah — because nothing beats hand-picked, fresh local apples.
Where to Buy Challah Bread
Many grocery stores sell challah, especially around the High Holy Days, but here are some local Northern New Jersey spots that sell challah bread:
Where to Buy Bagels and Lox
For the Yom Kippur breakfast, here are our picks for some of the best bagel shops in Hoboken and Jersey City many of which also sell favorites like white fish salad, lox, tuna fish, and more. For those willing to travel a little, Hobby’s in Newark is also one of the best and most reputable Jewish delis in the area. Mikki and Al’s Noshery at 14 Park Street in Montclair is another great Jewish deli in Northern New Jersey.
Watching Services Online
Many synagogues have started live-streaming services during the pandemic era, so for those looking to observe without leaving home, keep an eye out on your local temple’s website for details.
L’Shana Tova!
From all of us at Team HG, we wish everyone who is celebrating an early l’shana tova.
