High Holy Days

Jews from all around the Cape and many visitors to our beautiful home join us on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, celebrating the beginning of our Jewish year.   Engaged in chesbon nefesh, we take stock of our lives, look back at our past year, and dedicate ourselves to doing better. 

In only ten days from Rosh HaShanah to Yom Kippur we strive to take stock as a community,  and renew our energy and actions for Jewish living in the name of teshuva (repentance), tefilah (sincere prayer), and tzedakah (acts of justice).  

Selichot

The Saturday night prior to Rosh HaShanah marks the start Selichot.  A time of reflection and prayer leads towards the New Year.  At Cape Cod Synagogue, we enjoy a Havdalah, educational program, and worship as part of our Selichot.

Rosh HaShanah

Rosh HaShanah, literally “head of the year,” marks the start of the Jewish New Year. It’s a time marked celebration and reflection.  Here at Cape Cod Synagogue, Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services are our most attended services of the year.   Our flexible sanctuary space is at its largest capacity, and music and prayer fill our communal home.  A family friendly service takes place before our morning worship.  The voice of the shofar is heard at our main service and our family service.

Tashlich

We also gather as a community on the afternoon of Rosh HaShanah at Craigville Beach for our annual Tashlich.  We toss breadcrumbs or birdseed into  Nantucket Sound,  symbolically casting away our sins from the past year.  Performing this ancient ritual against the spectacular Cape Cod backdrop of waves and sand are a highlight of our liturgical year.  Dogs are welcome after Labor Day.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur, or “day of atonement” in Hebrew, is a holiday with rituals of fasting, repenting, and asking for forgiveness.   Our evening Kol Nidrei sets the tone for reflection and memory.  At Cape Cod Synagogue, we invite participation and leadership in the services throughout the day as we open our hearts, embrace our fragility, and begin again the journey to our best selves.  A community Break Fast is available following the close of worship at Ne'ilah. 

Tickets

Tickets for worship?  Because of high demand, security concerns, and the need to seat our members, we do require tickets for attendance at our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Services.  Tickets are complimentary for Cape Cod Synagogue members and visiting members of other synagogues. 

Members, please log in to your member account to access our ticket ordering page.

Not a member? Not a problem!  We strive to accommodate everyone on the holidays.  Contact the synagogue to find out more on how you can attend our holiday worship.