High Holidays 2023/5784
Welcome to the landing page for everything High Holidays at Middlebury College and the Havurah of Addison County. This page is where you will find what you need for a reflective, connected, and joyous High Holiday season.
Rabbi Danielle Stillman and alumnus cantor Aaron Mendelsohn ‘95 are excited to be leading in-person services together this year. We send our best wishes for a sweet and healthy new year!
We request that everyone in attendance at indoor services wear a mask. We are an intergenerational congregation for the High Holidays and we want to be sensitive to different health needs. However, the College is not requiring masks at this time.
The Chapel has a new hearing assist system. You will need to download an app to your phone, and then you can use a QR code on the app to bring you right to the Middlebury Chapel location. You will also need to bring your own earphones for your phone.
Please visit this site often, as we will be updating it frequently with new content, opportunities, and any COVID related changes.
Students, please register for Rosh Hashanah Dinner, Rosh Hashanah Lunch and the Break-the-Fast meal using the buttons within the schedule.
Zoom Link for Yom Kippur
Click on this link for Zoom access to all Yom Kippur services: Kol Nidre, morning services, and Mincha/Neilah.
Yom Kippur, September 24-25, 2023
Sunday, Sept. 24
College Chapel
Kol Nidre
Join us for the moving melodies of Kol Nidre and a sermon offered by President Laurie Patton.
Monday, Sept. 25
College Chapel
Shacharit – Morning Service
Continue this day of reflection in community. Rabbi Danielle Stillman will be offering the sermon about her time in Israel.
Hepburn Lounge (in the building next to the Chapel)
Children's services
A short, interactive service for younger children and their parents or caregivers. This service will be led by a teacher from the Havurah Religious School program. Child must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them.
College Chapel
Yizkor - Memorial Service
Anyone is welcome to Yizkor, whether you are remembering someone specific this year, or would just like to take a moment to acknowledge the enormous loss of life our country, and the world, has experienced recently. We encourage all to stay for this short section of the larger service.
The Crest Room, McCullough Student Center, Old Chapel Road
Gentle Yoga for Yom Kippur Afternoon: It is happening!
This will be a gentle practice that supports both fasting and reflection as we prepare ourselves for the final prayers of this day. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring a mat if you have one. Some mats will be available for use if you don’t. Yoga will be taught by Havurah member Rachel Klatzer.
College Chapel
Minchah – Afternoon Service, and Ne’ilah – Concluding Services
The closing of the gates. This is our last opportunity on Yom Kippur to turn toward a new approach for the new year.
College Chapel
Shofar Blowing and Havdalah
We’ll hear the sound of the shofar for the last time of the season, and re-enter regular time through the havdalah ceremony. Bring a shofar to blow if you have one!
Redfield Proctor Dining Room (upstairs)
Break-the-Fast
Please join us for a festive Break-the-Fast in Redfield Proctor. It is important to rsvp for this event so we can feed everyone!
Rosh Hashanah, September 15-17, 2023
Friday, Sept. 15
Redfield Proctor Dining Hall
Rosh Hashanah Dinner for Students
Please join us for a festive meal before services to welcome the New Year. Proctor dining staff are preparing a special menu for the holiday; meet upstairs in Redfield Proctor dining room for the buffet.
College Chapel
Erev Rosh Hashanah Services
Welcome the New Year with our Erev Rosh Hashanah service, and a sermon from Rabbi Danielle Stillman.
Forest East Lounge
Apples and Honey Reception
Please join us for the Ashkenazi tradition of dipping apples in honey for a sweet new year, along with honey cake and apple cider. All are welcome.
Saturday, Sept. 16
College Chapel
Shacharit, morning service
This service will sing us into a prayer space where we can begin to reflect on the themes of the New Year. Isaac Mays-Smith ‘24 will offer the sermon.
Hepburn Lounge (the building next to the Chapel)
Children's Services
A short, interactive service for younger children and their parents or caregivers. This service will be led by a teacher from the Havurah Religious School program. Child must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for them.
Jewish Center at the FIC (next to Bicentennial Hall)
Lunch for students
Following services, please join us for a catered lunch at the Jewish Center at the Freeman International Center (FIC). All are welcome, whether you attended services or not.
Sunday, Sept. 17
Havurah of Addison County
Shacharit, morning service
For the second day of Rosh Hashanah we will hold services at the Havurah of Addison County at 56 North Pleasant St. All are welcome to attend. Contact Ellen McKay Jewett (emckay@middlebury.edu) for directions.
Potluck Lunch at Havurah
Join Havurah for a lunch following Second Day Rosh Hashanah Services, at the Havurah House. Please bring a dish to share, but even if that is not possible please come anyway! All are invited.
Pond behind the Mahaney Center for the Arts
Tashlich and Shofar Blowing — Casting the Old Away
This is a short, outdoor service where we cast our old ways into the water to make room for the new. We will also have a chance to hear the shofar blasts which bring in the New Year. All are welcome. There is ample parking in the arts center lot.