The past year has been especially challenging for Jews worldwide, with antisemitism on the rise and global unrest spreading.
But with the High Holy Days nearing, Palm Beach’s Jewish community is holding hope for a year of peace, resilience, and healing.
“This past year has continued to be one of challenge and complexity for the Jewish people in particular as well as for America and the world in general,” Rabbi Moshe Scheiner of Palm Beach Synagogue told the Daily News.
“Yet, in the face of adversity, we have witnessed extraordinary unity, strength and faith. Rosh Hashanah marks the creation of the world and therefore the season of reflection, repentance and renewal. We pray that it will bring health, happiness and peace to us and all of mankind.”
Rabbi Zalman Levitin of Chabad House of Palm Beach agreed that the Jewish High Holy Days mark a season of joy, reflection, and fresh beginnings.
“As we approach Rosh Hashanah and a brand new year, it’s a time to reflect on the past year and consider how we can improve in the coming year,” he said. “The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn, taught that on a personal level, we can make resolutions for spiritual growth which has an immediate impact on all areas of our lives, and that on a universal level, Rosh Hashanah marks the birthday of Adam and Eve, the ancestors of all humanity.
“So when Jews gather in the synagogue on Rosh Hashanah, we tap into the level of our souls where we’re all connected and we’re all created in God’s image and deserving of loving kindness and respect, not just in thought, but in practical action.”
The Jewish New Year festival of Rosh Hashanah is scheduled for Sept. 22-24. It is marked by the blowing of the shofar, and begins 10 days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur on Oct. 1 and 2.
Chabad House
The Chabad House will hold High Holy Days celebrations at The Colony Hotel, 155 Hammon Ave., with reservations required for services and meals. To reserve a seat for services or for Rosh Hashanah meals, visit palmbeachjewish.com/highholidays or call 561-659-3884. The cost for the meals is $125 per adult and $75 per child; nonmembers are $150 per adult and $85 per child. To reserve a hotel room, contact the hotel directly at (561) 655-5430.
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For Yom Kippur:
Palm Beach Synagogue
Palm Beach Synagogue at 120 N. County Road will host a series of High Holy Days events that include adult services, holiday meals and youth and teen programming. Reservations are required for all meals and services. Space is limited. For information or to register, visit https://members.palmbeachsynagogue.org/form/high-holidays-5786.html.
For Rosh Hashanah:
For Yom Kippur:
Temple Emanu-El
Tickets are required for Rosh Hashanah services Sept. 22-24, and Yom Kippur services Oct. 1-2 at Temple Emanu-El, 190 N. County Road. Complimentary kiddush/meals will be provided after Day 1 and 2 of Rosh Hashanah, and break-the-fast after the conclusion of Yom Kippur. For information or to register, visit www.tepb.org/services/high-holidays/ or call 561-832-0804.
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For Yom Kippur:
New Synagogue
Cantor Alex Kalb and Rabbi Benyamin Bortz will join New Synagogue for the High Holy Days. Membership is not required to attend any services. To register, visit https://www.newsynagogue.org/2025-high-holidays-registration/. For information, call 561-514-4064. New Synagogue is at 235 Sunrise Ave.
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For Yom Kippur:
Palm Beach County School District-operated schools, including Palm Beach Public Elementary School, will be closed Sept. 23. Palm Beach Day Academy also will be closed.
The town’s Architectural Commission, which typically meets on the last Wednesday of the month, has pushed its meeting from Sept. 24 to Sept. 25. The board will meet at 9 a.m. at Town Hall.
Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@pbdailynews.com.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: Palm Beach temples getting ready to mark Jewish High Holy Days
Reporting by Jodie Wagner, Palm Beach Daily News / Palm Beach Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
