High Holydays

Our God and God of our ancestors, cause Your sovereignty to be acknowledged throughout the world

This central blessing of the Rosh Hashanah Amidah (silent prayer) captures the purpose of Belsize Square Synagogue’s High Holiday observance. All our services, led by Rabbi Gabriel Botnick and Cantor Paul Heller,  from Selichot to Neilah at the close of Yom Kippur, reflect this foundational idea of the Yamim Noraim (High Holidays).  Space within our magnificent sanctuary is extended to accommodate the large numbers that join us for the holidays. Within the traditional framework of the High Holiday liturgy, our services feature:

  • our Cantor with the incredible Belsize Square choir led by our music director, Ben Wolf, and children’s choir 
  • educational and stimulating sermons
  • emotional Mazkir/Yizkor services in memory of our loved ones, of blessed memory
  • blowing of the shofar.

Participants are guaranteed an experience that will never be forgotten, from the moment the choir opens the Erev Rosh Hashanah service with Mah Tovu, through the powerful rendition of Kol Nidre and the youth-led Yom Kippur Mincha (afternoon) service, to the emotional end of the Holidays with blowing of the shofar and havdalah on a bimah filled with children.  The entire cycle of the Yamin Noraim allows us to take-stock, concentrate on teshuvah (repentance), seek to improve our moral character during the year ahead, and to share the sacred moments of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur with Jews all over the world, and with our God.

Listen to our choir opening the Rosh Hashanah service with Mah Tovu on YouTube.

Non-members are welcome at all our services, but for the High Holydays tickets must be booked in advance and are non-transferable.