Chabad UF and the Chabad Jewish Community Center of Gainesville will host a series of services, family activities and community gatherings in September to mark the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The 2026 High Holiday schedule includes Rosh Hashanah services, a community Rosh Hashanah Eve celebration, a children’s Shofar Blast event and Yom Kippur services. Events will be held at Chabad UF (2021 NW Fifth Ave.) and the University of Florida Reitz Union (655 Reitz Union Drive).
An RSVP for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services is required by clicking here.
A complete schedule of events can be found by clicking here.
Rosh Hashanah
The holiday observances begin with a Rosh Hashanah Eve community celebration on Friday, Sept. 11, at the UF Campus Reitz Union in the Grand and Rion Ballrooms. Doors open at 5:15 p.m., followed by a mingle and appetizers at 5:30 p.m. and the program at 6:15 p.m. Candle lighting and evening services are scheduled for 7:21 p.m., followed by Kiddush, apples and honey, brisket dinner and other traditional foods at 7:45 p.m.
Because of security requirements, attendees are asked to arrive no later than 6 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah services continue at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, and Sunday, Sept. 13, at Chabad UF. The schedule includes morning services, Torah readings, shofar blowing, Mussaf, Mincha and Maariv services, along with Kiddush, lunch and dinner gatherings.
A candle lighting will be held after 8:14 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, and the holiday ends at 8:12 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Kids Shofar Blast
A special Kids Shofar Blast will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Chabad Jewish Center (2021 NW 5th Ave.). The free event is geared toward children ages 2-12 and will feature the blowing of the shofar, a bagel brunch and snacks, a Rosh Hashanah story, songs, activities, prizes and family fun.
The Rosh Hashanah observance also includes a Tashlich waterfront service at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur services begin on Sunday evening, Sept. 20, at Chabad UF with candle lighting and the start of the fast at 7:10 p.m., followed by Kol Nidrei and evening services at 7:15 p.m.
Services continue at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, at Chabad UF with Yizkor, Mussaf, Mincha, Neilah and Maariv services. The holiday and fast conclude at 8:02 p.m.
All candle-lighting times listed in the schedule are for Gainesville.
RSVPs are required for the High Holiday events. Registration and additional information are available at www.JewishGator.com/HighHoliday.
For more information or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call 352-336-5877 or email Rabbi@JewishGator.com.
The events provide opportunities for members of Gainesville’s Jewish community, University of Florida students, families and visitors to observe the High Holidays together through worship, tradition, food and community fellowship.