October is a month filled with many events — from autumn activities to Halloween. The Jewish High Holy Days are another highlight for the month of October. Jewish holidays are based on the lunisolar calendar, meaning that land on different days each year. This year, Rosh Hashanah starts on the evening of Wednesday, October 2nd, and ends on Friday, October 4th; Yom Kippur starts the evening of the evening of Friday, October 11th, and runs through Saturday, October, 12th. The Montclair Girl has you covered on what you need to know about the Jewish High Holy Days in 2024 — including how to observe both in Essex County and the surrounding Northern New Jersey area. Read on to learn more about Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur 2024 in Northern New Jersey — including where to buy challah, bagels, apples, + other holiday treats.
All About Rosh Hashanah
In Judaism, holidays begin on the evening before the day is observed. The reason for this stems back to the Creation story — it’s believed that God created night before day, so nighttime is viewed as being the start of the following day. The book of Genesis reads, “And it was evening, and it was morning; day one.” According to the Torah, every day begins with the night before. This is why Shabbat dinner is held on Friday nights even though Saturday is the Sabbath.
Rosh Hashanah is the official Jewish New Year and is one of the holiest days in the whole religion. It starts on the first day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish Calendar. During Rosh Hashanah, it is customary for Jews to eat apples dipped in honey to symbolize a sweet new year. Challah bread, which is eaten frequently in many Jewish families, is also served in a round or spiral shape rather than the usual long loaf. People have different interpretations for this, but many say it’s meant to symbolize continuity, the circle of life, and/or progress. Jews wish each other l’shana tova on Rosh Hashanah, which translates to, “For a good year.”
Read More: 15 New Businesses in Montclair + Essex County This Fall 2024
Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Days of Awe, also known as Yamim Noraim or the Days of Repentance. During these 10 days, which end with Yom Kippur, Jews are meant to reflect on their past mistakes and repent. It’s believed that God keeps a book on who will live and who will die for the upcoming year — on Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed, meaning Jews have these 10 days to make good decisions before the book is closed.
We are currently in the year 5784, with the year 5785 being welcomed on the evening of Wednesday, October 2nd.
This year, Rosh Hashanah begins the evening of October 2nd and runs through the evening of Friday, October 4th.
All About Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur closes out the Days of Awe and is one of the most solemn and holiest days of the year in the Jewish religion. Yom Kippur is a day of atonement, and observant Jews must fast (abstaining from food + drink) for a full 24 hours from sundown to sundown. The day is meant to be spent in prayer, meditation, and personal reflection as well as seeking forgiveness and giving forgiveness for all past sins.
The day culminates in a big breakfast with friends and family. Ashkenazi Jews typically eat brunch-style foods like bagels and lox, while Sephardic Jews often prefer light breads and savory meats. The idea is to try to eat something filling and satisfying without upsetting the stomach after the fast.
This year, Yom Kippur starts on the evening of October 11th and runs through Saturday, October, 12th.
Local High Holy Day Events
Chabad of Montclair | 484 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair
From October 3rd to October 12th, Chabad of Montclair will be celebrating the upcoming High Holidays at The Montclair Mezzanine at 484 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair. The schedule is as follows:
Rosh Hashanah:
Thursday, October 3rd:
- 9:30AM: Morning Service
- 11AM: Children’s Program
- 11:30PM: Shofar Sounding
- 4PM: Shofar in the Park
Friday, October 4th
- 9:30AM: Morning Service
- 11AM: Children’s Program
- 11:30AM: Shofar Sounding
On both days, after the services, there will be a Kiddush lunch to follow. For families with children, there will be kids service and babysitting provided during the times of the service.
Yom Kippur:
Friday, October 11th:
- 6PM: Koi Nidrei
Saturday, October 12th:
- 9:30AM: Morning Services
- 11AM: Children’s Program
- 11:30AM: Yizkor Memorial Service
- 4:15PM: Mincha/Neila Closing
- 7:01PM: Break-the-Fast
Babysitting and kids services will be held during the time of these services.
Temple Ner Tamid | 936 Broad Street, Bloomfield
In Bloomfield, Temple Ner Tamid will be hosting both Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur events. The schedule is as follows:
Rosh Hashanah:
Wednesday, October 2nd:
- 8PM: Main Service
Thursday, October 3rd:
- 4PM: Tot Family Services
- 5PM: Tashlich Experience at Clark’s Pond
Friday, October 4th:
- 10AM: Main Service
- 1PM: Community Luncheon
Yom Kippur:
Saturday, October 12th:
- 2PM: Tot Family Service
- 3PM: Yizkor Service
- 4PM: Minchah, Avodah, Neilah Concluding Services
Temple Sholom of West Essex | 760 Pompton Avenue, Cedar Grove
At Temple Sholom of West Essex, High Holy Days will be observed but tickets, parking, and seating should be purchased in advance here. The temple’s schedule is as follows:
Rosh Hashanah:
Wednesday, October 2nd:
- 7:30PM: Erev Rosh Hashanah
Thursday, October 3rd:
- 8:45AM: Family Service
- 11:30AM: Traditional Morning Service
- 2:15PM: In-Person Tashlich
Friday, October 4th:
- 10AM: Second Day Rosh Hashanah Learning + Lunch
Yom Kippur:
Friday, October 11th:
- 7:30PM: Kol Nidre
Saturday, October 12th:
-
8:45AM: Family Service
-
11:30AM: Traditional Service
-
3:00PM: Afternoon (Mincha) Service
-
4:30PM: Yizkor (Memorial) Service
-
5:30PM: Neilah (Concluding) Service + Congregational Break Fast
There will be prayers, workshops, discussions, and lunch after this Sunday service. Virtual services are an option for those who can’t attend in person.
Local Ideas for Observing Rosh Hashanah + Yom Kippur
When it comes to purchasing apples + honey for Rosh Hashanah, local farmers’ markets are a great way to go. There are plenty of farmers’ markets in Essex County as well as the greater North Jersey area to get the freshest apples and local honey.
Many pick-your-own apple farms are also open for a fun family gathering prior to Rosh Hashanah — because nothing beats hand-picked, fresh local apples.
Many grocery stores sell challah, especially around the High Holy Days — but here are some local Northern New Jersey spots that sell challah bread:
- Babka Bailout: 476 Central Avenue A, Jersey City
- Bovella’s Pastry Shoppe: 101 East Broad Street, Westfield
- Cait + Abby’s Bakery: 15 Sloan Street, South Orange
- CHOC O PAIN: Multiple locations in Hoboken + Jersey City, Challah is available for pickup, but must be 48 hours in advance
- Foster Village: 469 South Washington Avenue, Bergenfield
- Hank Schwartz’s Delicatessen: Online order only, preorders available for the Yom Kippur breakfast bundle
- The Kosher Nosh: 894 Prospect Street, Glen Rock
- Liv Breads Artisan Bakery + Coffee Bar: 184 Essex Street, Millburn
- Marcel Bakery + Kitchen: 631 1/2 Valley Road, Montclair
- Nana’s Deli: 210 Hudson Street, Jersey City (inside Harborside Building) + 27 South Livingston Avenue, Livingston
- Noah’s Ark: 493 Cedar Lane, Teaneck
- Tenafly Kosher Deli + Caterers: 22 Washington Street, Tenafly
- Yuki’s Coffee + Bakery: 720 Monroe Street Store E101, Hoboken
For the Yom Kippur breakfast, here are our picks for some of the best bagel shops in Montclair — many of which also sell favorites like white fish salad, lox, tuna fish, and more. Mikki + Al’s Noshery at 179 Glenridge Avenue in Montclair, Hobby’s Delicatessen + Restaurant at 32 Branford Place #2723 in Newark, and Eppes Essen Deli + Restaurant at 105 East Mount Pleasant Avenue in Livingston are other local Jewish delis to check out.
Kosher Nosh Deli Restaurant + Catering in Glen Rock is just a drive away from Essex County. It serves deli and chicken platters, and sandwiches, and even does banquet catering.
See More: A 2024 Guide to Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in Hoboken + Jersey City
Many synagogues have started live-streaming their services during the pandemic era, so for those looking to observe without leaving their homes, keep an eye out on your local temple’s website for details.
From all of us at Team MG, we wish everyone who is celebrating an early l’shana tova.
These 5 New Jersey Pups Are Looking for Valentines
Meet Barbara, Ernest, Kermit, Kiki, and Mufasa — five dogs who are looking to be adopted from WISE Animal Rescue and into New Jersey homes. While each of these dogs has different personalities, they have one thing in common — each pup is looking for a loving family and a place to call their forever home this Valentine's Day. Read on to learn more about Barbara, Ernest, Kermit, Kiki, and Mufasa, and how to adopt these dogs from WISE Animal Rescue.
Barbara | Pit Bull Terrier Mix
Barbara is an 8-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix. She is calm, but also has a fun-loving personality, and is is happiest snuggling next to you or going outside for walks and to play fetch. Barbara also loves squeaky toys. She was rescued from a local municipal shelter, where she had severe pneumonia — WISE immediately got her necessary medical care. Barbara is a sweet girl who would love a family who will shower her with affection, and does well with other dogs and kids above the age of six. She is house-trained, knows sit, paw, and responds well when told "no."
For Barbara's adoption information, click here.
Read More: This New Jersey Local Flew Across the East Coast for an Animal Rescue Mission
Ernest | Pit Bull
Ernest is a 2-year-old Pit Bull. He loves cuddling, head scratches, and being talked to, and follows his foster everywhere as best he can. Ernest was found in Westfield after being thrown from a moving truck, and was rescued by Westfield Police and VEG Union before coming to WISE. It is suspected that Ernest was born with the front leg deformities found on him, and has a form of dwarfism. He is dealing with various medical issues — a weakened immune system, vision issues, anemia, a heart murmur, and low weight — but still manages to wag his tail and stay in good spirits while recovering.
Ernest is not ready for adoption just yet, but you can donate to his ongoing care on WISE's website.
Kermit | Miniature Schnauzer
Kermit is a 10-year-old Mini Schnauzer, and the definition of a laid-back gentleman. He spent his entire life being used for breeding at a puppy mill, and was rescued by WISE. Unbothered by kids, noisy tweens, or everyday chaos, Kermit takes life in stride — and would do well in a calm and loving home where he can enjoy his golden years. He’s perfectly content riding in the car, lounging on his favorite fuzzy blanket, rooting around in his snuffle mat for hidden treats, or just soaking up attention from his humans. Kermit loves other dogs and would thrive having a calm, doggy sibling to match his energy. While house training is still a work in progress, he enjoys sleeping in his crate, and does well on a leash.
For Kermit's adoption information, click here.
Kiki | Pomeranian
Kiki is a 1-year-old Pomeranian. Though he is little, Kiki has a lot of energy and loves to walk and play with toys. He was surrendered by his previous owner, who realized they couldn’t provide the time and commitment he needed. Kiki could use a dog companion and an experienced dog owner to help him learn the ropes and master his training. Since he loves companionship, he’d prefer a home where someone is around most of the time. Kiki does well with kids 16 and up, as well as other dogs and cats. He is great on a leash, is crate-trained, and mostly house-trained, with some occasional accidents.
For Kiki's adoption information, click here.
See More: Dog-Friendly Winter Getaways Within 2 Hours of Hoboken + Jersey City
Mufasa | Pomeranian Chihuahua
Mufasa is a 3-month-old Pomeranian Chihuahua (aka Pomchi). He is a lively and playful pup who’s always up for fun, and loves playing with his favorite toys, enjoying family time, or showing off his best jacket on outings. Mufasa was rejected from a puppy mill and set to be put down before being rescued by WISE. Mufasa's enthusiasm for learning makes training a breeze — he is eager to please, incredibly receptive, and is ready to continue to master puppy basics with a family who will guide him with love and consistency. He would love a family that’s ready to shower him with love, attention, and plenty of playtime — Mufasa loves being the center of attention. He does well with kids, as well as other dogs and cats.
Mufasa is not ready for adoption just yet as he is recovering from a broken leg, but you can donate to his ongoing care on WISE's website.
