"All that the LORD has spoken, we will do and we will understand." (Na'aseh V'Nishma) — Exodus 24:7
This year for the High Holidays, GW Hillel is exploring the theme of Na'aseh V'Nishma—the Jewish idea that sometimes understanding comes through doing. This teaching reminds us that we do not always need to have all the answers before we begin. Sometimes the first step—showing up, trying something new, or entering into a new experience—is what opens the door to deeper meaning.
The High Holidays are a time for reflection, renewal, and growth. They invite us to pause, ask meaningful questions, and consider who we are becoming. Whether you are returning to familiar traditions, exploring Jewish practice for the first time, or are somewhere in between, this season offers an opportunity to approach Jewish life with curiosity, openness, and courage.
This year, we invite you to take a step toward something new. Join us for a service you have never attended, try a prayer or ritual that feels unfamiliar, ask a question you have been carrying, or simply show up as you are. Jewish life is not something you have to fully understand before you participate—you can discover meaning along the way.
We hope you will join us for the High Holidays as we begin the semester together and explore what it means to grow through action, reflection, and community.
Attendance is free for undergraduate students, offered at a reduced rate for young alums ('16-'26) and all other community members are welcome to join us and add to the richness of our holiday experience.
Full High Holiday Schedule
Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 11th
6:00 pm - Reform Services, 1st Floor
6:15 pm - Conservative Services, PH Level
7:00 pm - Dinner, Lower Level
Saturday, September 12th
8:15 am - Conservative Services @ Adas Israel
*only available for students, see below for what non student ticket package includes*
10:00 am - Reform Services, 1st Floor
12:30 pm - Lunch, Lower Level
Monday, September 14th
Tashlich
5:30 pm - Meet at Hillel to walk to the Potomac River
Yom Kippur
Sunday, September 20th
5:30 pm- Pre Fast Meal, Lower Level
6:30 pm - Reform Services, 1st Floor
6:30 pm - Conservative Services, PH Level
Monday, September 21st
9:00 am - Conservative Services @ Adas Israel
*only available for students, see below for what non student ticket package includes*
10:00 am - Reform Services, 1st Floor
12:30 pm - Yizkor Memorial Service, 1st Floor
4:00 pm - Learning with Rabbi Miriam, 2nd Floor
6:00 pm - Conservative Mincha, 1st Floor
6:45 pm - Communal Neilah/Havdalah, 1st Floor
Reform & Conservative traditions incorporated, Neilah will not include instruments
8:00 pm - Break Fast, Lower Level
High Holiday Tickets
For parents, young alumni/professionals ('16-'26), alumni, community members and GW Faculty/Staff, tickets to GW Hillel High Holidays provide access to-
Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 11th
EITHER 6 pm- Reform OR 6:15 pm-Conservative Services
Saturday, September 12th
10 am- Reform Services
Yom Kippur
Sunday, September 20th
Kol Nidre 9/20
EITHER 6:30 pm- Reform OR 6:30 pm-Conservative Services
Monday, September 21st
10 am-Reform Services
12:30 pm-Yizkor
6 pm- Conservative Mincha
6:45 pm- Communal Neilah/Havdalah
Reform & Conservative traditions incorporated, Neilah will not include instruments
Purchasing High Holiday tickets through GW Hillel does NOT provide access to High Holiday services at Adas Israel. Due to a generous partnership between GW Hillel and Adas Israel, only students may attend services at Adas Israel free of charge.
With questions about High Holiday offerings please contact Rabbi Miriam Hoffman.