Students and faculty gathered in the Golub Interfaith Chapel for the School’s annual Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur Observance on Tuesday, September 26. Students processed into the chapel accompanied by traditional Jewish music played by Mr. Hetko. The Chapel’s opening prayer was delivered by Natan Laufer ’21 of Troy. Sasha Firisen ’21 of Troy shared a reading from Isaiah (Isaiah 58:6-14), and Jaicee Stone ’19 of East Greenbush reflected on Rosh Hashanah and how her family celebrates the arrival of the Jewish New Year.
The Middle School Chorus performed Shalom Chaverim, followed by a reading from Mr. Ocampo on the traditions and meaning of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement.
The observance concluded with a demonstration of the tradition of blowing the Shofar by Ms. Pflegl. The blowing of the Shofar occurs in synagogues during Rosh Hashanah to signify the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It is also blown at the end of Yom Kippur.
Enjoy the full service in the video below.