Chabad UF is hosting the largest Rosh Hashanah services and dinner in the U.S.

Press release from Chabad UF Jewish Student & Community Center

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – On Friday evening, September 15, 2023, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will commence and continue through Sunday night, September 17. The Chabad UF Jewish Student and Community Center will host a full High Holiday Services and meals schedule, including the largest Rosh Hashanah dinners in the U.S.

“It’s a special and opportune time for the Jewish community to gather together and celebrate the start of a wonderful New Year, to pray on behalf of all people around the world, especially for those who are suffering,” said Rabbi Berl Goldman, the director of the Center.

The celebrations will take place at the Center: 2021 NW 5^th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32603. To accommodate the large expected crowds, there will be two dinner options and a candle-lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m., followed by a prayer service.

UF President Ben Sasse is scheduled to join the Friday night service and share holiday greetings. There will be other special dignitaries and guests in attendance

There are no fees or membership to join. All are welcome, free of charge, regardless of background or affiliation. “Our services will be warm, friendly, traditional, and open to all,” said Chanie Goldman, co-director. “Since many students are unable to go home, we are here to provide them with a home away from home and delicious home-cooked meals during the holidays.”

The services will be user-friendly, making it enjoyable and meaningful for both the seasoned and the unversed. The services will be in Hebrew and follow traditional customs interspersed with modern Jewish tunes and English readings. “According to tradition, during the New Year, the doors of Heaven are open and G-d accepts all prayers. We too are opening our doors and everyone is invited to join,” added Joseph Bensabat, president of the UF Chabad Student Group.

Services will be held on Rosh Hashanah – the Jewish New Year (September 15 – 17), as well as on Yom Kippur – the Day of Atonement (September 24-25). They will be held at various times at the Center, 2021 NW 5^th Ave (four blocks north of the stadium). For a full schedule of service times, please visit our website www.JewishGator.com/HighHolidays.

Rabbi Berl Goldman added appreciation to the holiday sponsors: “It is thanks to the generous donors from the community, alumni, and parents that make the High Holiday services, programs, and delicious meals possible free of charge for the students; they are true partners both spiritually and physically and have great merit”.