More than 1,000 expected for major Rosh Hashanah celebration at UF Reitz Union
Press release from Chabad UF Jewish Student & Community Center
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — On Friday evening, September 11, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, will begin with one of the largest Rosh Hashanah services and dinners in North America, hosted by the Chabad UF Jewish Student & Community Center at the University of Florida’s Reitz Union.
More than 1,000 students, faculty, alumni, and community members are expected to attend. To accommodate the large gathering, Chabad UF will utilize both the Grand Ballroom and Rion Ballroom at the Reitz Union.
UF President Dr. Stuart Bell, who began serving as the university’s 14th president this summer, will attend the celebration. Additional university officials, dignitaries, and community leaders are also expected.
“Rosh Hashanah is a time to come together, as a Jewish community and as a human family, to pray for a year of life, peace, strength, and blessing,” said Rabbi Berl Goldman, director of Chabad UF. “To see more than 1,000 Jewish students, faculty, and community members gathering proudly and joyfully is incredibly powerful. At a time when the Jewish people continue to face growing anti-Semitism, our response is to come together with even greater Jewish pride, unity, faith, and light.”
The evening will begin at 5:15 p.m. with appetizers, a program, and Rosh Hashanah prayers, followed by a traditional holiday dinner. Special prayers will be offered for the USA, Israel, for peace and security, and for people in need around the world.
For many UF and Santa Fe College students, particularly freshmen experiencing their first Rosh Hashanah away from home, the celebration provides an opportunity to observe the holiday surrounded by friends and a welcoming Jewish community.
“For so many of our students, this may be their first Rosh Hashanah away from their parents and family, and it can be an emotional time,” said Chanie Goldman, co-director of Chabad UF. “We want to make sure that no student has to feel alone during the holidays. From the moment they arrive, they should know there is a seat for them at the table, a meal waiting for them, and a community ready to welcome them. Rosh Hashanah is a time to reflect, to celebrate, and to look toward the year ahead with hope. Being able to share that experience with more than 1,000 people is truly something special.”
The event is open to students, faculty, and members of the community; RSVP is required. Extensive security measures will be in place to help provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Alexis Ackermann, president of the Chabad UF Student Group, said the gathering reflects the strong sense of Jewish community among students at UF. “Rosh Hashanah gives us a chance to carry our traditions forward, to celebrate our heritage, and to start the New Year knowing that we have a strong community standing beside us,” Ackermann said. “Whether you come to Chabad UF every week or this is your first Jewish event on campus, you belong! I can’t think of a better way to begin the New Year than together with a massive gathering of our Jewish Gator family.”
Rabbi Goldman also expressed gratitude to the alumni, parents, families, and community supporters whose contributions make the extensive holiday programming possible.
“None of this happens by itself,” Goldman said. “It is made possible by caring people who understand how important it is for Jewish students and the community to have a strong, proud, and welcoming Jewish home. Their generosity allows us to open our doors and ensure that every student can participate and celebrate with dignity, joy, and tradition.”
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, September 11, 2026
UF Reitz Union — Grand Ballroom & Rion Ballroom
Doors open: 5:15 p.m.
For the complete High Holiday schedule, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur information, and required RSVP, visit: JewishGator.com/HighHoliday