A liturgical highlight of the year, the Ne’ilah (Concluding) Service offers a thrilling end to a day of solemnity and introspection. Beginning at 6:25 p.m., the service is chanted by our cantor, rabbi and musical ensemble. Weather-permitting, we set up for this service on the steps of our building and close out the holiday as the sun hangs low in the sky. The Ark doors remain open throughout the main section of this service. Thus, many people stand throughout this liminal period. The doors of the Ark serve as an important symbol in the themes of the day, as we imagine the locking of the gates and make our best efforts to seek repentance and forgiveness in these waning hours. As the sun sets, we mark the conclusion of holiday with a Havdalah (Separation) Service. Finally, the day culminates with blasts of the shofar.

Immediately following the conclusion of our ritual services for Yom Kippur, the entire community is invited to participate in a Break-the-Fast meal. Generously sponsored by the Sharna and Irvin Frank Family Foundation, this is a celebratory communal moment of achievement, relief, opportunity and possibility. While there will always be enough food for everyone, we do ask that those who are planning to be with us call or indicate your attendance on the reservation link. Sisterhood provides initial juice and snacks immediately following the conclusion of the holiday.