High Holidays 2026
The High Holidays are a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, our community, and our traditions. As we begin a new Jewish year, we gather to celebrate, seek forgiveness, express gratitude, and set our intentions for the year ahead.
Whether you've celebrated the High Holidays your entire life or are joining for the very first time, Diane and Howard Schilit Hillel at the University of Florida is excited to welcome you. We strive to create a warm, meaningful, and inclusive experience where every Jewish Gator can find a place to connect.
This year, Schilit Hillel will offer both Reform and Conservative High Holiday services. Reform services will be led by Rabbi Jonah Zinn, and Conservative services will once again be led by Rabbi Ben Varon. Throughout the holidays, students will also have opportunities to gather for festive meals and celebrate together in community.
Parents, alumni, faculty, staff, community members, and guests are warmly invited to join our student community for the High Holidays.
The full schedule of services, meals, and events is available below. We look forward to celebrating with you and wish you a sweet, healthy, and meaningful New Year.
Shanah Tovah!
High Holidays 2026 Schedule
Rosh Hashanah
Friday, September 11: Erev Rosh Hashanah
6:00 PM: Nosh
6:30 PM:
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Conservative Evening Service
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Reform Evening Service
7:30 PM: Dinner
Saturday, September 12: Rosh Hashanah First Day
9:00 AM: Conservative Morning Service
10:30 AM: Reform Morning Service
12:00 PM: Lunch
Sunday, September 13: Rosh Hashanah Second Day
10:00 AM: Conservative Morning Service & Lunch
5:00 PM: Brief Tashlich Service
Yom Kippur
Sunday, September 20, 2026: Kol Nidre / Erev Yom Kippur
7:00 PM:
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Conservative Kol Nidre Service
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Reform Kol Nidre Service
Monday, September 21, 2026: Yom Kippur Day
10:00 AM: Conservative Morning Service
10:30 AM: Reform Morning Service
All Afternoon: Community & Reflection at Hillel
5:30 PM: Conservative Afternoon (Mincha) Service
6:30 PM: Learning & Reflection with Rabbi Ben
7:30 PM:
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Conservative Neilah Concluding Service
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Reform Neilah Concluding Service
8:15 PM: Break the Fast Meal
Religious Holidays Attendance Policy
If any student has an issue, please have them reach out to Rabbi Jonah Zinn at jzinn@ufhillel.org and we will connect them with the appropriate administrators to resolve the issue.
Sweet New Year Box
Stay tuned for more information on how to order a box and when they will be available for pickup!
Questions?
Please contact Jamie Zinn at jamie.zinn@ufhillel.org.
Support the High Holidays at Schilit Hillel
Schilit Hillel is pleased to provide all of our High Holiday meals, services, and creative programs, including our High Holiday Sweet New Year boxes FREE OF CHARGE to all students. We seek to ensure every Jewish student can enjoy a festive and meaningful holiday, regardless of their prior observance or ability to pay.
If you are in a position to do so, we invite you to make a donation today to support Schilit Hillel's High Holiday experience.
Your gift matters!
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$36 provides Erev Rosh Hashanah dinner to ONE student.
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$360 provides traditional break the fast bagels and lox to TWENTY students.
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$1,800 funds HALF of our Rosh Hashanah lunch.
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$6,000 is needed to cover the cost of an additional rabbi joining us in Gainesville to enhance our worship experience.
We also welcome monthly donors who support our work year round.
For questions about giving or to give by mail, please contact Jamie Zinn at jamie.zinn@ufhillel.org.
