A High Holiday Experience Like Never Before!
High Holidays at Masa Seattle are unique. They are musical, soul-stirring, imaginative, deeply rooted in our ancient traditions, and yet wonderfully accessible. If you are looking for a transformative experience with some of the nicest Jews you will ever meet, we are ready and waiting for you.
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Yom Kippur
This year, join your friends at Masa Seattle as we "wipe the slate clean", letting go of last year's worries and mistakes and starting the New Year off fresh. We will have 25 hours to sing, reflect, meditate, rest, learn new things, and prepare ourselves for a wonderful year ahead.
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Wednesday, Oct. 1st
6:00 PM - Family Program
Join us for a high-energy, interactive re-telling of the book of Jonah in our sanctuary, followed by a hands-on art project and a little pre-fast snack before sundown. This program is perfect for families with children ages 2-8.
7:00 PM - Kol Nidre
Join us for a musically moving, contemplative and candle-lit service as we seek forgiveness from God, from others and from ourselves.
Thursday, Oct. 2nd
10:00 AM - Morning Service
This musical and contemplative service will be filled with thought provoking questions to help us examine our miss-steps this past year and get back on track in 5786.
1:30 PM - Spiritual Refreshments
Stick around for some spiritual refreshments. After services, we will be dishing up a a new learning opportunity to fill your day and feed your soul.​​ This year, we will be starting the new year right by digging into the Jewish spiritual improvement practice of Mussar.
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4:00 PM - Yizkor
The loved ones we have lost are always with us and yet we feel their absence most acutely when we observe holidays without them. During Yizkor, we take a moment to reconnect with the memories of family and friends who continue to enriched our lives long after their deaths.
5:00 PM - Neilah and Havdalah
We will round out our day together with some more music, a few final prayers, some inspirational storytelling, and, finally, a beautiful havdalah ceremony to cap it all off.
6:30 PM - Break-Fast
Join us for a spirited break-fast with food and friends at our new home in SoDo.
FAQ's
Q: Will I feel comfortable coming alone?
A: You bet! There will be opportunities throughout each service to meet new people and feel welcomed into a community like never before.
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Q: Am I going to feel bored, confused or uncomfortable?
A: We sure hope not! We have spent many long hours trying to eliminate the boring, confusing and uncomfortable. If you think we missed the mark, please let us know so that we can properly repent before next Rosh Hashanah. :-)​
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Q: How are your High Holidays different? What can I expect?
A: Our services are filled with so much soul-stirring music, you will find it hard not to sing and clap along. We also have several activities throughout the service to help you get to know other attendees so that you are never praying alone at Masa Seattle. We will have food on Rosh Hashanah evening, Rosh Hashanah morning and for Break-Fast at the end of Yom Kippur (and it's super tasty!). In place of a sermon during the morning services, we do an interactive discussion on our Torah reading. We also have some incredibly creative kids programs this year. We could go on and on. Honestly, we think almost everything we do at Masa Seattle is refreshingly different, but you will have to come and see for yourself.
Q: Will there be security?
A: Yes. Sadly, in the world that we live in today, security is a must for all large Jewish gatherings. Rest assured that we have already made the arrangements to give you a safe High Holiday experience.
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Q: Will there be parking?
A: Yes, there is a large lot at the Old Rainier Brewery, but we do encourage you to carpool or use public transportation if possible.
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Q: Do I need to dress up?
A: Only if you want to. We are a "come as you are" community. While it is traditional to wear white on Yom Kippur, we aren't the fashion police. You do you!
Q: What if I don't know Hebrew?
A: You will be in good company. Although all of our prayers are sung in Hebrew, we always provide translation and transliteration and strive to make the service accessible to all.
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Q: I've got little ones, will this be family friendly?
A: Absolutely! In addition to our Family Programs this year, we love having children and their joyful noises during services. We are a community that will never shush your little one or give you the "stink-eye" when your kid acts like a kid. If you find your little one needs a break from the service, we will have a kid-friendly space filled with toys just off the main hall.
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Q: Will there be food?
A: What kind of Jewish event doesn't have great food?!?! We will have a light nosh on Rosh Hashanah evening and bagels and coffee for Rosh Hashanah morning. While we won't be serving any food on Yom Kippur there will be plenty of spiritual sustenance for all. Plan to break your fast with us at the end of the day with delicious food and new friends.
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Q: What if, for health reason, I can't fast on Yom Kippur?
A: No one will give you the side-eye. In fact, according to Jewish law, if you have health reasons that make fasting dangerous, you are actually not allowed to fast. Similarly, children under the age of 13 are not supposed to fast. You gotta feed those little growing bodies! For this reason, we will have some healthy snacks available in the kitchen on-site so that you can stay with us all day without having to run out for food. We do ask that you be respectful of others who are fasting and not chow down in front of a bunch of hungry, repentant Jews...it's for your own safety. :-)
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Q: Can I leave early or arrive late?
A: Running on Jewish Standard Time? No worries! If you arrive late and there is no greeter at the door, just fill out a name tag and we will get your properly checked in later when there is a break. If you need to leave early, just let a greeter know so that we can unchain you from the wall (just kidding!). Please feel free to come and go as you please.
Q: Can I invite family and friends?
A: Absolutely! We can't wait to meet them! But RSVP soon because space is very limited.
Q: Can I RSVP right now!
A: YUP!