High Holy Days
About High Holy Days with Kolot
Pitchu Lanu | Open the Gates | פִּתְחוּ לָנוּ
We get there together or we never get there at all *
The High Holy Day liturgy presents images of the gates that open to receive our hopes, our doubts, and our regrets. It’s a powerful representation — not only of our personal experiences in this holy time, but also of our vision of liberation. As we witness the slamming shut of the border gates, the chain-link fences of detention facilities, and the prison bars of mass incarceration, we call out our demand that the gates be opened!
The image of the opening gates of justice appears alongside calls for healing, transformation, and possibility. During these High Holy Days each of us is asked to open our own personal gates, and we pray for that opening to be the first of many. May the gates be opened, may the oppressed and targeted be welcomed, and may we see our world transformed.
High Holy Days at Kolot are joyful, spiritual, and full of connection, with empowering and healing drashes and beautiful musical offerings from Rabbi Sam Kates-Goldman, Cantor Lisa B. Segal, and Student Rabbi Molly Schulman, as well as community members.
* from song by Joshua Blaine
Accessibility & Care for Each Other
Kolot is committed to expanding access to our services for all members and guests. Cornerstone Baptist Church is ADA accessible. Parking spots are available free of charge for people with mobility issues, and Avodah volunteers will be available to assist. Masking is expected at services unless you cannot mask for health reasons. Those who cannot mask will have designated seating for them and masked family/friends.
For a full breakdown of our accessibility plan, see Kolot’s Accessibility Memo HHD 5787. We want to hear from you about additional accessibility needs you may have, if you would like to share. What would help make High Holy Day services accessible to you? Please reach out to Kolot’s Justice & Equity Organizer Jen Abrams at JenAbrams@kolotchayeinu.org to discuss any accessibility needs, and we will do what we can.
All Hands Open Doors
Kolot is an essential anchor in uncertain times. As a home to many who don’t feel welcomed anywhere else, we play an important role in our city and the wider Jewish community.
We ask that you make a High Holy Day gift today to help cover the cost of keeping our services open to all regardless of financial capacity, and to help amplify all of our voices–what we do has an influence in NYC and beyond.
Please use this model – whether you're a member, a High Holy day regular, or guest – to do a sincere accounting of what you can afford, knowing that Kolot’s continued impact depends on you.
And as always, if you can support, or stretch, over the suggested levels, please do.
*Basic needs are different for each person but likely include food, housing, transportation, and healthcare.
**Discretionary income is what is available for dining out, traveling, shopping, hobbies, or entertainment.
Kolot's next chapter starts now—with you!
Make this the year you become a memberand find your place in this vibrant, diverse, and sacred community, our Kehila Kedosha, where all hands are needed.
Our dues structure was created with inclusivity at the forefront of our minds: Anyone can be a member of Kolot, regardless of financial circumstances.