As the school year kicks into full swing, many Jewish students and faculty at Sage Hill are entering one of the most sacred periods of the year, the High Holy Day season. Spanning Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot, the trio of celebrations marks both the spiritual New Year and a time of renewal.
“This time of year is always a very special one for Jewish people because obviously all the holidays are so close together,” junior Liam Sapan said.
Rosh Hashanah, which translates to “head of the year,” celebrates the Jewish New Year with traditions such as attending synagogue services, sharing festive meals, and most uniquely sounding the shofar, a ram’s horn that symbolizes awakening and reflection. This holiday is also often a time for introspection and reflection, marked by eating foods like honey and apples for a sweet year ahead.
“My family and I mainly celebrate Rosh Hashanah together. Family is definitely a huge part of most Jewish holidays,” freshman Miles Tarman said.
Following Rosh Hashanah is Yom Kippur, considered the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Known as the Day of Atonement, observance of this sacred holiday includes a 25-hour fast where worshippers refrain from food and drink to focus on spiritual reflection and prayer.
Similar to Shabbat, the weekly Jewish day of rest, no work is to be done during Yom Kippur. Due to the nature of this holiday, many members of the Sage community find themselves balancing this solemn day with academic responsibilities, seeking ways to stay spiritually present while juggling schoolwork.
“I just want more people to know that these holidays are not just another holiday or a funky name,” Tarman said. “There is a meaning behind them and that it actually means something to the culture.”
Students and faculty also cited the welcoming nature of their peers and classmates as a factor that made celebrating these holidays feel more natural and comfortable.
“I definitely feel supported. A lot of people have questions and want to know more, which I appreciate. It’s a big part of my life being Jewish so for the community to jump in and wanting to learn more means a lot,” said Catie Chase, coordinator for the young alumni and Girls’ Volleyball programs.
After the solemn reflection of Yom Kippur comes Sukkot, a weeklong celebration filled with outdoor festivities. Families build sukkahs, open-air huts covered with branches and leaves, and eat beneath the stars. For many Jewish students at Sage Hill, the holiday’s outdoor traditions bring a refreshing change of pace and an opportunity for rest.
As the High Holiday season comes to a close, Jewish community members return to campus carrying a renewed sense of purpose.
At Sage Hill, these traditions remind individuals that faith isn’t confined to religious practices; it’s found in how students treat one another and support their peers to build a tight-knit community.
