WEST BRATTLEBORO-From Sept. 11 through the 13th, the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community (BAJC) will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, together with Jews all over the world, to begin the Jewish Year 5787.
The 10-day period, known as “Days of Awe” or “Days of Repentance,” begins on the first of the month of Tishrei.
During the month of Elul, immediately preceding Rosh Hashanah, Jews reflect on their actions in the previous year and contemplate how they can help create a better world. Seeking and granting forgiveness for the ways that have caused harm is the essential spiritual work of the month.
Many blow the shofar every morning (except for Shabbat) as a reminder to awaken to the highest possible level of accountability. Because this year Rosh Hashanah begins on Shabbat, the shofar will be blown just prior to the service on Friday evening, Sept. 11.
Those attending should plan to arrive by 6:25 p.m. to ensure they hear the call. The shofar will not be blown again until Sunday, Sept. 13, during the Tashlich service at 4 p.m. at the Brattleboro Farmers Market Site on Western Avenue.
At the end of the Ten Days, BAJC will be observing Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, on Sept. 20–21. To support their forgiveness and atonement practice, this day involves 25 hours of prayer and contemplation, fasting, and foregoing pleasurable activities.
Event organizers wrote in a news release that the Jewish tradition teaches that participating in the rituals of Yom Kippur can atone for transgressions between oneself and the Divine. Forgiveness for transgressions against another person, however, must be requested from that person and come directly from them.
Everyone is welcome to attend BAJC services. Membership is not necessary, but registration for the individual services is required. Most services will be available by livestream as well. For service details and registration information, visit bajcvermont.org/high-holidays-2026-5787.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.