Erev Rosh Hashanah – Friday, Sept. 11

7 p.m. – Light candles and welcome the new year in the lobby!
7:15 p.m. – Traditional and Reform services, followed by a festive Yom Tov dinner!

Rosh Hashanah Day 1 – Saturday, Sept. 12

9:30 a.m. – Traditional Morning Service
11 a.m. – Reform Morning Service
1 p.m. – Festive Yom Tov Kiddush Lunch

Rosh Hashanah Day 2 – Sunday, Sept 13

9:30 a.m. – Traditional Morning Service
10 a.m. – Alternative Service Option, TBD
1 p.m. – Festive Yom Tov Lunch
2 p.m. Taschlich

Erev Yom Kippur – Sunday, Sept. 20

6 p.m. – Seudat Mafseket (pre-fast meal); it’s a mitzvah to eat a joyful meal before the fast begins (at 6:51)!
6:51 p.m. – Candle lighting
7 p.m. Kol Nidre (traditional and reform services)

Yom Kippur – Monday, Sept. 21

9:30 a.m. – Traditional Morning Service
11 a.m. – Reform Morning Service
5:15 p.m. – Afternoon Service
6:15 p.m. – Neilah Service, followed by Havdalah and a community break-fast (Fast ends at 7:46 p.m.)

Sukkot invites us to step outside—literally and spiritually—and dwell for a time in a space that is both simple and sacred. During this weeklong Jewish holiday, Berkeley Hillel builds a sukkah on our deck, a temporary outdoor shelter with a roof open to the sky, recalling the fragile dwellings the Israelites used while journeying through the wilderness after the Exodus.

Gathering in the sukkah to eat, sing, learn, and welcome guests reminds us of the beauty of impermanence and the importance of gratitude. Sukkot is a holiday of presence and connection. An invitation to slow down, look up at the stars, and find meaning in shared moments.

We love when Hanukkah comes early so we can celebrate before saying goodbye to students as they head out on winter break! Each night, we gather in the Hillel lobby to light candles, sing together, and enjoy the light. And you can always count on eating plenty of latkes when around Hillel for Hanukkah. 

It is customary to celebrate Tu Bishvat, the New Year of the Trees, with a mystical seder of new fruits and spiritual reflections.

Our students love celebrating Purim on campus! Students engage in the four mitzvot of Purim – hearing the megillah, eating a festive meal, giving gifts to the poor, sending goodies to friends – in unique and accessible ways. Student volunteers read from the megillah and everyone comes in costume for a night of Jewish joy and silliness. 

On Seder night, our building is packed as hundreds join us to retell the Exodus of our people. Students participate in one of five annual seders, each offering a unique experience and take on our traditional ritual. Whether you’re looking for a seder like your family used to do, a social justice-oriented take, or even entirely in Hebrew, we’ve got you covered. Throughout Pesach, students enjoy hot Kosher for Pesach meals all week long. Plus, our kitchen is always stocked with matzah pizza supplies, an annual favorite cuisine for our community.