The Jewish community of Cape Ann will celebrate Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, beginning at sunset on Monday, September 22, 2025, and concluding after nightfall on Wednesday, September 24, 2025. The holiday is a sacred time when Jews around the world pray for a sweet and blessed year for all of humanity.
As part of the celebration, Chabad of Cape Ann will host High Holiday services and events that are free of charge and open to all regardless of synagogue affiliation or background. More information and registration is available at ChabadCapeAnn.com/HighHolidays. “We want to ensure that everyone has access to inclusive and inviting Rosh Hashanah services,” said Rabbi Avremi Raichik, co-director of Chabad of Cape Ann. “People want to start the new year surrounded by tradition, family, and the warmth of community. That’s exactly what we’re here to provide.”
The two-day celebration of Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish year 5786 and the start of the High Holiday season. Central observances include hearing the shofar (ram’s horn), festive meals with symbolic foods such as apples dipped in honey, and prayers for a year of blessing and peace. Services at Chabad of Cape Ann will feature traditional melodies, spirited singing, engaging commentary, and bilingual prayer books with clear explanations for those less familiar with synagogue customs.
Rosh Hashanah morning services will be held on Tuesday, September 23, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Chabad Jewish Center of Cape Ann, 37 Main Street, Gloucester. In keeping with the increased demand, and to accommodate those who might not be able to make it to formal Rosh Hashanah synagogue services, Chabad will hold their annual “Shofar on the Boulevard” a short outdoor service that includes the primary observances of the holiday, activities, and treats for the kids. bringing the ancient call of the shofar to Gloucester’s iconic waterfront so that everyone can participate in this central mitzvah of the holiday.
Continuing the initiative first launched by the Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, in 1953, Chabad centers worldwide bring the sound of the shofar to public spaces, hospitals, and street corners to ensure that every Jew can hear its call. “At a time like this, it’s more important than ever for our community to celebrate our traditions with pride and confidence,” added Rabbi Raichik. “We look forward to welcoming families as we begin the new year together with strength and unity.”
Reporters are invited to speak with Rabbi Raichik about Rosh Hashanah traditions, capture holiday preparations, or photograph the sounding of the shofar.
Event Details:
What: Rosh Hashanah Celebration and High Holiday Services
Where: Chabad of Cape Ann, 37 Main Street, Gloucester, MA
When: September 22–24, 2025 (Morning Services Sept. 23 at 10:30 a.m.; Shofar on the Boulevard Sept. 23 at 5:00 p.m)
Register: ChabadCapeAnn.com/HighHolidays
Rosh Hashanah, meaning “head of the year,” marks the beginning of the Jewish year 5786. It is followed by Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, which will be observed this year on October 1–2, 2025.
Chabad of Cape Ann serves the Jewish community with educational programs, holiday celebrations, and social services for individuals and families of all backgrounds. Direct
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