To Be More Fully Human: Reflections on Hope for the Days of Awe 5786

This year’s essays—written by JTS faculty, leadership, and students—explore core themes of the High Holy Days: the challenge and beauty of prayer, the ethical power of communal confession, and the call to compassion in a fractured world. Drawing from the liturgy of Mahzor and the timeless teachings of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, our contributors offer thoughtful interpretations and practical insights to guide your spiritual journey during this sacred season.

Explore poignant texts and inspiring interpretations below or download the entire reader to focus your thoughts and actions during this High Holiday season.

We would love to learn more about how you will use this booklet for you and your community—please let us know in this short survey.

Support for the High Holiday Reader is made possible by Shelly and Larry Gross, in loving memory of their parents Lillian and Louis Konheim (z”l) and Joseph Gross (z”l).


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To Be More Fully Human: Reflections on Hope for the Days of Awe 5786

No Shade for Jonah: Engaging the Other in Challenging Times

No Shade for Jonah: Engaging the Other in Challenging Times

Shuly Rubin Schwartz, Chancellor and Irving Lehrman Research Professor of American Jewish History, JTS

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Prayer Is Hard—And That’s the Point

Prayer Is Hard—And That’s the Point

Jan Uhrbach, Director of the Block / Kolker Center for Spiritual Arts

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A Single Band:The Universal Call of the High Holidays

A Single Band:The Universal Call of the High Holidays

David C. Kraemer, Joseph J. and Dora Abbell Librarian and Professor of Talmud and Rabbinics, JTS

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A Knife Raised, a Page Left Blank

A Knife Raised, a Page Left Blank

Marcus Mordecai Schwartz, Ripps Schnitzer Librarian for Special Collections; Assistant Professor, Talmud and Rabbinics

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A Hineni from a Fractured Heart

A Hineni from a Fractured Heart

Harold Nathan Aaronson, Rabbinical School 2029

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From Listening to Leading: Four Pathways into Prayer

From Listening to Leading: Four Pathways into Prayer

Shoshi Levin Goldberg, Director, H.L. Miller Cantorial School

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Guiding Our Broken Hearts into the New Year

Guiding Our Broken Hearts into the New Year

Ayelet Cohen, Pearl Resnick Dean of The Rabbinical School and Dean of the Division of Religious Leadership

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When Teshuvah Feels Impossible

When Teshuvah Feels Impossible

Noam Blauer, Rabbinical School 2026

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The Meaning of Kol Nidre: Human Frailty, Inclusive Community,and the Gravity of Words

The Meaning of Kol Nidre: Human Frailty, Inclusive Community,and the Gravity of Words

Shira Billet, Assistant Professor of Jewish Thought and Ethics

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In the Plural: Communal Confession and Ethical Clarity

In the Plural: Communal Confession and Ethical Clarity

Gordon Tucker, Vice Chancellor for Religious Life and Engagement

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